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 ectodermal defect inherited?
unknown
What breeds are affected by ectodermal defect?
This condition has been seen in the cocker spaniel, miniature poodle, and whippet.
For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.
What does ectodermal defect 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 ectodermal defect 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 ectodermal defect treated?
There is no specific treatment for the hairlessness.
Affected dogs and their parents should not be bred.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
Copyright © 1998 Canine Inherited Disorders Database. All rights reserved.
Revised: October 30, 2001.This database is funded jointly by the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.