
Because the facial areas do not come into contact with hard surfaces to remove keratin, they become susceptible to a buildup of it. Some breeds' facial build is different, such as Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, and Boxers, so their facial areas do not touch the bowl when they eat or drink. Keratin is removed from these areas on your dog when they drink, eat, and walk around. These areas on your dog will look smooth when your pet is in good health. Healthy noses and paw pads on dogs have a fine appearance as there is no excess keratin. Sores or ulcers appear on the dry, outer layer of paw tissue.A small region on the nose becomes rough, dry, and hard.Digital hyperkeratosis can look feathered, rigid, or grooved.
NASODIGITAL HYPERKERATOSIS DOG PAW SKIN
Cracks, openings, slits, or other breaks in the skin on the paw tissue.Abrasions or breakdown on the dry, outer layer of skin on the paw.Symptoms of nasodigital hyperkeratosis to look for in your dog include: What are the Symptoms of Nasodigital Hyperkeratosis? There may also be serology testing and blood work needed to rule out underlying causes. If your dog is younger, there may be diagnostic testing necessary, including a biopsy of the infected area. In some dogs, especially older dogs, the condition can be diagnosed by appearance alone. The vet will also want to know if the condition is making daily routines difficult for your dog.Ī complete physical exam will be conducted to look for other symptoms that could be related to or the cause of nasodigital hyperkeratosis. The vet will want to know when signs were first noticed, and how quickly they are changing. If you take your dog to the vet for a nasodigital hyperkeratosis diagnosis, it will begin by providing a history of your pet's symptoms. Diagnosing Nasodigital Hyperkeratosis in Your Dog But, no matter what age a dog develops nasodigital hyperkeratosis, it cannot be cured, but as a pet owner, you can keep them comfortable. Older dogs often suffer from this condition as an age-related issue. There could be an underlying cause for an excess of keratin in young to middle-aged dogs. Nasodigital hyperkeratosis can develop in any breed of dog as well as either sex, any age, or genetic predisposition. Many times nasodigital hyperkeratosis can be diagnosed by appearance alone, but in some cases, further diagnostic testing is necessary. This condition appears on their paw pads and nose and appears as dried-out, crusty skin. Nasodigital Hyperkeratosis is a condition dogs develop when they experience an overproduction of keratin.
