Foot Focus: Navigating Dermatologic Disease of the Paws

This lecture will provide a practical, case-based approach to the diagnosis and management of interdigital disease in dogs, with a focus on interdigital furunculosis. Attendees will learn how to recognize the multifactorial nature of these cases, differentiate between allergic and mechanical causes, and implement a systematic diagnostic plan. The session will emphasize building effective, individualized treatment strategies that address primary triggers, control secondary infections, and manage chronic inflammation. Both medical and surgical treatment options—including emerging therapies—will be reviewed to help clinicians improve outcomes in these often challenging cases.

• A structured approach to diagnosing interdigital disease, including key differentials and appropriate use of diagnostic tests
• The ability to distinguish between allergic, mechanical, and multifactorial causes and understand how they interact
• Practical strategies for managing infections, inflammation, and underlying disease using multimodal therapy
• Insight into when to escalate care, including indications for surgical intervention and use of newer therapies