We discovered years back that red inflamed feet are usually becuase of a fungal infection, which if left untreated not only results in limping but progresses to interdigitial cysts. Mastino saliva seems to be acidic and if the dog licks the feet get a lot worse. A twice daily treatment with a fungal cream (i.e., caneston in Australia) will clear it up in a few days, but must be continued for a couple of weeks. Some people like the look of swollen feet and never treat and Mastino being such a stoic breed will learn to walk in pain without limping. It always amazes me in the showring with such specimens when judges award them. Cant understand why they don't dismiss them from the ring and advise vet treatment before further showing. Perhaps my thinking that health and soundness are vital is wrong??