dog paw

Question
Hi.

I have an 11 year old female Weimaraner.  I recently noticed that one of her front paws appeared to be larger than the other.  I investigated and found no extra soft tissue on the top, between the toes, or on (or between) the pads on the bottom of the foot (no soft tissue tumors).  The toes bend just fine.  It seems like the center of the paw, where all the toes connect, has larger bone mass than the other foot.  Also, the joints/bones on one or two of the toes are also a bit thicker. She doesn't seem to be in any pain, although she is quite a trooper and might just be dealing with any discomfort.  I'm wondering, since you have experience with older dogs, might this be some sort of arthritis?  She was just in at the vets office and groomers... neither one mentioned anything, although I don't really think paws are an area that are examined.

Thanks!

Answer

Hi Jonathan,

You're right about the possibility of your dog having some pain or discomfort, dogs are pretty stoic and don't always show it when they're uncomfortable.

With an 11 year old dog, it's possible he has a little arthritis. First, your dog needs to be properly diagnosed. When you were at the vet recently, did your vet examine your dog's paw? If not, then your dog needs to go back and have this addressed.

Medication might be prescribed if it turns out there is inflammation, or a therapeutic treatment might be recommended.

Best of luck,

Patti