A retrospective case series of the postoperative outcome for 30 dogs with inflammatory interdigital nodules, surgically treated with carbon dioxide laser and a nonantimicrobial wound-healing protocol.

Abstract

Inflammatory interdigital nodules (IIN) affecting the paws of dogs is a multifactorial and painful condition. Surgery using carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser has been shown to be helpful in the management. To assess a postoperative treatment protocol without use of antibiotics following CO2 laser surgery for IIN treatment. Forty-seven paws, in 30 client-owned dogs, with IINs affecting the interdigital web between the 4th and 5th digits of the forepaws, surgically treated using CO2 laser, were included. Medical records were reviewed for demographic details, medication use and wound healing using a set wound care protocol. Time to resolution of the surgical wounds and the postoperative outcome were assessed. The mean healing time was 34 days. Resolution was seen in 42 of 47 paws with complications in five paws (11%), including development of new fistulae or nonhealing granulation tissue. Surgery was repeated in those five cases. Relapse occurred during the follow-up period of five-19 months in six paws (13%). This study shows that surgical treatment with CO2 laser for interdigital nodules is successful in most cases. The postoperative outcome using a wound-healing protocol avoiding use of antimicrobials can be used without compromising patient care whilst following antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.