Ectodermal defect
What is ... ?:
Dogs with this condition are born without hair over as much as two thirds of their body. Hair follicles are totally absent from affected areas of the skin.
How is ... inherited?:
unknown
What does ... mean to your dog & you?:
Dogs with this condition often have a striking pattern of baldness. Their teeth may come in abnormally. Over time the exposed skin may become scaly and grayish in colour. Overall health is generally good.
How is ... diagnosed?:
Hairlessness from birth is suggestive of an ectodermal defect. A skin biopsy will confirm the diagnosis. This is a simple procedure, done with local anesthetic, in which your veterinarian removes a small sample of your dog's footpad for examination by a veterinary pathologist.
How is ... treated?:
There is no specific treatment for the hairlessness.
Breeding advice:
Affected dogs and their parents should not be bred.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
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.
