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COLLAGEN DISORDER OF THE FOOTPADS

This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Note for Pet Owners:
This is a rare disorder

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Description
This conditionis caused by a structural disorder of the collagen in the foot pads. It is linked to renal amyloidosis.


Cause
Unknown
. Possibly inherited.


Breed Occurrence
Only reported to occur in young German Shepherd dogs 


Signs
Lameness due to soft, ulcerated pads on the feet


Complications
Deposition of amyloid ( a protein) in the kidneys usually occurs at about 3 years of age - and this can be fatal.


Diagnosis
Biopsy samples of the footpads are examined microscopically under a microscope and histopathology is one of destruction (lysis) of the collagen with local inflammation and increased numbers of  neutrophil cells.


Treatment
There is no specific treatment. The feet can be kept covered with commercial or home-made boots to protect them from injury. The foot pad ulcers heal by themselves by about 1 year of age


Prognosis
The prognosis is not good for those animals that go on to develop  renal amyloidosis.


Long term problems
Renal disease and ultimately kidney failure

 

 Updated January 2016 

 
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