Page 189 - Canine Lameness

12.6 ­ onDcD oe ofsctrs DeDcral rons raw rne 161

however, confirmation requires biopsy and histopathology. Treatment is controversial.
Nonsurgical treatment, digital ostectomy, and surgical excision have been reported; notably,
surgical excision may be curative in some breeds, but recurrence is greater than 50% in
Greyhounds (Guilliard 2003; Balara et al. 2009). DISTAL LIMB REGION

12.6.3 Abnormal Wear and Migration

Although not a primary cause of lameness, some conditions associated with abnormal weight-
bearing on the paw (e.g. angular limb deformities, muscle and ligamentous conditions described
above, and joint conditions that limit limb mobility) may cause eccentric loading or abrasion of the
pads through abnormal motion, such as rotary movements. This may manifest as abnormal pad
wear, ulceration, and/or migration. Pads that do not bear weight may also appear overgrown
(Figure 12.9) or hyperkeratotic. The pads may then become secondary sources of pain and lame-
ness. The attending clinician needs to distinguish between a primary paw problem and a paw
manifestation of a distant condition of that limb.

12.6.4 Dermatologic Conditions Causing Lameness

Many dermatologic conditions can be associated with lameness or altered ambulation if they
affect the distal limb region (Figure 12.10). A few select conditions are presented below; the
reader is encouraged to refer to comprehensive texts for more detailed information (Duclos 2013;
Outerbridge 2013).

(A) (B)

(D) (E) (C)
Figure 12.10 Dermatologic conditions causing lameness: (A) interdigital dermatitis (pododermatitis);
(B) foreign body with draining sinus; (C) acral lick dermatitis; (D) paronychia; and (E) symmetrical lupoid
onychodystrophy/onychitis.