Vitamin A-responsive dermatosis
What is ... ?:
This is a condition where there is scaling and crusting around the hair follicles. There is no nutritional deficiency in the diet; however the condition responds to dietary supplementation with large doses of vitamin A.
How is ... inherited?:
unknown
What does ... mean to your dog & you?:
There is dandruff, hair loss, and marked crusting. Your dog's health is otherwise unaffected.
How is ... diagnosed?:
A skin biopsy is necessary to make the diagnosis. This is a simple procedure, done with local anesthetic, in which your veterinarian removes a small sample of your dog's skin for examination by a veterinary pathologist. The biopsy will show characteristic changes of this condition.
How is ... treated?:
As the name implies, the condition is treated with large doses of vitamin A.
Breeding advice:
Although little is known about inheritance, it is recommended not to breed affected dogs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
Resources:
Ackerman, L. 1999. The Genetic Connection. A Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs. p. 62. AAHA Press. Lakewood, Colorado.
What breeds are affected by ... ?
Tags:
- Disorder Type:
This database is a joint initiative of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Comments may be addressed to CIDD@upei.ca. Please note that we are unable to provide medical or breeding advice. Please contact your veterinarian.
Permission is granted to reprint pages from the database, provided that credit is given as follows: Crook A et al. 2011. Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD).
Copyright © 2011 Canine Inherited Disorders Database.
