Paw Pad Keratomas in Dogs

In dogs, corns on paw pads (paw pad keratomas) are well-delineated areas of hyperkeratosis that usually develop on digital, metacarpal, or metatarsal pads. They are usually seen in older greyhounds and may be associated with pressure injury. This study prospectively and retrospectively examined 30 dogs with paw pad corns treated by surgical excision (n = 27) or distal digital ostectomy with pad repositioning (n = 3). A follow-up period (1–5 years) was implemented to assess recurrence or lameness. All dogs with corns in the study were greyhounds, whippets, or greyhound mixes; males (n = 25) outnumbered females (n = 5). Multiple corns were identified in 23% of cases. Most corns were located on the thoracic limb digital pad (n = 36) rather than the pelvic limb digital pad (n = 4). Digits 3 and 4 were most commonly affected. Surgical excision resulted in a recurrence rate of over 50%, identified during long-term follow-up, and distal digital ostectomy yielded good results in some cases.

Commentary: These results provide insight on the pathophysiology of corn formation in greyhounds. Corns probably develop because of greyhound anatomic differences, mechanical stresses, or foreign bodies. Data on success rates for resolution of corns allows the clinical veterinarian to appropriately advise clients about efficacy of surgical procedures. In addition, owners of sighthounds should be advised about the risks for corns in such breeds.

Corns in dogs; signalment, possible aetiology, and response to surgical treatment. Guilliard MJ, Segboer I, Shearer DH. J SMALL ANIM PRACT 51:162-168, 2010.