Hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis is a skin disorder affecting several dog breeds in which thickening of the outermost layer of epidermis, known as the stratum corneum, occurs.

The condition is associated with abnormally high levels of keratin and the term ”hyperkeratosis” literally means ”above normal levels of keratinised tissue”.

The first symptoms usually develop at 4-5 months of age and they affect all footpads.

The pad surface becomes very hard and develops cracking which is prone to infections.

Affected dogs have problem walking on irregular surfaces with nails that are very hard and seem to grow faster.

Symptom severity can vary among dogs, or even between pads of one dog making diagnostics a little harder.

DNA testing may be best option to confirm diagnosis.