Canine Diseases of Pads Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Diseases of the pads represent a challenging and clinically significant category of dermatologic conditions in dogs. The pads are specialized structures composed of thick, heavily keratinized epithelium overlying adipose tissue, designed to withstand mechanical stress. When diseased, pad pathology can cause significant pain, lameness, and disability. For the NAVLE, understanding the differential diagnoses, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for pad diseases is essential.

Pad diseases can be categorized into several major groups: hyperkeratotic disorders, immune-mediated conditions, infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and neoplastic processes. Recognizing the clinical patterns and breed predispositions is critical for accurate diagnosis.

Hyperkeratotic Pad Diseases

Hyperkeratosis refers to excessive production of keratin, the structural protein that forms the outer layer of the epidermis. In pad diseases, hyperkeratosis manifests as thickened, crusty, or horn-like protrusions from the pad surface, often described as 'hairy paw pads.'