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.

    Signs first appear in puppies around 8 weeks of age.

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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

    This mutation was first described in a Rottweiler.

    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:

    DSG1 ‐ chr

    Inheritance type:

    recessive

  • Breeds affected

    This health condition affects the following breeds

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