abscesses on feet

[Lurchers]

My dog has reoccuring abscesses in between her outside toes on both back feet, started 15 months ago. Vet has tried steroid cream, various antibiotic tablets, also been xrayed and exploratory exam done under anisthetic. She is now on steroids and Tribrissen, these are helping by reducing the soreness but not stopping them reoccurring every week. She has epilepsy and also takes daily medication for this. Has anyone else had problems like this and what treatment did you use?

[veritymoon]

has your vet ever taken a swab of the foot? they can tell what type of bacteria it is and which antibiotic responds best.

what breed of dog do you have?

[Kimmiebear]

Have you thought about switching her to a hypoallergenic food as a trial. Does she seem itchy elsewhere? Could it be an allergi thing?

[Eels]

Has your vet tested for endocrine problems such as Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism? I am sure they have been very thorough by the sounds of things but occasionally there is an underlying illness which causes these problems.

[Lurchers]

Thank you for advice Veritymoon, Eels and Kimmiebear.

My dog is 7-year-old lurcher. Swab was sent off and the lab said it was a form of e-coli, they recommended a list of antibiotics for her to try. She has tried them all, abscesses go while she is on antibiotics but return soon as she stops. Vet has tried continuing antibiotics on wed/sunday but had to start using steroids because feet swollen and sore.She is on Hills prescription food.

[veritymoon]

this is a really tough one, it sounds like your vet has covered everything even pulse therapy with the antibiotics twice a week. it may be worth going for a skin referral though not sure if its a skin problem or poss referring to one of the veterinary univerisity who are used to a challenge. but this can be expensive.

may sound a bit tough but is it in an area that could be amputated? though may not be an option if its on both feet

verity

[Lurchers]

Thank you Verity.

I will ask my vet what he thinks about amputation as a last resort

[veritymoon]

good luck hope everything goes ok