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CONSIDER THIS CASE PEER REVIEWED Hepatocutaneous Syndrome in a Shiba Inu Joel D. Ray, DVM, MS A 13-year-old, 10-kg neutered male Shiba Inu presented for erythema on the plantar and palmar surfaces and pruritus and interdigital crusting of all 4 feet. HISTORY The skin disease had a gradual onset of approxi- mately 2 months. Clinical signs included licking and chewing of the feet as well as licking of the perianal area, with subsequent development of erythema, crusts, and hyperkeratotic changes of the footpads. Pruritus was most severe in the feet. The clinical signs were not seasonal. The owner also noticed tremors that lasted approximately 15 minutes and irregular sleep/wake patterns. The dog had been previously diagnosed with glaucoma, which was managed with 1% pred- nisolone acetate drops and lanoprost ophthalmic solution. No coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or diar- rhea was reported. Home Care The dog was the only pet in the house and an indoor/outdoor dog. He was current on immuniza- tions and received monthly heartworm and topical flea and tick preventives. The dog’s diet consisted of a dry kibble supplemented with cooked chicken. Weight loss was not noted; water and food intake was within normal limits. Previous Treatment The dog was seen by another veterinarian 2 months previously for inflamed footpads and pododermatitis. 38 Today’s Veterinary Practice July/August 2011 CONSIDER THIS CASE OVERVIEW This case report describes a 13-year- old Shiba Inu diagnosed with canine hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS). The initial presenting signs were dull moth-eaten hair coat with erythema, crusts on the feet, and discoloration of pedal hairs. Diagnosis of HCS was made based on abdominal ultrasound and histopathology of skin biopsies. The case was managed with amino acid administration and nutritional and hepatic support. The dog had an excellent dermatologic response for a brief period, but was euthanized several weeks after initial presentation due to a declining quality of life.