Really bad cracked paws

Hi we have been struggling for the last 3 years with cracked pads. The vet has previously prescribed creams but I feel like we need to get the crustaceans removed. Would love your advice

Why don't you change your vet? And listen to what another specialist has to say. Maybe he'll look at the situation differently.

Hello!  This may be digital hyperkeratosis.   That means, that the hard, outer layer of the pad grows excessively.  Usually, dead skin sheds away in layers (you can see this in your own skin - there may be white or paler superficial skin that occasionally peels off your toes for example)  but in dog pads, the outer layer is keratinized and this strong, hard outer layer protects the toes.   In some dogs, the keratinized skin clings on excessively / doesn't like to shed, so the pads become very thick.  Keratinised skin is effectively dead and has a very poor blood supply.  Skin with hyperkeratos therefore becomes cracked very easily at the surface; these cracks can reach right down to the base layer and the underlying tissue can become sore.   So what to do about it? - clipping this keratinised skin may be unhelpful - it grows again very quickly - and can make it more sore.  Instead, see your vet who may prescribe something to soften it.  They may also look out for underlying causative or contributory factors.  Wishing you all the best and please come back and let us know how you get on.   With respect to the previous comment, you have not said anything that makes me think that you need to change vets.

Thank you. Yes we were prescribed flamazine cream but it didn’t do anything. She’s really struggling to walk and we’re now limited to 2x 10 minutes a day which is a shame.

Cream is a way of slowly introducing moisture to a pad and works a little at a time, over a long time;  it will not reverse hyperkeratosis, but possible make it more comfortable.  This pad has been growing like this for a while.  I wonder whether your vet can link it to any underlying conditions?  - as this is sometimes the case.  It is definitely worth revisiting to consider a referral to a dermatologist in order to get the most up-to-date advice in this field.