Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis

Affected dogs suffer from fragile skin, hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin), and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). Mechanical trauma can cause sloughing, erosion, and ulceration of the fragile skin. Sloughing of the skin can be observed in puppies only a few days old. Hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis are present in adulthood. Footpads, hair, teeth, and claws are unaffected.

Treatment is supportive care and symptomatic depending on the severity of the dog's clinical signs.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to be shown. A carrier dog with one copy of the Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis mutation. A dog with two copies of the Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog. The resulting puppies will all be carriers. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.