What is hyperkeratosis?
Hyperkeratosis in dogs is a common skin condition that causes the skin to thicken and harden, especially on the nose and paw pads. This happens because the body creates too much keratin, a protein that makes up the outer layer of skin.
It’s important to recognize hyperkeratosis in your dog because if left untreated, it can cause discomfort, pain, and even open the door to secondary infections. Spotting it early and managing it properly can dramatically improve your dog’s life.
In this article, we’ll cover what hyperkeratosis is, what causes it, the symptoms to watch for, how it’s diagnosed, how to treat it, and what you can do to prevent it.
What is hyperkeratosis in dogs?
Hyperkeratosis is a condition in which a dog’s body produces too much keratin, a protein that’s a key component of skin, hair, and nails. The overgrowth of keratin typically shows up on areas of the body that don’t have hair, such as the nose and paw pads.
There are several types of hyperkeratosis that can affect dogs:
- Nasal hyperkeratosis is marked by a thickening or crusting of the skin on the nose.
- Footpad hyperkeratosis involves a thickening and hardening of the paw pads. The pads may develop cracks or fissures.
- Ear margin hyperkeratosis is less common, and it affects the edges of the ears. It’s also known as pinnal hyperkeratosis.
What causes hyperkeratosis in dogs?
Hyperkeratosis in dogs can be caused by a few different things, including genetics, environmental factors, and underlying medical conditions.
Genetic Factors
Some dog breeds are more prone to hyperkeratosis because of their genetic makeup. These breeds include:
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Irish Terriers
- Cocker Spaniels
- Labrador Retrievers
- Basset Hounds
- Griffon breeds
Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds are especially prone to nasodigital hyperkeratosis, which affects the nose and paws.
Environmental Factors
Harsh weather, particularly extreme temperatures and dry air, can make hyperkeratosis worse. Contact with irritating chemicals or rough surfaces can also trigger the condition.
Medical Conditions
Sometimes, hyperkeratosis is a symptom of an underlying health problem, such as:
- Canine Distemper Virus
- Leishmania
- Dermatophytosis (ringworm)
- Pemphigus foliaceus
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Zinc-responsive dermatosis (two syndromes linked to zinc deficiency)
- Hypothyroidism
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkeratosis in dogs?
Hyperkeratosis has a few telltale signs:
- Thickened skin: The skin on your dog’s nose and/or paw pads will look thicker than normal.
- Rough texture: The affected areas will feel rough and hard.
- Cracking and fissures: Cracks may appear, especially on the paw pads.
- Dryness: The skin may look dry and flaky.
- Pain and discomfort: Walking can become painful if the paw pads are severely affected.
- Secondary infections: Cracks can let in bacteria and fungi, leading to infections.
- Bleeding: The cracks might bleed.
- “Hairy” appearance: The paw pads might look “hairy” because of extra keratin growth.
How is hyperkeratosis diagnosed?
If your vet suspects your dog has hyperkeratosis, they’ll likely perform a physical exam, paying close attention to the paws and nose. They’ll also ask about your dog’s medical history, including breed and any other health conditions.
To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other problems, your vet might also do the following:
- Skin Scrapings: To check for parasites.
- Fungal Cultures: To rule out ringworm.
- Skin Biopsy: To examine a small skin sample under a microscope.
- Blood Tests: To evaluate your dog’s overall health and look for underlying diseases.
How to treat hyperkeratosis in dogs
Hyperkeratosis isn’t curable, but you can manage the symptoms and keep your dog comfortable with a few different strategies. These may include:
Trimming excess keratin
If there’s a lot of extra keratin, your veterinarian or a professional groomer can carefully trim away the excess. It’s important to have a professional do this because if you try trimming at home, you could injure your dog.
Topical treatments and moisturizers
There are many topical treatments that can help keep the affected areas soft and supple:
- Emollients. Moisturizing ointments and balms can soften the skin and keep it from cracking.
- Keratolytics. Medications with salicylic acid or urea can help break down the keratin buildup.
- Paw soaks. Soaking your dog’s paws in warm water, with or without Epsom salts, can soften the skin.
- CBD balms. Some dog owners have found that CBD balms can bring relief.
Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions on how often to apply topical treatments.
If your dog has nasal hyperkeratosis, be sure to use gentle moisturizers and balms to avoid irritating the nose. Paw pad hyperkeratosis may need more aggressive treatment, including keratolytics.
Medications and supplements
Sometimes, medications and supplements can help:
- Address underlying conditions. It’s important to treat any underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, that may be contributing to the hyperkeratosis.
- Antibiotics or antifungals. If your dog has a secondary infection, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or antifungals.
- Zinc supplements. If your veterinarian suspects a zinc deficiency, they may recommend zinc supplements.
- Systemic medications. For autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressants may be needed.
Lifestyle changes and management strategies
You can also make some changes around the house to make your dog more comfortable:
- Soft bedding. Provide soft bedding to reduce pressure on affected areas.
- Avoid harsh surfaces. Limit your dog’s exposure to rough or abrasive surfaces.
- Paw protection. Consider using dog boots to protect your dog’s paw pads, especially when you’re walking on rough terrain.
- Balanced diet. Be sure your dog is eating a balanced diet to support healthy skin.
What’s the prognosis for hyperkeratosis, and can it be prevented?
The prognosis for hyperkeratosis depends on what’s causing it. If the hyperkeratosis is idiopathic, meaning it has no known cause, you can often manage it effectively with topical creams and ointments.
If it’s being caused by some other underlying disease, the prognosis may not be so good.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent hyperkeratosis in your dog:
- Genetic counseling. If your dog has a history of hereditary hyperkeratosis, you may want to avoid breeding them.
- Balanced diet. A nutritionally balanced diet will help prevent deficiencies of zinc and other key nutrients.
- Vaccination. Make sure your puppy receives all recommended vaccinations, including Canine Distemper Virus.
- Parasite control. Prevent fly bites, since these can transmit Leishmaniasis.
In Summary
The key thing to remember is that hyperkeratosis is a manageable condition, even though it can look and feel alarming. The sooner you spot the symptoms and get your dog to the vet, the better the outcome is likely to be.
With consistent veterinary care and some simple changes to your dog’s lifestyle, you can greatly improve their comfort and overall quality of life. Never hesitate to consult with your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and the best course of treatment. They can help you keep your dog happy and healthy!