Hyperkeratosis is a skin condition that causes the outer layer of skin to thicken excessively. In dogs, it’s most often seen on the nose and paw pads, which are typically hairless.
For our canine friends, hyperkeratosis can be painful, uncomfortable, and make walking difficult. Untreated, it can also lead to secondary infections.
This condition can be genetic, triggered by environmental factors, or a sign of an underlying health problem. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and, if possible, addressing the underlying cause.
This article is designed to be a comprehensive guide to understanding, managing, and preventing hyperkeratosis in dogs, so you can help keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
What is hyperkeratosis in dogs?
Hyperkeratosis is a condition in which skin cells produce too much keratin. Keratin is a protein that’s a key building block of skin, hair, and nails. Keratinocytes are the cells in the epidermis that produce keratin. When keratinocytes go into overdrive and churn out too much keratin, hyperkeratosis can result.
This condition can affect different areas of a dog’s body:
- Nasal hyperkeratosis. With this type, the skin on the nose thickens and crusts over.
- Footpad hyperkeratosis. This involves the hardening and thickening of the paw pads, which can then crack and fissure.
- Ear margin hyperkeratosis. Here, the edges of the ears thicken and become scaly.
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkeratosis?
Hyperkeratosis typically appears on the nose or paw pads, and it’s pretty hard to miss. Here’s what to look for:
Rough, thickened skin
The affected skin looks thick and rough. Some people describe it as “frond-like,” meaning it looks like a feather or fern leaf.
Cracks and fissures
The thickened skin can crack, especially on paw pads. These cracks are painful and can easily get infected. They may also bleed.
Pain and difficulty walking
If your dog has hyperkeratosis on their paw pads, walking can be uncomfortable or even painful. You might notice them limping or avoiding putting weight on the affected paw.
Bleeding
Deep cracks and fissures are prone to bleeding. Bleeding increases the risk of infection, so it’s important to keep an eye on any open wounds.
What Causes Hyperkeratosis in Dogs?
A variety of factors can lead to hyperkeratosis in dogs, from genetics to environmental conditions. In some cases, an underlying medical condition may be to blame.
Genetic Factors
Some dogs are simply more prone to developing hyperkeratosis due to their breed or family history.
Breed Predisposition
Certain breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds, and various Griffon breeds, are more likely to develop hyperkeratosis than others.
Hereditary Forms
Nasodigital hyperkeratosis, a specific type affecting the nose and paws, is a hereditary condition seen in Cocker Spaniels and other breeds.
Environmental Factors
A dog’s environment can also play a role in the development of hyperkeratosis.
Trauma
Repeated trauma or pressure on the paws, such as from running on hard surfaces, can contribute to the condition. Similarly, pressure points on the elbows from lying on hard surfaces can trigger hyperkeratosis in those areas.
Irritants
Exposure to harsh chemicals, like those found in some cleaning products, or abrasive surfaces can irritate the skin and lead to hyperkeratosis.
Medical Conditions
In some cases, hyperkeratosis is a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
Systemic Diseases
Certain systemic diseases, such as distemper and leishmaniasis, can cause hyperkeratosis as a secondary symptom.
Immune-Mediated Diseases
Autoimmune conditions like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Pemphigus Foliaceus can also be associated with hyperkeratosis.
Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis
This condition involves either a zinc deficiency or impaired zinc absorption. It can be caused by dietary imbalances, such as excessive mineral supplementation, which is sometimes seen in Great Danes and other large breeds.
How do vets diagnose hyperkeratosis in dogs?
If you suspect your dog has hyperkeratosis, your vet will likely perform a thorough examination.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Physical Exam: The vet will carefully look at the affected areas, paying close attention to how bad the lesions are and where they’re located.
- Medical History: The vet will ask about your dog’s history, including breed, when the problem started, and any other health issues.
- Diagnostic Tests: The vet may recommend:
- Skin Biopsy: Taking a small sample to confirm hyperkeratosis and rule out other problems.
- Blood Tests: Checking for underlying diseases or zinc deficiencies.
- Skin Samples/Cultures: Ruling out infections.
How to treat hyperkeratosis in dogs
While you can’t cure hyperkeratosis, you can definitely manage the symptoms and give your dog some relief. Here are some approaches your veterinarian might recommend:
Topical treatments and moisturizers
Topical treatments are often the first line of defense against hyperkeratosis. These focus on softening and moisturizing the affected areas.
- Keratolytics: These medications help soften and remove the excess keratin buildup. Your vet can prescribe the right one for your dog’s specific case.
- Paw balms and waxes: Specialized paw balms and waxes can soothe and moisturize thickened paw pads. For nasal hyperkeratosis, stick to canine-safe moisturizing balms.
Trimming excess keratin
Sometimes, the excess keratin needs to be trimmed away. This is where professional guidance is key.
- Importance of professional guidance: Trimming should always be done by a veterinarian or an experienced groomer. Improper trimming can cause pain, bleeding, and even infection. Don’t attempt this at home unless you’ve been specifically instructed and trained by a professional.
- Safe trimming techniques: The key is to soften the keratin first with water or emollients before trimming. This makes the process much easier and less painful for your dog.
Addressing underlying conditions
If an underlying condition is causing the hyperkeratosis, treating that condition is crucial.
- Systemic disease treatment: If the hyperkeratosis is due to a systemic disease like distemper or leishmaniasis, your vet will focus on treating that underlying disease.
- Zinc supplementation: In cases of zinc-responsive dermatosis, supplementing with zinc can make a big difference.
Lifestyle management
Making some changes to your dog’s lifestyle can also help manage hyperkeratosis.
- Soft bedding: Provide soft bedding to reduce pressure on elbows and other pressure points.
- Avoiding harsh surfaces: Minimize your dog’s exposure to abrasive surfaces that can irritate paw pads. Think soft grass instead of rough concrete.
Prognosis and Prevention of Hyperkeratosis in Dogs
The outlook for a dog with hyperkeratosis depends on what’s causing it.
Prognosis
If the hyperkeratosis is inherited or idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown, the dog should do well as long as the condition is properly managed. If it’s due to an underlying disease, the prognosis will depend on the severity and treatability of that disease.
Prevention
There are several things you can do to lower your dog’s risk of developing hyperkeratosis.
- Genetic screening. If you’re buying a puppy from a breeder, ask whether they screen their dogs for a genetic predisposition to hyperkeratosis. Avoid breeding dogs who are known to carry genes for the condition.
- Nutritional management. Feed your dog a high-quality diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies, especially zinc deficiency.
- Vaccination and parasite control. Make sure your dog is vaccinated against distemper, and protect your dog from flies to prevent leishmaniasis.
Closing Thoughts
Hyperkeratosis, which causes a buildup of keratin on a dog’s skin, is a relatively common condition. While it’s not generally life-threatening, it can be painful and limit a dog’s mobility.
If you see signs of hyperkeratosis on your dog’s paw pads or nose, it’s important to talk with your veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing the condition and improving your dog’s quality of life.
With proper management, which may include treating the underlying cause, using topical medications, and making lifestyle adjustments, you can help your dog live a more comfortable life.