Digital Pseudopad Correction in a Dog Using a CO2 Laser
December 2025
in “
Journal of Veterinary Clinics
”
TLDR CO₂ laser surgery successfully healed a dog's chronic paw condition.
An 8-year-old male dog with recurrent interdigital pododermatitis and pseudopads underwent successful CO2 laser surgery after traditional treatments failed. The surgery, performed under general anesthesia, effectively removed the pseudopads with minimal thermal injury, leading to complete healing within 4 weeks. Histopathology confirmed chronic pododermatitis with epithelial proliferation and reactive changes in hair follicles. Post-surgery care included Betadine bandages and a weight-reduction plan. The CO2 laser provided precise ablation, reduced invasiveness, and improved recovery, with no recurrence at a 6-month follow-up. This case underscores the importance of managing obesity and allergic triggers and suggests CO2 laser therapy as a viable option for refractory cases.