Reader story — Margaret, the US. Health focus: interdigital cysts in her dog.
Interdigital cysts in dogs
Interdigital cysts are nodule-like lesions that form between a dog's toes. They occur when hair follicles in the paw are traumatised, causing the microscopic opening of the hair follicle to enlarge and become inflamed. The body then sees this as an infection and has an inflammatory response to it, which causes the follicles to rupture and weep.
The lesions caused by interdigital cysts range from 1–2 centimeters in size, are a deep reddish-purple colour, and can extend from the bottom to the top of the paw. They are incredibly painful and can cause extreme discomfort, so dogs with the condition will tend to lick and bite at the affected paw to help bring some relief, which can make them difficult to manage.
"The cysts would swell, and eventually rupture and weep a bloody discharge. Charlie sometimes would have cysts on all four paws, making it impossible to manage." — Margaret
My 6-year-old Weimaraner dog, Charlie, has been suffering from painful, recurring interdigital cysts and paw infections since puppyhood. The cysts would swell and bleed and cause him chronic discomfort. At times, it felt relentless and impossible to manage, with rounds of antibiotic treatments to help get the infections under control. Interdigital cysts can affect dogs for many reasons, but his cysts are caused by environmental factors. Where we live in the US, pond water is used to irrigate the lawns in our neighborhood — and he's allergic to it. It's full of all sorts of harmful bacteria and organisms, but sadly there's not a lot we can do to see that change.
"My dog's chiropractor specialises in holistic pet health care, and she suggested we try Manuka honey to help get the lesions under control. Well, the rest is history."
Manuka honey was the miracle we needed
As a retired veterinary technician, I knew there had to be a better way. I knew there had to be alternative treatments for dogs with skin allergies. A few months back, we were visiting my dog's chiropractor who specialises in holistic pet health care, and that's when she started talking about the amazing benefits of Manuka honey for dogs and natural remedies for dog infections. She explained that she'd often use Manuka honey for dog and pet health, in their diet, or topically on wounds, and suggested we give it a try. I didn't want to give him another harsh round of antibiotic treatments if I didn't have to, so I thought why not? She recommended we try Manuka honey, and the rest is history.
"At this point, Charlie's paws are 80% better. And compared to where we have been it's an absolute miracle. I believe it's all because of the Manuka honey."
I started adding a teaspoon of UMF™ 10+ Manuka honey to my dog's morning meal, and he absolutely loved it. And after just two weeks, I could see the difference in his paws. I couldn't believe it. We're now two months in, and this simple routine has significantly improved his paw health. His paws are now 80% better, and compared to where we have been it's an absolute miracle. There are fewer lesions and the bleeding has reduced. He's always had a bit of a funky stomach too, and since taking the Manuka honey I've noticed his stools are a lot firmer, so I think it's helping his gut as well.
A life-changing improvement
"The improvement has been life-changing for Charlie. He's now more comfortable, his occasional paw licking has reduced, and so far we've managed to avoid more rounds of medication."
Manuka honey has not only improved his quality of life but has brought me peace of mind, knowing he's happier and healthier. If I can share my story, and help someone, then that's enough for me. My advice to those dealing with similar issues is to give Manuka honey a try. It's a non-invasive and natural product, so you have nothing to lose. I'll continue using the Manuka honey as part of my dog's routine for as long as he needs it.
"Just give Manuka honey a try. It's a non-invasive natural product — so you have nothing to lose."
Could Manuka honey help your dog's interdigital cysts?
Margaret's dog had been suffering from interdigital cysts since puppyhood, taking a huge toll on his wellbeing, and Margaret's too. However, since using Manuka honey things have changed. If you're seeking a natural remedy to assist your dog's health concerns, Manuka honey could help.
Manuka honey is not recommended as a replacement for seeking professional veterinary help. Always consult veterinary professionals in an emergency.
Names and some identifying details in this story have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.