Claw rubbing on paw pad?

[Londonkatt]

Sorry for the long post! My 2 yr old terrier has had an ongoing issue with intermittent lameness on her front right.

At first I thought the problem was a cracked paw pad as one is noticeably rough and calloused, so I have tried Epsom salt baths, various paw balms and waxes (including mushers secret which I saw recommended here) and a short course of low dose steroids to stop itching - this has all been with repeated vet visits. I’ve also put her in a skin supplement (zinc and biotin) - also after reading H&h!

She gets better for a while, but then worse. The vet hadn’t been very helpful.

After having a good look I now think the issue might be to do with the way her front inside claw grows on that side - it seems to be closer to the paw pad than on her other foot. When I run my finger against the side of her paw, underneath where the claw sits, I can feel a groove/callous on thr pad that matches her claw, so I think it is rubbing her.
I’m going to keep that nail as short as I can, and try filing it to keep the edges smooth. Has anyone else had anything similar? Any other ideas for fixing this? Thanks for reading this far!

 

[Amy May In A Manger]

Is it an option to have the offending claw removed, if it's confirmed to be the issue?

 

[druid]

Dr Buzbys toe grips would probably solve your issue

 

[Londonkatt]

Thanks both. We’ve been back to the vets today who are not that worried, she’s on steroids to stop her licking with the options to refer to a dermatologist if it doesn’t clear up. I don’t think it need removal since the problem is only intermittent and apparently claw removal on dogs is a much bigger procedure than you might think, so it would be a last resort. I have an appointment with the groomer to clip her nails soon so I’ll see what they think too.