Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 11/19/2005

Question
I have a dachshund and a Pomerainian (sp) the dachshund had a red swollen bump between his toes,it did not appear to bother him but he kept licking on it. I treated it with anti-bacterial spray and seemed to heal. Now it's just a dark spot. The Pom. now has a red swollen spot between her toes on one foot and seems a little sensitive. We don't have fleas but we do live in New Mexico. The spot is swollen, red and no appearent puncture mark. I am leaning toward an insect bite.What type? Any ideas? Thanks Wayne

Answer
It is hard to tell what type of insect or foreign material like plant awns, etc. may have caused the problem.  YOur vet can look and give something to take the resness and swelling out of the feet.  If there is a foreign body, the vet can also remove that for you.