What Breed Says About Skin Disease In Dogs
Breed is an important evaluative factor in evaluating dog skin conditions. Purebred dogs are scored based on a specific set of factors. This stability in traits provides a high degree of certainty in documenting related diseases in the breed. Inbreeding among purebred dogs also guarantees that unwanted traits, such as canine skin problems, continue to be found. Over the course of time this contributes to conditions being connected with each purebred dog breed.
Breed is not invariably a basis for diagnosing an disease. Some skin conditions can be the result of unique genetic traits of one litter or parent. For instance, the disease blistering dermatosis was diagnosed in 4 genetically related litters of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed.
Some medical issues are connected with only one breed. For instance, the Shar pei, a breed widely known for chronic skin conditions, is known to have primary mucinosis as a disorder. The disorder is not as prominent in other breeds. Making analysis even more complex are aberrations that are impacted by geography. For example, atopic dermatitis has a higher incidence in English Setters in some geographies, but. not others.
Some diseases are now associated with several breeds. Sebaceous adenitis is now linked with Standard Poodles, Newfoundlands and Belgian Shepherds. Studies show that the skin condition is inherited, although it varies based on the age at which is first appears. When a veterinary skin specialist diagnoses the condition, breed becomes an essential evaluative factor.
Another breed specific condition is symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy. It was discovered in Gordon setters, German shepherds and English setters. Other large breeds also have occurrences of the condition. Signs of the skin illness include loosening of the nails, lameness and licking the paws. Diagnosis is based upon breed, clinical symptoms and skin cultures. Investigation of the cells beneath the nails also helps to confirm any diagnosis.
Labradors also have a skin disorder associated with the breed. The condition is referred to as 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 induced conditions. As discussed before, here geography plays a role 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 the most experienced veterinarians. Lab tests, clinical symptoms, and breed are all good tools in discerning the reason behind any condition having an impact on the skin.
Cathy Doggins is a highly regarded writer and editor for the well-liked internet site http://www.dog-health-guide.org. When not writing about canine skin, Cathy can be seen working at any one of several pet shelters.
