An interdigital cyst is a hard, nodular swelling that can form on the webbing between your dog’s toes. Interdigital cysts are formed when fluid within the toe is blocked. These nodules progress to form boils with lesions. Once your dog has developed an interdigital cyst, the cyst will tend to reoccur intermittently over the course of his lifetime.

You will be able to see a nodule that is firm to the touch in its early stage, but will eventually become laden with boils, cracks or lesions that emit a bloody, pus-like discharge. Your dog will often experience pain when walking and lick his paw. If he licks excessively, the area he is licking may turn red due to the saliva.

Interdigital cysts are the result of an infection, an ingrown hair or a blocked sweat gland.

A physical examination can diagnose interdigital cysts, but further testing including a skin scraping, bacterial culture, or biopsy may be required to identify the underlying cause.

The treatment of an interdigital cyst is based on the severity and underlying cause of the cyst. Your veterinarian may be able to give you home remedies, such as soaking the impacted area in Epsom salts, that can give temporary relief of the symptoms. Other treatments include the use of antibiotics and lancing the boil.

It may not be possible to prevent an interdigital cyst, but early detection will greatly aid in the management of this condition. Since they are re-occurring, dogs prone to interdigital cysts should have their paws inspected regularly.

No, you cannot get an interdigital cyst from your dog.