We aren’t talking about corn kernels here, or corn on the cobs, or even Quorn, the meat substitute that incites many debates about how much it resembles its forebear. No, we are talking about the corns that form on the paw pads, hard callus-type lesions that can grow quite sizeable if left to their own devices and be extremely painful and debilitating for your dog. 

Whilst corns can occur in any breed of dog, they are most commonly recognised in greyhounds, lurchers and whippets. They can be painful, especially if they crack, exposing the underlying pad to infection. 

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What causes corns in dogs? 

There are a few theories on what causes corns; yet at this stage, we cannot be completely certain as to why some dogs suffer from them and others don’t. 

One theory is that cuts or punctures by foreign bodies causes a build-up of scar tissue; which leads to the formation of a corn as the body attempts to heal. Another is that it develops from a virus caused the ‘papilloma virus,’ the same virus that causes warts. However, instead of developing on the outside of the body, due to its location and the fact that the pads are weight-bearing, it is forced under the skin. 

Another theory, which relates more specifically to greyhounds, is that they are the result of repeated trauma. This would support the fact that the condition is overrepresented in racing or retired greyhounds.

There is also suspicion that they can be caused by a lack of zinc in the diet, or an underlying auto-immune disease. 

What are the signs my dog has a corn? 

Signs include pain on weight-bearing of the affected limb, demonstrated by lameness or holding the leg up; thickening and hardening in the affected area of the pad; a crusted, raised mound on the paw pad; overgrown nails on the affected leg; and splitting or cracking of the pad. 

How do I treat corns? 

Firstly, if you have a dog with a painful foot, or you have noticed something abnormal on the paw pad, then you should get this checked by your veterinarian. There are many issues that can cause a painful paw, corns being just one of them. Through examination, your vet will be able to rule out the other causes. 

The treatment for corns will likely depend on the severity of the lesion, how painful it is, and the veterinarian’s preference. It can be difficult to treat, as the underlying cause of corns is not completely understood, and they have a high rate of recurrence. 

Treatment approaches can include surgery to remove the corn and stitch the pad back together. The corn can also be filed down to reduce the amount it protrudes from the pad; providing your dog with some relief from the discomfort. In cases where the condition is severe, and the corns keep returning, some dogs require amputation of the affected paw, however, this is considered an absolute last resort. 

The most recent evidence, however, is that a less radical surgery is effective, a tendonectomy to change the way the foot is loaded. This procedure seems to have a very high success rate, although there are still a few cases where the corn recurs.

So what about corn creams?

Corn creams, or topical ointments, may come in useful for the healing process, and prevention of further corns, depending on how severe they are. Creams can help break down and soften the corn, but they are unlikely – as a sole treatment (pun intended!) – to work on dissolving or removing the hard callus-like tissue. Dog owners that attribute the success of treatment to creams are often doing multiple different therapies at once; whether that be increased rest, bandaging the feet to relieve foot pressure, or bathing and softening the skin. However, appropriate topical treatments can only benefit. Applying a cream that contains vitamin E or oils may help soften the skin, which may help the corn to exfoliate. Similarly, they may also do nothing, and your dog will require more intensive treatment. 

Unfortunately, every case of corns is different and, as mentioned previously, can sometimes be quite difficult to treat. What works for one case may not work for another. Therefore, it’s advisable to develop a good, trusting relationship with your veterinarian who will guide you and your pet forward. 

How can I prevent my dog getting corns?

More than half of the corns treated medically are likely to reoccur within a year. Whilst you are unlikely to be able to prevent this from occurring, there are steps you can take which may help, including: 

  • Walking on softer surfaces
  • Investing in some doggie booties that decrease trauma to the pad
  • Monitoring your dog’s paws and getting treatment advice/implementing treatment steps quickly 

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