Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lethal acrodermatitis signs and progression in UK bull terriers
By McEwan, N A et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2000·University of Glasgow Veterinary School, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Diagnostic features, confirmation and disease progression in 28 cases of lethal acrodermatitis of bull terriers.
- Species:
- cattle
Plain-English summary
A group of 28 Bull Terriers were diagnosed with lethal acrodermatitis (LAD), a serious genetic skin disease that affects their growth and health. Symptoms include stunted growth, difficulty eating, skin issues on the face and feet, and problems with their nails and footpads as they age. The disease makes them more prone to infections and can lead to severe skin problems. Diagnosis is based on the combination of these symptoms and specific skin tests. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and management focuses on supportive care for the affected dogs.
People also search for: Bull Terrier skin problems · lethal acrodermatitis treatment · Bull Terrier growth issues · skin disease in dogs · zinc deficiency in dogs
Abstract
Lethal acrodermatitis (LAD) is a genetically determined metabolic disease of bull terriers first described in the USA in the 1980s. In this study, the largest so far reported, 28 bull terriers born in the UK were diagnosed as suffering from LAD, and the clinical findings and the progression of the disease with time are described. The main characteristics of LAD are stunting, splayed digits, eating difficulties, skin disease of the face and feet, and increased susceptibility to microbial infections. In older dogs, paronychia, nail disease and hyperkeratosis of the footpads develops, becoming severe in dogs over six months of age. A diagnosis of LAD can be strongly suspected in any bull terrier showing a combination of the aforementioned signs from an early age. Dermatohistopathological demonstration of marked parakeratotic hyperkeratosis is strongly supportive of the diagnosis of LAD and, in association with the typical clinical findings, is sufficient to confirm a diagnosis. Although many of the clinical signs and the pathology of this condition suggest zinc deficiency, the measurement of blood zinc levels as a diagnostic aid is of limited value.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11105789/