Ichthyosis (ICT-A)
- ICT-A is a type of dermatitis (skin disease) its caused by the skin cells not functioning properly. It leads to large scales on the skin; there is no treatment for the disease, but it does decrease in some older dogs. It can be seen soon after birth and presents as large dandruff on the dog’s back and belly.
- Affected Breeds: Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle.
Curly coat/dry eye (CC/DE)
- CC/DE is a condition affecting the dogs skin and eyes where the dog is unable to produce tears due to the lack of watery discharge from the lacrimal glands. This makes their eyes very sore, resulting in dry and flaky skin. This also affected their feet, which makes walking and standing difficult and painful.
- The curly coat is noticeable from birth as the puppy’s coat is unusually curly and dry; they will also have oily fur and skin deterioration and inflammation. Signs of dry eyes are the dog rubbing their eyes, squinting and being sensitive to light. The eyes may be inflamed and red, or the cornea may appear dry and dull; there is commonly thick discharge in or around the eye.
- Affected Breeds: Australian Cobberdog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cavapoo
Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
- This is a dermatological condition that is most commonly found in Standard Poodles, where the Sebaceous glands in the skin become inflamed and then destroyed. This leads to hair loss and secondary skin infections. It also presents with silvery dandruff stuck to the coat, and the dog may not like being groomed, especially around its tail and feet.
- Breeds Affected: Japanese Akita, Standard Poodle
Lethal Acrodermatitis (LAD)
- LAD is a serious skin disorder where puppies develop skin lesions and have poor growth (failure to thrive). The lesions develop as redness on the skin and strongly suck scales (dry skin), predominantly on their feet, elbows, hocks and muzzle. Callous or rough patches will also occur on the foot pads. Dogs affected by LAD are also immunodeficient, so they will suffer from skin infections such as Malassezia or Candida. Unfortunately, affected puppies are usually put to sleep as the condition is severe, reduces their lifespan and is very painful.
- Affected Breeds: Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier
Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS)
- MLS affects the development and structure of the connective tissue. This affects multiple organs and structures, including the bones, heart, skin and muscle. The disease is defined by short toes on the front feet (sometimes all four feet), high-set creased ears on a flat skull with extra cartilage in them, slant, narrow eyes and very thick, tight skin with little scruff. Affected puppies are small in size with a stiff gait. Not all affected puppies will show these signs. The effect of the short outer toes means the dogs walk like ballerinas on their middle toes. They have a very good social temperament, although they have been reported to develop seizures. Some dogs can live normal lifespans as the condition stabilises as they mature, but they will remain small. Often, they die young as a result of problems associated with the disease. This disease is unique to Beagles.
- Affected Breeds: Beagle.
Hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK)
- HNPK causes the dog’s nose to dry out, resulting in inflammation and continuous irritation of the skin on the nose. It presents with a dry, rough nose, which over time changes to a lighter colour. Brown crusts may also develop on the edge of the nose. Signs present from 6-12 months of age.
- Affected Breeds: Australian Cobberdog, Australian Labradoodle, Labrador Retriever, Labradoodle
Hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis (HFH)
- HFH, also known as corny feet, is where the dog’s footpads become thick and hard. The result is cracks and crevices forming, which are painful for the dog and can lead to infections. Affected dogs will have fast-growing nails which become deformed and crumbly.
- Affected Breeds: Bedlington Terrier, Dogue de Bordeaux, Irish Terrier, Kromfohrländer, Norfolk Terrier
