Disease overview

Palmoplantar Keratoderma, also called Pachyonychia Congenita, is a skin maturation condition characterized by thick and hardened footpads. It leads to cracking of the footpads and discomfort as early as 10 weeks of age.

Gene name

KRT16

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Clinical signs include thickened and hardened footpads. This can lead to severe discomfort and pain with cracking, which can increase susceptibility to secondary skin infections and lameness.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. A skin biopsy can help with diagnosis. Genetic testing is necessary to determine if there is an underlying genetic cause, which can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Plassais J, Guaguère E, Lagoutte L, Guillory AS, de Citres CD, Degorce-Rubiales F, Delverdier M, Vaysse A, Quignon P, Bleuart C, Hitte C, Fautrel A, Kaerle C, Bellaud P, Bensignor E, Queney G, Bourrat E, Thomas A, André C. A spontaneous KRT16 mutation in a dog breed: a model for human focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (FNEPPK). J Invest Dermatol. 2015 Apr;135(4):1187-1190. doi: 10.1038/jid.2014.526. Epub 2014 Dec 18. PMID: 25521457.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.