Fusion podoplasty provides favorable long-term outcomes in dogs with interdigital follicular cysts unresponsive to medical therapy: a retrospective study of 16 cases

Objective: To evaluate clinical outcomes and postoperative complications associated with fusion podoplasty in dogs with chronic interdigital follicular cysts (CIFCs) unresponsive to multimodal medical management. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, medical records from 2 referral hospitals were reviewed to identify dogs that underwent fusion podoplasty from 2005 through 2025. Included dogs were diagnosed with CIFCs presumed secondary to mechanical friction or trauma and refractory to medical management. Dogs with other causes of interdigital dermatitis were excluded. Data included signalment, clinical history, dermatologic findings, surgical procedures, and postoperative management. Partial fusion podoplasty (PFP) or total fusion podoplasty (TFP) was performed. Outcomes included time to wound healing, postoperative outcome classification, and complications categorized as minor or major. Results: Eleven dogs met the inclusion criteria, with a median follow-up of 16 months. Total fusion podoplasty was performed on 9 paws and PFP on 7. All paws healed, with a median healing time of 28 days. Twenty complications occurred in 9 dogs, 18 minor and 2 major; partial incisional dehiscence was the most common (7 of 20). No wound complications occurred in the 5 TFP procedures in which a Penrose drain was placed. Long-term outcomes were excellent in 8 dogs, acceptable in 1, and poor in 2. Conclusions: Fusion podoplasty resulted in satisfactory long-term outcomes in most dogs with medically refractory CIFCs, with TFP associated with fewer postoperative complications than PFP. Clinical Relevance: Fusion podoplasty represents a valuable salvage option for dogs with refractory CIFCs and may be particularly beneficial when TFP is combined with passive drainage.