Superficial digital flexor tenotomy immediately relieves pain associated with paw pad keratomas in three dogs: a case report

This case report of three cases describes a simple surgical treatment for the relief of pain associated with paw pad keratomas (or corns) in dogs. A paw pad keratoma is a mass formed by a localized hyperkeratosis of the stratum corneum on the paw pads, which can be painful, causing lameness. The surgical technique involves a tenotomy of the superficial (and deep in case one) digital flexor tendon of the affected digit which alters the weight bearing position of the toe, thus reducing pressure on the painful pad. All the dogs in this report had an immediate reduction in lameness and rapid post-operative recovery. To date, lameness has not recurred in any of the cases described in this report.