Corns

A corn is a focal, circular area of hyperkeratinization found in the digital pads of dogs. It can affect multiple pads at the same time and is mostly seen in sighthounds (e.g., greyhound, lurcher, and whippet), where it can cause lameness, which can be severe. About 90% of corns occur in digits 3 and 4 (the central toes), and they are mostly seen in the front legs.

Corns

A corn is a focal, circular area of hyperkeratinization found in the digital pads of dogs. It can affect multiple pads at the same time and is mostly seen in sighthounds (e.g., greyhound, lurcher, and whippet), where it can cause lameness, which can be severe. About 90% of corns occur in digits 3 and 4 (the central toes), and they are mostly seen in the front legs.

Causes of corns

Several different causes of corns have been suggested, including viral infection, penetration of the pad by foreign material, and repetitive mechanical trauma. In people, corns are known as Heloma Durum and are typically thought to have a mechanical cause, developing due to repetitive injury from a variety of factors, whether external e.g. due to poor fitting shoes, or internal, e.g., from bony prominences or poor foot function.

Corns Treatment

Studies targeting Corns

Studies in dogs have failed to show any evidence of a viral cause, and foreign material that has penetrated the pad is only rarely thought to be a cause of their formation in dogs. A mechanical cause, specifically repetitive mechanical injury, is thought to be the most common cause in dogs as in people. Anatomical problems of the foot are seen in about 40% of dogs with corns, with damage to the deep flexor tendon being the most common. It is thought that these anatomical problems result in altered weight-bearing forces and the development of corns.

Corn treatments

Numerous treatments have been described for the management of corns in dogs. Non-surgical treatments include the use of boots when the dog is taken outside and various topical ointments. For some time, surgical removal of the corn has been the most widely performed procedure, although approximately 50% of corns are thought to recur within a year of their removal.

In humans, optimal surgical treatments aim to correct abnormal stresses, and this leads to regression of the corn. This regression of the corn following altered mechanics has also been seen in dogs following cutting of the flexor tendon(s). In dogs, this technique is known as digital flexor tenotomy/ tenectomy and is our preferred technique for management of dogs with corns. It can be performed on multiple digits at the same time and gives rapid and excellent results with few complications. Owners typically see a rapid improvement in their dog’s demeanour, a willingness to exercise, and marked improvement or elimination of lameness.

If you have any questions about surgery, then please get in touch.

You can view our Corn treatment prices on our Prices and Payment page here.