Inflamed Paw

Question
My 8 1/2 year old Australian Shepherd, Ranger, has a red irritated, inflamed front left paw. At first, I tried Benadryl cream and antibiotic ointment. Since, I have been to our vet twice now and neither of the expensive creams he prescribed have worked. It has been 5 weeks now and I can not afford to keep going in. Do you have any suggestions?

Answers to your inquiry:

Is the paw inflamed on the top or the bottom (superficially), or the entire foot? On the bottom, superficially, in between the pads

Is it swollen? No

What is the source of the infection? Unknown...it just showed up one day - vet does not know the source either...suspects it is some sort of histamine reaction

Was it X-rayed? No - vet said it was not necessary

Is there a broken toenail? No

Is the dog bothering the injury? He licks it briefly after walking...but is not obsessive

Is he limping? No

Is he still eating? Yes

Does the dog have a temperature? No - but the irritated paw is a bit warmer than the others

I began using fresh aloe vera last night....

Answer
First of all, I wouldn't do any walking with him until this clears up.

Soak his foot in epsom salts three times a day for about 10-15 minutes, then wash (and rinse) it well with an antibacterial soap. Dry the foot well with paper toweling, and then apply Betadine, allowing that to airdry. You might also try putting a bit of antibiotic ointment up between toes on the skin.

I would put the dog in an Elizabethan collar to keep him from doing any licking of the foot, as I imagine that he is also licking it on the sly when you don't see him, and that moisture is keeping this thing going.