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It's hard to tell you what's wrong with your mom's poor dog without being able to look at him but I will offer everything I can think of right now.

First of all, what kind of dog is it? There are a number of reasons he may be having problems like this. This is a dark, warm and often moist spot on an animal. As you know, these are PERFECT living conditions for bacteria and certain parasites. The swelling and redness could very well be an infection.

It's also a great place to find fleas. Wonderful area for the females to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch best in warm, dark and humid areas. This is made even better for them if the animal has long hair.

A lot of people also don't take into consideration that just like humans, animals have allergies too. Is this a new dog or a new "itch" for him? Or does this happen all the time or during certain times of the year? I'm wondering if he's not having an allergic reaction to something in the yard (such as grass or weeds).

Do you live in an area where red or fire ants are prone? Is it possible you have ant hills in the yard that he may be walking in??

Does he walk in any body of water while he's outside? It is possible for all dogs but especially longer haired ones but he could be suffering from something called hot spots--which are very raw, painful (and unbelievably itchy) "circles" often mistaken for ringworm. I have seen dogs rip out their own hair, taking chunks of skin with it, while trying to scratch relief around a hot spot. I have one dog that gets them mostly on her hind end but another who only gets them between her toes.

Does he need his nails trimmed? It's rare but I have seen dog's nails get so long that they end up cutting themselves at some point while out walking or running or even laying around. Of course, the warm moist area is excellent for bacteria and we're right back to a possible infection.

Now, remember dogs DO get frost bite too. If you're in an area that's extremely cold or has ice and/or snow on the ground, this could be causing him pain. I realize he may not be outside for hours on end. But step outside in your bare feet and tell me how long it takes before your toes start to hurt from the cold. It doesn't take long--a dog's paws (even with the fur-coat) are no more protected then a humans who is just wearing socks.

I would highly recommend your mother find a different vet. A good one would have gone out of his way to find out what's wrong with the poor pooch so he/she can fix the problem. It doesn't sound like her current vet has made much effort and that's first indication a new vet should be found.

Good luck and please keep me posted!!!

PS Athletes foot is a yeast infection. Yeast infections are most often found in woman in the vaginal area--which is a dark, warm, moist area. JUST what the yeast needs to survive!!!