Your vet may suggest starting your dog on antibiotics, offering daily skin soaks, and even applying ointment to any irritated tissue. If your dog is experiencing any skin irritation or secondary infection as a result of their paw pad hyperkeratosis, your vet will need to address these issues first. If there is a condition that is contributing to the development of your dog’s hyperkeratosis, your vet will need to address that first. Though some cases will be idiopathic, it’s still best to explore the possibilities and rule out underlying causes. The first step in determining the best management plan is investigating the cause of their paw pad hyperkeratosis. There is no set cure for paw pad hyperkeratosis, so each pup will require an individual approach. When a dog is diagnosed with paw pad hyperkeratosis, your veterinarian will need to determine the best plan to manage their symptoms. Some diagnostics can be performed in your vet’s office, while other tissues will need to be sent out to a lab.Įvery situation will vary, so it’s best to just trust your vet’s guidance. If your vet stumbles upon any abnormal lesions or growths on the skin, they may suggest a biopsy or skin scraping of the region. If there are no other abnormalities on their exam, most vets will feel comfortable with diagnosing paw pad hyperkeratosis. Most vets will perform an in depth skin exam to search for any other abnormalities, as well as evidence of other underlying skin conditions. In most cases of paw pad hyperkeratosis, a simple physical exam is enough to achieve diagnosis. Not only can the compromised paw pads easily trap bacteria, but they can become even more painful with each step they take.Īs you can see, this cosmetic issue can quickly turn into a serious complication. Some of the most common signs of hyperkeratosis of the paw pads include:ĭue to the fact that paw pad hyperkeratosis can weaken the tissue of the paws, this can lead to an array of painful complications for the pup affected. If your pup is suffering with paw pad hyperkeratosis, there are a few common symptoms that you may notice in your canine friend. What Are The Signs Of Paw Pad Hyperkeratosis Once this occurs, this can set paw pad hyperkeratosis into motion.Īs we mentioned above, many cases of paw pad hyperkeratosis are idiopathic, or occur without a known cause.īy educating yourself on the potential triggers of this condition, you can have a better understanding of your pup’s rough paw pads. Inflamed skin can begin to thicken over time, causing the tissue to build up to the point of excess. Chronic Skin ConditionsĬhronic skin conditions can easily lead to hyperkeratosis in some canine friends. Some infectious diseases are known to cause thickening of the nasal and paw pad tissue.Ĭanine distemper virus is most often responsible for hyperkeratosis of the skin, especially on the paw pads. AgeĪs a dog ages, their skin will typically become thicker and thicker.ĭue to this thickening of the tissue, some dogs will develop paw pad hyperkeratosis if the keratin production is out of control. Some breeds are more prone to developing paw pad hyperkeratosis than other furry friends.ĭue to the fact that this condition is seen most in certain pups, this leads experts to believe that it can be a genetic condition.įor example, both Labrador Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels often suffer from hyperkeratosis of the paws and nose. Some of the most common factors that contribute to the onset of paw pad hyperkeratosis in dogs include: Genetics While the main cause of their condition is not always obvious, there are a few common factors that are known to contribute to the development of hyperkeratosis in our canine friends. In many cases of paw pad hyperkeratosis, there is not a concrete cause of their condition. Though keratin is essential in creating healthy skin, too much keratin is never a good thing.Īn overgrowth of keratin will result in a rough surface that easily collects bacteria, as well as the increased risk of cracking in dry regions. In both humans and dogs alike, keratin is the main protein that makes up the barrier of the skin. This rough exterior will often appear dry and cracked, almost having the appearance of tiny bristles. The term hyperkeratosis refers to an overgrowth of skin cells on the surface of a dog’s skin.ĭogs with hyperkeratosis will have a build up of rough tissue on the surface of their nose or paws, while dogs free of the condition will simply have a thin layer of tough skin.
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