The members of these clubs are required to abide by certain ethics. These are both RARE in dogs in the United States. Digital Hyperkeratosis is inherited by a single pair of recessive genes, one from each parent. A dog can be a carrier, and show no symptoms of the disease. On the foot pad, the outermost layer of skin cells produce something called keratin.
Keratin is a fibrous protein barrier that serves as protection from the environment.
With Digital Hyperkeratosis, there is a defect in the process of the production of keratin. This leads to an increase in the thickness of the outer layer of skin, and results in fissures, erosions, and ulcerations in very dry tissue. These lesions are painful, usually persist for life, and cause lameness. Depending upon the severity of the disease, treatments may include surgical removal of excess dead tissue, and any foreign material that may be in the lesion, wet soaks and wraps, and topical lubricants that help break down the excessive keratin. The genetics of Cystinuria are complicated.