Congenital Ectodermal Dysplasia in Dogs

Category: Skin & Connective Tissue
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 2

Overview

Hair and teeth develop abnormally in congenital ectodermal dysplasia, a group of disorders affecting structures formed before birth. A dog may have very little body hair together with missing or unusually shaped teeth. One form explains the characteristic appearance of several hairless breeds. Abnormally developed hair follicles, the pockets where hairs grow, can also be prone to blockage and skin infections.

Signs to watch for

Very sparse or absent body hair
Missing teeth
Teeth with an unusual shape

Hair abnormalities can be visible from birth.

When to get help Ask your vet about sparse hair and unusual teeth at a puppy checkup.

Diagnosis and tests

The combination of an abnormal coat and missing teeth can lead a vet to suspect an ectodermal disorder. Genetic studies have linked the hairless-breed form to a change in the FOXI3 gene. Other forms involve different genes, so findings must be matched to the particular form.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Small

Peruvian Inca OrchidSmall · Miscellaneous Class

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.