Hereditary Footpad Hyperkeratosis
A disorder of skin maturation, this condition can cause especially thick, hardened footpads that are prone to cracking.
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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.Uncover health risks with Embark
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Diagnosis
Clinical signs, genetic testing, and biopsy can be used to diagnose this condition.
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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.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Talk to your vet about your dog’s hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis result so you can plan appropriate care and monitoring.
- Keep your dog’s paw pads moisturized and avoid rough or abrasive surfaces that could cause cracking or pain. Regular use of dog-safe paw balms or protective booties can help prevent irritation, especially during long walks or in extreme temperatures.
- If you notice limping, bleeding, or signs of infection, contact your vet promptly for treatment and pain relief.
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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
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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