Hereditary Footpad Hyperkeratosis

skin & connective tissue

A disorder of skin maturation, this condition can cause especially thick, hardened footpads that are prone to cracking.

  • Signs and symptoms

    Painful thickening of the footpads is the first sign most owner's recognize.

    This is often first recognized in juvenile dogs.

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  • Diagnosis

    Clinical signs, genetic testing, and biopsy can be used to diagnose this condition.

  • Treatment

    Cracks in the foot pads make dogs more likely to contract a secondary bacterial infection, which can be managed with appropriate antibiotics; treatment of the foot pads with softening soaks can also reduce pain associated with the condition.

  • What to do if your dog is at risk

    Actions

    • Give medications as directed and follow your veterinarian's advice.

  • Genetic Information

    In Bedlington Terriers, Kromfohrlanders, and Irish Terriers, it is caused by a point mutation in the gene FAM83G.

    This mutation has an autosomal recessive inheritance, meaning that dogs must have two copies of the mutation in order to show clinical signs.

    Gene names:

    FAM83G ‐ chr

    Inheritance type:

    recessive

  • Breeds affected

    This health condition affects the following breeds

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