Many of the health problems seen in Bulldogs are related to the breed’s stocky build and shortened face structure. There is another problem, however, that is very common but unrelated to these things – interdigital furuncles and cysts. These growths are not life-threatening but they can be very painful for your Bulldog if you don’t treat them promptly.

What is the Difference Between a Furuncle and a Cyst?

Interdigital furuncles and interdigital cysts are growths that form between the Bulldog’s toes. These two growths look very similar in some cases but they are different in a few key ways. A furuncle is simply another name for a boil – it is an infection of the hair follicle in the skin between your Bulldog’s toes. Furuncles are usually caused by a bacterial infection and they can be very painful, especially if they pop. A cyst, on the other hand, is a sac-like growth that is usually filled with a gaseous, semi-solid, or liquid material similar to a blister. Cysts can form on the surface of the dog’s skin or inside the body.

While any dog can develop this type of growth, they are particularly common in Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, and other short-haired breeds as well as dogs that are overweight or obese. The longer you let the growth go untreated, the larger and more painful it will become – there is also an increasing risk that it will rupture. Some signs that your Bulldog is developing a furuncle or cyst include change in pigmentation of the skin between the toes, swelling in the webbing between the toes, increased licking or biting of the feet, and lameness. If you see any of these signs or notice a growth developing, seek veterinary care immediately.

Treatment Options for Interdigital Growths

The best treatment option for your Bulldog will depend on whether he has an interdigital furuncle or a cyst – you may be able to tell by looking at it which is the case, but you should confirm with your veterinarian. The most common treatment for these type of growths is oral antibiotics to combat the underlying bacterial infection. In many cases, the furuncle or cyst will rupture – this may require treatment with a topical ointment to prevent further infection. In some cases surgery may also be required to remove some kind of foreign body that causes the inflammation and the resulting infection.

One thing you need to be aware of when it comes to treating interdigital furuncles and cysts is that you need to follow through with the entire course of treatment. If your veterinarian prescribes oral antibiotics for 14 days but the growth appears to be healed after 10 days, you still need to finish those final four days. There is a high risk for these kinds of growths returning if you don’t finish the antibiotic treatment completely. While your Bulldog is healing, it may help to soak his paw in an Epsom salt solution once a day. Your vet also might prescribe something for the pain if the growth is very large or advanced.

Interdigital furuncles and interdigital cysts are fairly common in Bulldogs but that does not mean that you shouldn’t take them seriously. At the first sign of inflammation you should take your dog to the vet to get on top of the treatment before it becomes too painful.

Photo credit: State Farm/Flickr