A callus is a gray, hairless, wrinkled pad of thickened skin overlying a bony pressure point. It is caused by lying on a hard surface. Calluses tend to occur in heavy dogs and dogs who are kenneled on cement floors. The most common site is the elbow. Other sites are the outside of the hocks, the buttocks, and the sides of the legs.
If the callus goes unchecked, the surface breaks down, forming an ulcer or abscess that can become infected. This then becomes a most difficult problem to treat.
Treatment: Provide the dog with a soft sleeping surface, such as a dog mattress or foam pad covered with fabric, to take pressure off the callus. An infected ulcer over bone must be treated by a veterinarian.