Question:
Our 4 year old lab has gotten a toe nail fungus and has had several nails removed. The vet gave us Ketoconazole 200mg and Cephalexin 500mg. He told us to soak her paws in iodine water for 5 minutes twice a day for 2 weeks. She will not allow anyone to touch her paws. What else can we do to get her better? I read that Ketoconazole may have been linked to a liver problem. Any insight would be really great!

A:  I would speak to your veterinarian if there is no improvement in your dog's feet.

Fungus, or yeast infections are not easy to get rid of, especially in moist areas, such as the feet.  Ketoconazole can potentially cause elevated liver enzymes,  but this is usually seen with long-term use.  You may want to speak with your veterinarian about whether or not a steroid may help reduce the inflammation and pain in the paws.

Another recommendation would be to soak your dog's feet in Malaseb shampoo for 10 minutes a day.  This shampoo, made by DVM, is an antifungal, antibacterial shampoo that works well for foot infections, as well as skin infections.

Please keep us updated with your dog's progress.

~Dr. Page Wages

Oberlin Animal Hospital