Signs and treatment of split paw pad disease in 14 dogs

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Split paw pad dermatosis (SPPD) in dogs is characterised clinically by horizontal splitting and peeling of the paw pads with frequent recurrence. There is currently no published study characterising the history, clinical signs and management of the disease. OBJECTIVES: To gather clinical information on affected dogs, including: signalment, possible risk or predisposing factors, disease progression and response to therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective questionnaire-based evaluation of client-owned dogs. RESULTS: Fourteen dogs were included with histologically compatible paw pad biopsies. The most frequent presenting signs were pain, lameness, pruritus and licking, and in most dogs, all four paws were affected during the course of the disease. Eight of 13 (61%) of dogs weighed > 20 kg (mean 24.6 kg, median 28 kg). Of the 14 dogs, three were German shepherd dogs, five had a seasonal occurrence, and four had concurrent canine atopic dermatitis. No single treatment was effective in preventing relapses, although a small subgroup responded to anti-inflammatory medication. Supportive paw pad-protective measures showed positive results in some dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The collected information failed to identify a single factor contributing to the development of SPPD. Clinicians should therefore investigate multiple aetiologies, including hypersensitivity diseases, excessive shearing force movement, moisture, heat, seasonality and excessive weight. Treatment supportive of the skin barrier may be of benefit. Owing to the substantial variability of characteristics in this study, we propose to change the term to split paw pad dermatosis.