Disease overview

Hyperkeratosis of the footpad is a skin maturation disorder characterized by thick, hardened footpads. This uncomfortable condition leads to cracking of the footpads as early as 8 weeks of age.

Gene name

FAM83G

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Clinical signs include thickened, hardened footpads. This can lead to severe discomfort and pain, as footpad cracking occurs. This may extend beyond the footpad to the rest of the body, which can lead to atopic dermatitis and recurrent skin infections.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will review health history, conduct a thorough exam, and note any clinical signs. Laboratory tests and a skin biopsy may be indicated to help determine a diagnosis. Genetic testing assists veterinarians with diagnosis and helps breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

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Citations

Drögemüller M, Jagannathan V, Becker D, Drögemüller C, Schelling C, Plassais J, Kaerle C, Dufaure de Citres C, Thomas A, Müller EJ, Welle MM, Roosje P, Leeb T. A mutation in the FAM83G gene in dogs with hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis (HFH). PLoS Genet. 2014 May 15;10(5):e1004370. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004370. PMID: 24832243; PMCID: PMC4022470.

Sayyab S, Viluma A, Bergvall K, Brunberg E, Jagannathan V, Leeb T, Andersson G, Bergström TF. Whole-Genome Sequencing of a Canine Family Trio Reveals a FAM83G Variant Associated with Hereditary Footpad Hyperkeratosis. G3 (Bethesda). 2016 Jan 8;6(3):521-7. doi: 10.1534/g3.115.025643. PMID: 26747202; PMCID: PMC4777115.

Schleifer SG, Versteeg SA, van Oost B, Willemse T. Familial footpad hyperkeratosis and inheritance of keratin 2, keratin 9, and desmoglein 1 in two pedigrees of Irish Terriers. Am J Vet Res. 2003 Jun;64(6):715-20. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2003.64.715. PMID: 12828257.

Disclaimer

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