- Dry, crusty layer of skin.
- Cracks, fissures, and bleeding.
- Pain or sensitivity in the affected area (nose, paws, ears)
- Loss of skin color in the affected area.
- Frequent licking of the paws.
- Limping.
- Lameness.
- Reduced physical activity.
What does hyperkeratosis do to dogs?
Canine hyperkeratosis is a condition that
causes your dog to produce too much keratin
. Keratin is the main protein that holds skin cells together and creates a barrier from the surrounding environment. Unfortunately, when keratin is produced in excess, it can cause more harm than good.
Is hyperkeratosis painful for dogs?
The good news is that the appearance of hyperkeratosis is typically not a life-threatening issue for your dog. However,
hyperkeratosis on the nose can be extremely uncomfortable, and the buildup of keratin on your dog’s paws can actually become painful to walk on if left untreated
.
What does hyperkeratosis look like in dogs?
What are the symptoms? Hyperkeratosis lesions mainly affect the nose and paw pads, more rarely other parts of the body (edge of the ears, skin of the stomach, friction areas, calluses, etc.). The nose can thicken, lose pigmentation, and sometimes develop crusts, giving it
a dry and rough appearance
.
Can coconut oil help hyperkeratosis in dogs?
A: You can put coconut oil on your dog’s nose, but it’s more beneficial to use a product like Snout Soother that is specially formulated to soothe and heal everything from dry dog noses to hyperkeratosis of the nose. It’s normal to get a little worried about putting something on your dog’s nose.
Can you cut off hyperkeratosis?
You cannot cure your dog’s hyperkeratosis
, but you can keep the condition under control. Your vet may trim back extra hairs on particularly hairy dog feet as a way to improve comfort. He may also suggest applying a cream to your dog’s paws regularly.
How do you stop hyperkeratosis in dogs?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure at this time. However, the skin condition can be managed by
softening and removing the hardened skin on your dog’s paws and nose
. Make an appointment with your vet to have this done if necessary.
Is dog hyperkeratosis contagious?
Canine hyperkeratosis itself is
not contagious
. But some causes of the condition can spread between dogs. For example, the genetic mutations that cause hereditary nasal parakeratosis may be passed down from one generation to the next.
Is hyperkeratosis cancerous?
Hyperkeratosis is a
non-cancerous change
. The top most squamous cells in the skin form the keratin layer.
What causes the overproduction of keratin?
Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein found in fingernails, hair, and skin. The body may produce extra keratin as a result of
inflammation, as a protective response to pressure, or as a result of a genetic condition
. Most forms of hyperkeratosis are treatable with preventive measures and medication.
How do you get rid of hyperkeratosis?
Warts and actinic keratosis may be removed with
cryosurgery or laser therapy
. Topical agents used in the treatment of hyperkeratosis may include: Salicylic acid to break up the keratin, causing the thick skin to soften and be shed, thus reducing the thickness of the skin.
Why does hyperkeratosis occur?
Genetic hyperkeratosis
In some cases, hyperkeratosis can occur on skin that has not been irritated or previously exposed to an infection. In such a case, it
may be caused by an inherited condition
. The signs of inherited keratosis usually begin in infancy or childhood and can affect large areas of the body.
What breeds are prone to hyperkeratosis?
There are several different causes of hyperkeratosis in dogs. Certain breeds like
Labrador Retrievers
are prone to developing hyperkeratosis on their nose due to a hereditary condition. Irish Terrier and Dogue de Bordeaux breeds are prone to developing footpad hyperkeratosis.
What dogs are prone to hyperkeratosis?
- Labradors.
- Golden Retrievers.
- Irish and Bedlington Terriers.
- English Bulldogs and Frenchies.
- Dogues de Bordeaux.
- Boxers.
Is hyperkeratosis common in dogs?
Hyperkeratosis happens most often on a dog’s paw or nose
. It is an abnormal overgrowth of keratin that leaves dry, flaky, cracked crusts on a dog’s skin. Causes may be unknown or related to an underlying medical condition. Most forms of paw hyperkeratosis are harmless, but they could cause pain or limping.
What does hyperkeratosis look like?
Follicular hyperkeratosis, also known as keratosis pilaris (KP), is a skin condition characterized by excessive development of keratin in hair follicles, resulting in
rough, cone-shaped, elevated papules
. The openings are often closed with a white plug of encrusted sebum.
