Disease overview

Verrucous Epidermal Keratinocytic Nevi is a skin condition that presents with a mosaic pattern of normal and abnormal skin segments. These signs occur 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.

Gene name

NSDHL

Inheritance

X-linked incomplete dominance

Signs and symptoms

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

How is it diagnosed

Clinical signs are suggestive, as other conditions may present with similar signs. A skin biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis. Genetic testing is necessary to determine if there is an underlying genetic cause, which can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

, , Mixed Breed

Citations

Leuthard F, Lehner G, Jagannathan V, Leeb T, Welle M. A missense variant in the NSDHL gene in a Chihuahua with a congenital cornification disorder resembling inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevi. Anim Genet. 2019 Dec;50(6):768-771. doi: 10.1111/age.12862. Epub 2019 Oct 1. PMID: 31571289.

Christen M, Austel M, Banovic F, Jagannathan V, Leeb T. NSDHL Frameshift Deletion in a Mixed Breed Dog with Progressive Epidermal Nevi. Genes (Basel). 2020 Oct 30;11(11):1297. doi: 10.3390/genes11111297. PMID: 33143176; PMCID: PMC7716214.

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.