Dog Breeds and Skin Disease

By Cathy Doggins


Breed is a crucial evaluative criteria in gauging dog skin illness. Purebred dogs are selected based on a particular set of criteria. This stability in desired traits offers a higher degree of certainty in documenting related diseases in the breed. Inbreeding among purebred dogs also guarantees that unwanted traits, such as undesirable health problems, continue to be present. Over time , this results in conditions being associated with each purebred breed.

Breed is not invariably a basis for diagnosing an illness. Some skin conditions can be the result of unique genetic traits of one family grouping or parent. As an example, the disease blistering dermatosis was diagnosed in 4 related litters of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed.

Some conditions are associated with just one dog breed. For example, the Shar pei, a breed well known for chronic skin diseases, is known to have primary mucinosis as a disorder. The disease is rarely found in other dog breeds. Making analysis even more difficult are anomalies that are affected by the breeds geography. For example, atopic dermatitis is more likely to be diagnosed in English Setters in some geographies, but. not others.

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

Another breed specific disease is symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy. It was diagnosed in Gordon setters, German shepherds and English setters. Other large breeds also have occurrences of the condition. Signs of the skin illness are loose nails, lameness and paw licking. Diagnosis is based on breed, clinical symptoms and skin cultures. Investigation into the cells underneath the nails also helps to confirm any diagnosis.

Labs also have a skin condition connected with the breed. The condition is called Interdigital cystic folliculitis and furunculosis. The disease is distinguished by cysts that develop on the skin pads. Dogs may also be grouped by skin pigment. Those with lighter skin like Bassett hounds and Dalmatians are in danger of sun prompted diseases. As mentioned before, here geography performs a part since the condition is induced by the sun. As one can expect, the disease affects skin areas that are not densely covered with the dogs coat.

Skin disease diagnosis is difficult for even he most experienced diagnostician. Lab tests, symptoms examined in a vet's office, and breed are all convenient tools in determining the cause of any condition having an impact on the skin.




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