Fishy Smelling Paw

[dave r]

Hi everyone
We have notice over the last couple of days a fishy smell coming from our 1 year old cocker Bart and have tracked it down to his front paw.He isn't unwell nor off his food but when he puts his paw down it leaves a little damp patch behind.Any ideas ?  

Dave                    

[Mary]

Is he limping?  I would be inclined to think that he has injured his paw in some way and has an infection which is causing the smell...maybe right inbetween the pads?

If so then he will probably need some antibiotics from the vet so I would take hime along :wink:                    

[dave r]

He isn't limping but occasionally will stand with the affected paw off the ground he isn't licking,biting or chewing at it either but the smell is overpowering  :shock:
He has a vets appointment for wednesday night for his annual booster but don't know if this should wait untill then                    

[Mike]

Hi Dave - was just athought really, but are you sure it's his paw the smell is emanating from? My springer once had a smell that was quite fishy (and really horrible!), which ultimately was an anal gland blockage. Perhaps Bart has been scratching his rear with the front paw?                    

[dave r]

Hi mike
We did at first think that might be the problem but ruled it out.The smell is certainly strong and does come from his front paw we have a wooden floor and when he puts his paw down on it you can see a small wet patch where his paw had been.It's strange because we have had cockers before and Bart is far more loopy than any other cocker iv'e met and he still is so whatever it is it isn't troubling him.
Just a little concerned about making him wait untill wednesday and whether we can do anything for him straight away.                    

[Magic Star]

Hi Dave

As Mary says it could be an infection somewhere, or an abcess perhaps :?:   Maybe sweaty feet causing the patches?? :?   I am sure your vet will be able to advise whether you should visit sooner, if perhaps you gave them a quick ring and explained the problem.

Let us know the outcome, will be interesting to know the cause.                    

[dave r]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
A quick update the vets have managed to squeeze Bart in and have said that his front paw is badly infected up between the pads.They have given him some antibiotics but he needs to go back tommorrow and have a small op to clean up the area around the infection etc.
Bart of course is completely not bothered by the whole affair and is still going about his usual business in typical cocker manner  

Dave                      

[Mike]

I'm glad you got tot he bottom of it Dave - hopefully he'll be right as rain in no time. Funny how they can carry on regardless isnt it - not like us wimpy humans                      

[Magic Star]

Hi Dave

As Mike said glad your vet found the cause!  They are very resiliant these cockers :wink:

Hope all goes well tomorrow                    

[lynseyloo]

Glad you have it in hand Dave..                    

[Mary]

Lottie often bites at her paws to get any dried mud out and I sometimes help her to get it out.  It's surprising what can get caught right up between the pads. :?   I'm glad it's being sorted and all goes well tomorrow :wink:                    

[dave r]

Bart has been and had his little op, he didn't like the vets and jumped the queue because he got so upset waiting.
They have cleaned up his paw and said the infection was quite bad and drained a lot of fluid hence the smell  :shock:
Whilst he was under the gave him a check up and found the very early beginnings of an ear infection to so he really is in the wars poor little chap.
He has foot baths and ear drops and tablets so thank goodness for pet insurance                      

[*Jay*]

Awwww poor Bart! Hope hes milking it for all he can get :wink:  I'm sure he will feel right as rain in no time                    

[Gilly]

Poor Bart...hope he's feeling better soon Dave, as Gill says he wouldn't be a true cocker if he didn't milk this for all he is worth  :wink: