1. Greyhound corns, what is it really?
Corns are built from dead skin and are forming hardened areas in a dog’s paw. They can start very small and grow bigger over time. They become rather painful for Greyhounds and can make even small walks very painful.
It is assumed that the occurrence is favored by malpositions in their paws.
Some suspect genetic causes. Nobody really knows.
Falsely corns are sometimes also called plantar warts. Since in surgically removed corns no viruses or bacteria have been found, they seem to be very different from plantar warts in humans.
2. Why are Greyhounds so frequently affected?
So why are our skinny friends in higher risk of getting corns than other breeds?
This is probably due to the fact that Greyhounds’ pads contain less subcutaneous tissue, which is the padding that you find between the skin and the bone or, in a dog’s case, the pad.
The former career on the track also makes them more susceptible to corns due to higher “wear and tear” and the fact that they have less cushioning to protect them from it.
3. How to spot corns?
Corns are usually easily recognizable as they distinguish themselves from the rest of the bale. Sometimes they are just the size of a pinhead and not immediately recognizable, yet.
In very bad cases they grow inwards in the shape of a cone, often all the way to the bone.
Corns cause severe pain, so that it can come to the point where the dog does not even put down its paw at all.
4. What can be done immediately to help?
The painful pressure on the corn needs to be reduced!
Soft surfaces:
This can be done by letting your Grey walk and run on soft surfaces only. If you go to a green dog park or other soft surfaces you might see immediate relief.
Shoes or socks:
The other possibility is padding of the paw. Some Greyhound owners made very good experiences using dog booties or even children socks. If you go for socks, make sure they have a sticky surface like those anti slip socks for children with those rubbery spots on the sole. These little nubs also seem to help to take the pressure of the corns, so it’s a win-win situation!
Shoes and socks:
The most effective solution might be the usage of socks with rubber nubs to take the pressure of the corns and additional doggie shoes over the socks. This helps to keep the socks intact and level the pressure to the whole surface of the paw, not only on the corn.
5. Find an experienced Greyhound veterinarian
The only useful long term solution is finding a vet that is experienced with Greyhounds and corns.
6. Treatments
Creams and lotions
Special chemicals are supposed to dissolve or burn the corn if applied regularly. There have been very good results with some Greyhounds and no satisfying result in others. So giving it a try might be a good idea.
Surgery
Removing the corn or – in very severe cases – removing the last joint preserving the pad might be an option.
Hulling
This is a popular treatment which involves digging out the corn with a drill like a Dremel or dental elevator. This is usually an unbloody event as only the corn will be removed and the tissue left alone. This is not painful to the dogs and usually done without anesthesia. For 10-14 days after the procedure your Greyhound will need to wear as shoe if they go outside and absolutely nothing must be stepped into that might get into that whole in the paw.
Flexor Tenotomy
Mike Guillard from the UK is currently testing this method of changing the mechanics of the toe so that corn no longer forms. So far, various dogs have already been operated on in this way.
See also https://www.mikeguilliard.co.uk/copy-of-dysplasia-article-1
Amputating the entire digit
This of course is the least favorable solution as it will have a negative influence on the whole foot, leg and future walk of the dog.
7. Which shoes are the best solution?
There are many good shoes and booties on the market. Just have a try which one suits your puppy the best. Below are some suggestions.
Greyhound Shoes that might fit your dog on Amazon US
Outdoor Anti Slip Waterproof Paw Protector
- XXL: Paw Width: 2.83in, Length: 7.87in, Grip width:2.09in. Dog socks should fit snugly, please choose a close size. If you are in between sizes choose the smaller size.
- Material: Made of polyester and spandex, durable and flexible rubber on the bottom. Light and soft, no hurt for your pet’s paws.
- Adjustable straps,ensure a suitable fit and a safety walking. Easy to put on and put off, difficult to slip off. Hand washable
- Anti-slip: Rubber coating maximizes grip and protects paws on hardwood floors or outside walking.
- Waterproof: Waterproof rubber material on the buttom, keep dog’s feet dry and clean on rainy days.
Dog Boots Waterproof
- SECURE and ADJUSTABLE: Easy to put on / off. These dog shoes expands with a wide split seam opening and two adjustable and reflective straps to ensure a tight fit, also make your dog safe at night.
- RUGGED: Tough anti-slip sole of dog boots provides stability and traction, protection from sharp thorns and hot pavement.
- QUALITY: The dog boots have a rugged sole and high quality fabrics that are then sewn together to ensure they are ready for your adventure.
- FASHIONABLE: QUMY dog boots are with cute pet paw embroidery, paws side is the outside, soft and hand washable.
If you love Greyhounds and you like Greyt Hoodies, just have a look and click below...
If you liked the article you just read, please help us and share it with other people that might benefit from these information, too!
Just click the icons below this box to share us on your favorite social network or click the button for more articles of that kind.
If you liked the article you just read, please help us and share it with other people that might benefit from these information, too!
Just click the icons below this box to share us on your favorite social network or click the button for more articles of that kind.
