[Kimahri]

hello my name is Jonathan and i was trying to find a forum for dogs and i stumbled on this one. so im a newbie. Two days ago we took our dog to the vet because he had a tiny little hole in between his toes. so we researched a bit before we took him and found that it could possibly be a foxtail.

after the visit it turned out to be a foxtail, and he seemed happy again. i dont remember him having a pink bubble like ball though on his paw. i had to call the vet again and ask but the doctor was busy and i ended up missing her call earlier. but her message said that the swelling wont go down till a couple days to a week.

i checked his paws, between his toe, etc. didnt find anything else or any sign of another foxtail being present. i was wondering if that pink ball is normal, it fluctuates from being a little one to a slightly bigger one and a clear liquid comes out. he is taking antibiotics. it doesnt seem like hes in pain, hes not limping. also, should we wrap it? to keep him from licking? your answers are greatly appreciated thank you guys.

[Marc]

It may have to wait and drain on its own. To help it along, you can try soaking it in warm water. If he'll stay calm for a bowl of water, then you can make it about as warm as you can handle. If he's squirmy and you have to use the tub, then you have to use warm shower-like water (because more of his body is in it and you don't want to make him uncomfortable). This will often cause the skin to relax and let it ooze out. My Dachshund has had this happen to him twice.

[Kimahri]

thank you for your reply, so this is normal? for them to develope a little bubble? is that part of the swollen stage? sorry for the flurry of questions.
just trying to get an insight from people that have experienced this with their pets.

[Marc]

It's normal for an infection - not normal for dogs. If it happens repeatedly, then you should reevaluate where he's traveling/walking.

[CorkyMax]

Here is a link to a thread I did in here a while back. You will find it interesting--there are only 2 posts there but good info!

Foxtails (A WEED) Can be Deadly to Your Dog!