Digital hyperkeratosis as a cause of severe lameness in two Whippets and a Greyhound

In three sight hounds (2 Whippets and 1 Greyhound) with having an obviously unilateral/bilateral lameness of the forelimbs for a long time, the diagnosis of a focal circular hyperkeratosis of the footpads of the 3(rd) and 4(th) toe was made. The treatment consisted of a drastic deep excision of the affected region. The histopathological examination supposed the diagnosis of an idiopathic hyperkeratosis. In one of the three dogs inclusion bodies of the distemper virus could be proved.