In this condition the pads of the feet are softer than normal. Swelling and ulceration can develop, leading to tenderness and lameness. The condition occurs in young German shepherd dogs and the cause of the abnormality is unknown.

How is footpad disorder in the German shepherd inherited?

Unknown. Typically, several dogs in a litter are affected.
For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.

What does footpad disorder in the German shepherd mean to your dog & you?

The condition develops in German shepherd puppies of a few weeks to a few months in age. Usually multiple pups in the litter are affected. The pads of the feet are soft, and swelling, ulceration and crusting may develop on some of the pads causing variable pain and lameness.

How is footpad disorder in the German shepherd diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made based on the clinical signs and a skin biopsy. This is a simple procedure, done with local anaesthetic, in which your veterinarian removes a small sample of your dog's footpad for examination by a veterinary pathologist. The biopsy will show changes characteristic of this condition.

How is footpad disorder in the German shepherd treated?

There is no specific treatment for the softness of the footpads.
Avoid surfaces that will be harder on your dog's feet. Your veterinarian will work with you to care for any ulcers that develop. Usually lesions clear up by about 1 year of age, although the
footpads will remain soft.

Breeding advice
Although little is known about the inheritance of this condition, affected dogs and their parents should not be bred.