The Role of Breed in Canine Skin Disease

Introduction

When evaluating skin disease, there is no question that the given breed is a vital piece of the diagnostic jigsaw. Purebred dogs are actively selected for specific characteristics, be it color, size or ability to perform a specific task. This selection means that certain factors, such as appearance, talents and traits, become standardized and predictable for a given breed, but also minimizes genetic variability. This can also result in undesirable traits being inadvertently introduced into a breed. Additionally, the extensive use of a small population of stud dogs and “line-breeding” (in-breeding) is common, resulting in further loss of genetic variability. In recent decades there has been a tendency for pet dogs to be purebred rather than mixed-bred. Veterinarians have to deal with this loss of genetic variability (hybrid vigor) on a daily basis, as the majority of chronic medical disorders have breed predilections. With the increasing knowledge of the canine genome, the specific genes involved in these breed-based disorders are being searched for and in some cases identified. This, in turn, will perhaps allow for the development of methodologies to identify at-risk individuals. [...]

Key Points

• Certain dog breeds are predisposed to skin diseases.
• Definitive diagnosis requires a thorough work-up including histopathology.
• Many breed-related skin conditions have ill-defined etiologies and are chronic in nature, requiring ongoing management strategies and possible longterm medication.
• Specific breeds may have a particularly severe clinical presentation with certain conditions.