Disease overview

Verrucous Epidermal Keratinocytic Nevi is a skin condition that presents with a mosaic pattern of normal and abnormal skin segments. This occurs due to improper cornification of the outer layer of the skin. Scales can become progressively darker, leading to thick gray or black sections that flake off. Larger, thicker scales can lead to discomfort, though this condition does not present with itchiness. This condition only occurs in females and it is lethal during development in males.

Gene name

NSDHL

Inheritance

X-linked incomplete dominance

Signs and symptoms

Affected dogs present with skin that is rough and thick, with greasy flakes that may stick to the hair. There may be a thickening of the footpads or other thickened and pigmented regions of the body. Other signs include severe lameness and an overall offensive odor. This disease is early onset, and typically presents soon after birth. This condition can cause increased susceptibility to skin infections.

How is it diagnosed

Clinical signs that are suggestive of Verrucous Epidermal Keratinocytic Nevi can be similar to those associated with other conditions. A skin biopsy can provide a more definitive diagnosis. Genetic testing is necessary to determine an underlying genetic cause.

Breeds at higher risk

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Citations

Bauer A, De Lucia M, Jagannathan V, Mezzalira G, Casal ML, Welle MM, Leeb T. A Large Deletion in the NSDHL Gene in Labrador Retrievers with a Congenital Cornification Disorder. G3 (Bethesda). 2017 Sep 7;7(9):3115-3121. doi: 10.1534/g3.117.1124. PMID: 28739597; PMCID: PMC5592936.

De Lucia M, Angileri M, Bauer A, Spycher M, Jaggannathan V, Denti D, Di Diodoro F, Ferro S, Mezzalira G, Welle M, Leeb T. X-linked cutaneous mosaicism in a dog. Vet Dermatol. 2019 Aug;30(4):361-362. doi: 10.1111/vde.12748. Epub 2019 Apr 22. PMID: 31012178.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.