Disease overview

Lethal acrodermatitis is serious inherited skin condition that leads to growth and development abnormalities.

Gene name

MKLN1

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Affected dogs present with immune deficiency, which leads to higher susceptibility to bronchopneuomonia and skin infections. Skin lesions, diarrhea, coat color dilution, and failure to thrive are common signs. Overall, affected dogs exhibit extremely slow growth and can be half the size of their littermates.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. A skin biopsy can help with 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

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Citations

Bauer A, Jagannathan V, Högler S, Richter B, McEwan NA, Thomas A, Cadieu E, André C, Hytönen MK, Lohi H, Welle MM, Roosje P, Mellersh C, Casal ML, Leeb T. MKLN1 splicing defect in dogs with lethal acrodermatitis. PLoS Genet. 2018 Mar 22;14(3):e1007264. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007264. PMID: 29565995; PMCID: PMC5863938.

Disclaimer

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