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Skin Disease and Dog Breeds

By Cathy Doggins


Canine breed is a crucial diagnostic criteria in evaluating dog skin conditions. Purebred dogs are selected based on a specific set of criteria. This stability in desired traits offers a higher degree of certainty in understanding associated diseases in the breed. Inbreeding among purebred dogs also ensures that unwelcome marks, such as canine skin problems, continue to be present. Over the course of time this leads to diseases being associated with each purebred breed.

Breed is not always a determinant of disease. Some dermal conditions can be the result of unique genetic traits of one litter or parent. For instance, the illness blistering dermatosis was discovered in 4 related litters of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Some conditions are linked with a singular dog breed. For instance, the Shar pei, a breed known for chronic skin conditions, is known to have primary mucinosis as a disorder. The disorder is not as prominent in other breeds. Making research even more complex are aberrations that are impacted by geography. For example, atopic dermatitis is more likely to be diagnosed in English Setters in some geographies, but. not others.

Some diseases are now connected with several dog breeds. Sebaceous adenitis is now linked with Standard Poodles, Newfoundlands and Belgian Shepherds. Studies show that the disease is genetic, even though it varies based on the age at which is first appears. When a veterinary dermatological doctor diagnoses the condition, breed becomes a vital evaluative factor.

Another breed specific disease is symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy. It was originally diagnosed in Gordon setters, German shepherds and English setters. Other large breeds also have occurrences of the condition. Indications of the skin disease include nail problems, lameness and licking the paws. Diagnosis is based on breed, clinical symptoms and skin cultures. Examination of the cells underneath the nails also helps to confirm any diagnosis.

Labradors also have a skin disorder linked with the breed. The condition is called Interdigital cystic folliculitis and furunculosis. The illness is identified by cysts that develop on the skin pads. Dogs can also be grouped by skin pigment. Those with lighter skin such as Bassett hounds and Dalmatians are in danger of sun induced diseases. As discussed before, here geography performs a part since the condition is induced by the sun. As one can expect, the illness affects skin areas that are not entirely covered with the dogs coat.

Skin illness diagnosis is a challenge for even the most experienced veterinarians. Lab tests, symptoms examined in a vet's office, and breed are all valuable tools in determining the root of any condition having an impact on the skin.




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