Swollen toe, inflamed and swollen, no pain.

Hey Vets, First time posting. My 7 year old chihuahua has a bump on his foot, that has just recently and some what rapidly shown up. I have wrapped the bump and his paw so he can’t lick it, and applied some anti bacterial ointment, but I need some advise. Any idea what this might be? And if it’s serious enough to get to the vet? Usually with stuff like this I try to wait 24hours, or so and see if it’s improved. And advise is appreciated. The dog does have access to outside. He’s running and playing like normal, I noticed while playing with a ball he is acting completely normal, and does show pain when touched. It’s been washed and cleaned, and bandaged. Update I have soaked it to try and relive swelling, I’m just kind of at a loss. I have made an appointment on Tuesday. I can’t tell if it’s a bug bite, like a spider or bee, or an infection from an object lodged in his foot. I’ve dug around in the area and can’t find anything if concern. anything I can do to try and treat him til Tuesday? Or if he needs to go to an emergency vet? Thanks again!

Hello and yes; this looks serious enough for a vet.  The problem is that when toes itch or hurt, dogs want to lick them, and the skin very fast becomes thickened, damaged and possibly infected (with the yeasts and bacteria that live on the healthy skin surface normally but can now get through the skin).   In the past we used to put collars on these dogs which did stop them licking; now we may still do that, but also tend to treat the pain (but with dog drugs only) and the cause of the problem too.   So what may be causing it?  An allergic reaction or a foreign body perhaps, but I'm afraid that I would not rule out the more sinister possibilities, such as  osteosarcoma (bone cancer) or arthritis or fractures, certainly not without seeing the toe.  I would definitely encourage you to call your vet very soon and get the case triaged (put into priority order regarding when it needs to be seen).    Please do let us know how you get on.

Thank you for responding. I have an appointment on Tuesday. Do you think I need to go to an emergency vet over the weekend? I have an e-collar, and he’s been wearing it while im watching him (I work from home). Again, no visible pain. thanks again, tanner

Hi @tannerprebe My dog is presenting with similar. Did you ever get the bottom of it?