Corns

[Jane and Sara]

Does anyone out there manage a dog with corns? Poppy has six (affecting three paws), too extensive (I think) to operate with no guarantee of success. She wears Therapaw boots, I take out as much of the corn as possible and apply E45 or Padsandol regularly - occasionally she has some painkillers. Would like to hear about anyone who has this problem.

[ragsysmum]

This seems to be fairly common over in the USA and there are threads on the 'Greytalk' forum about other people's experiences with them which you could read. Maybe this link below will work for you....

forum.greytalk.com/index.php?act=Search&CODE=show&searchid=ed13802d7b998d37c17f52714c290baa&search_in=posts&result_type=topics&highlite=%2Bcorns

The main conclusions seem to be that operations very rarely work long term, are painful and the corn almost always comes back within weeks. They seem to rely mostly on dremelling or hulling the corn out as much as possible and repeating this quite often and even their vets rate this as the best option as far as I can read it. Wearing a protective boot as you use is also recommended. I have no personal experience but have read quite a bit on it from friends on other forums.

[Jane and Sara]

Thanks ragsysmum! I looked at the link and will see if I can find something called Dremel that is recommended there. I don't think operating is the answer but every time I see a vet they ask about the boots and insist they can operate and solve her problems (and make me feel guilty). As you can see from the photo she is very long-suffering - and totally gorgeous!

[Jane and Sara]

Have realised that a dremel is just a type of file - I should think first then write!

[ragsysmum]

Yes, a dremel is a sort of electric file which they seem to use commonly in the USA for nail trimming instead of clippers as well as for hulling out corns. They have various attachments and you can find a picture and details on Amazon UK I think.

[Flaperoo]

Oh Jane, sorry I can't help because I have been really lucky and none of my Greys have had this problem. I just wanted to say Poppy's pic made my heart leap. She is beautiful ;D ;D, sorry she is in so much pain

Hope you find a solution soon

Mx

[ownerofgreys]

Billy had so many corns on the same toe, that after about 4 operations I made the decision and with my vets agreement he had the toe amputated. it's proberly the best thing i did for him.

[harleysmum]

Hi there Jane

I'm new to the boards but am also searching for a resolution to the dreaded corn!

My dog is 11 and he has already had one toe amputated due to a very deep corn which was right up into his tendon. Operating was the only option there. HOwever I do feel If I had been more aware of what the problem was in advance I possibly could have avoided it getting so deep.

He had the op about a year ago and for a while everything was fine - no lameness or limping. Then the limp returned early this year. I have come to the conclusion after reading the threads and links on Greytalk that Therapaw boots are the best thing to use to help keep the corns away and ease the pain of walking on them. I also try to walk him on grass whereever possible now and am trying the duct tape treatment out at the moment.

I also have started adding Bee Propolis to his food - it is a natural antibacterial agent. I am hoping this will help to stop the corns re-occuring. No one knows for sure why greyhounds seem to be affected by corns - but generally I think the consensus seems to be the lack of body fat they have means the pads of the feet are more prone to sores due to this.

I have also applied a little human corn remover to his feet before applying the duct tape to see if this helps. I don't know if this will work - but am willing to try as he has three corns giving him a lot of pain.

I have a dremel too - you can get them in any DIY store. Mine is from B&Q and cost around £29. I use the pointed head to dremel down his corns and this seems to give some temporary relief. You can also use the dremel to file your dogs nails - so it is a worthwile investment.

I will post an update on my attempt to remedey Harley when I have some info on how he is progressing. Ultimately I would say operating is a last resort as the corns could just grow back or appear on another toe - which is what happended in our case.

[harleysmum]

p.s. I should add that my vet had not heard of the Therapaw boot or the hulling technique mentioned in Greytalk. I am going to print out the article below and take it along to them to see if this is an option also. All the remedys I have tried have been my own decision so I am not recommending them to anyone - just letting you know what I personnally am trying - be it the right thing or not. I hope to find something that works soon :-)

[harleysmum]

Sorry here is the link:
www.greyhoundwelfare.org/resourceDet.php?resourceCategoryKey=32

[Jane and Sara]

Corns are a problem but Poppy manages to walk really well with the Therapaw boots - absolutely no lameness when she is out. I am heart-broken when I see her hobbling at home but she now has some slippers (see Dog Talk page) that she wears in the house and they seem to be working fine. I've put mats down on my wooden floors and lots of duvets! Please let me know if you have success with anything.