Nasal and digital hyperkeratosis in the older dog
10-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever living in Madrid, with a thickened, dry nasal planum and pads showing horny projections and fissures that cause mild lameness. The rest of the examination is normal.
Which statement about this case is correct?
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A. It is zinc-responsive dermatosis and must be supplemented for life
Zinc-responsive dermatosis mainly affects young dogs of Nordic breeds or puppies on inadequate diets, with perioral and periocular crusting.
B. It is hereditary nasal parakeratosis of the Labrador
Hereditary nasal parakeratosis begins in young dogs (under one year) and affects only the nasal planum, not the pads.
C. Oral glucocorticoids are the treatment of choice
It is not an immune-mediated inflammatory process; glucocorticoids do not reduce excess keratin and have unnecessary side effects.
D. If leishmaniosis, pemphigus foliaceus and other causes are ruled out, it is managed with hydration, emollients and keratolytics for life
Correct. Idiopathic nasodigital hyperkeratosis of the older dog is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is not curable: it is controlled by hydration (wet compresses), emollients and keratolytics (propylene glycol, urea, salicylic acid) and careful trimming of excess keratin.
lightbulb Key takeaway
With nasal and digital hyperkeratosis in Spain, always run Leishmania serology. Other differentials: pemphigus foliaceus, lupus, superficial necrolytic dermatitis, zinc-responsive dermatosis, distemper and Labrador nasal parakeratosis. If the dog is otherwise well and everything is negative, the idiopathic form is most likely.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.