Hereditary Footpad Hyperkeratosis in Dogs

Category: Skin & Connective Tissue
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 4
Published sources: 5

Overview

The hard outer layer of the paw pads grows excessively, creating thick, rough pads. This inherited problem usually becomes apparent while a dog is young rather than at birth. Over time, cracks and horn-like growths may form, and walking can become painful. Secondary infections can add to the discomfort when the pads are badly affected.

Signs to watch for

Thick, hard pads on all four paws
Cracks across the pad surface
Horn-like growths along pad edges
Reluctance to walk on uneven ground
Limping
Unusually hard nails that seem to grow quickly

In the studied Irish Terriers and Kromfohrlanders, changes were noticed around 4 to 5 months.

When to get help Book a vet visit if the pads thicken, crack, or make walking uncomfortable.

Diagnosis and tests

A diagnosis combines the pattern of pad changes with a veterinary skin examination. A small footpad sample can be examined under a microscope to confirm the type of thickening. Researchers also identified a FAM83G gene change in affected Irish Terriers and Kromfohrlanders.

Breeds with documented risk

4 breeds

By breed size

1 Small
2 Medium
1 Giant

Dogue De BordeauxGiant · Working Group
Bedlington TerrierSmall · Terrier Group
Irish TerrierMedium · Terrier Group
KromfohrlanderMedium · Foundation Stock Service

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive
Bedlington Terrier, Irish Terrier, Kromfohrlander
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by OMIA
Autosomal recessive
Dogue de Bordeaux
As stated by OMIA
Autosomal recessive
Rottweiler
As stated by OMIA

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.