Ichthyosis is a skin disease that consists of a seborrheic process characterized by the appearance of greyish scales on the skin of the dogs. Occasionally, secondary infections, blisters, onychogryphosis and hyperkeratosis may appear.
It is a rare disease that affects puppies. Terriers have a greater predisposition to the disease and especially golden retrievers, many of whom are carriers of the disease. Keep reading this article on our site to learn more about ichthyosis in dogs, symptoms and treatment
What is ichthyosis in dogs?
Ichthyosis is a dermatological problem that can affect dogs and, much less frequently, cats. It is a primary seborrheic disorder that is mainly characterized by a large desquamation of the skin and on the pads, especially the plantar ones.
It should be mentioned that it is a rare disease and is usually evident from birth, affecting young dogs in their first months of life.
Types of ichthyosis in dogs
Ichthyosis can be of two types:
- Epidermolytic ichthyosis: appears in younger puppies, from birth. Blisters form on the skin.
- Ichthyosis vulgaris: Thick, dry scales on the skin occur more frequently. Sometimes it can manifest as very dry skin. It can occur after birth or in the first few months of life.
Canine ichthyosis symptoms
During the puppy's first months of life , grayish dander begins to shed all over the skin, focused on the abdomen. The skin is also dry and darkened in certain areas, such as the thighs or the belly. Other signs of ichthyosis in dogs are:
- Thickened skin (particularly the epidermal granular layer).
- Skin hyperpigmentation.
- Hyperkeratosis of the footpads.
- Hyperkeratosis of the nasal plane.
- Gray scales on the skin that may accumulate on the skin surface as smaller scales or flake off in large sheets.
- Smelly seborrhea.
- Onychogryphosis (great increase in the thickness of the nail plate, which takes on a hook shape at different angles and directions).
- Secondary infections by the fungus Malassezia.
Causes of ichthyosis in dogs
Ichthyosis in dogs usually has a genetic cause, and is more common in:
- West highland white terrier.
- Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
- Golden retriever.
- Pinscher.
- Jack russell terrier.
- Yorkshire terrier.
The golden retrievers are the most predisposed and most frequently carry the disease, around a 50% of dogs of this breed in Europe are carriers of this genetic mutation.
A DNA test from a buccal swab identifies those that have it, to prevent their crossing and prevent their transmission to puppies, limiting the spread of the disease in that breed, since a carrier dog, even if it does not show the disease, will pass it on to half of its offspring.
Diagnosis of ichthyosis in dogs
The diagnosis of canine ichthyosis is based on a dermatological diagnosis and a histological diagnosis by biopsy. In this way, the tests that will be carried out are the following:
- Cytology: the lesions will be observed and a cytology will be performed for visualization under the microscope. Ichthyosis should be suspected when a young puppy exhibits extensive scaling, crusting, seborrhea, and hyperkeratosis; especially the gray crusts. It must be differentiated from other more frequent dermatological diseases of the dog.
- Biopsia: a biopsy of the lesion must be taken, taking a sample of the affected skin tissue to be sent to the laboratory. Histology will show that we are definitely facing this problem.
- DNA test: Diagnosis can also be achieved with buccal smear DNA tests. As it is a congenital disease, the best way to prevent the disease in offspring is to prevent the reproduction of carrier dogs, which can be easily achieved through sterilization. In addition, spaying your pet will help prevent diseases of the reproductive system, such as tumors, and will improve behavior problems or aggressiveness.
Treatment of ichthyosis in dogs
Ichthyosis There is no cure but there is control so that the dog grows up with a good quality of life. Keep in mind that the treatment is permanent, if it is left, the lesions will reappear. The treatment will consist of the following:
- Hydration: due to the great dryness and crusty appearance of the skin, hydration is extremely important, both internally with water and external with moisturizing topical products to give more shine and softness to the skin and hair of our dog. Toxic principles with moisturizing properties are glycerin, propylene glycol or urea, for example.
- Diet rich in fatty acids: omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are key to he althy skin and hair, therefore, they must be consumed in good quantities in dogs with ichthyosis. The diet should be rich in these fatty acids.
- Special shampoo: they should be bathed with special shampoos for this type of skin and more frequently than in a dog without ichthyosis, at least once a week. Once the bath is finished, ointments or moisturizing creams should be applied.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Sunburn or extreme cold should be avoided, as these dogs have more sensitive skin and it would worsen picture.
- Antibiotics or antimycotics: if you have secondary bacterial infections, antibiotics will be used, while if they are due to Malassezia, antimycotics such as itraconazole or ketoconazole.
- Keratolytic agents: if you have developed hyperkeratosis, this overproduction of stratum corneum should be reduced with keratolytic agents that will take care of ending the excessive keratin production from this layer, as well as emollients and moisturizers to smooth and soften the skin.
