Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa in Dogs

Category: Skin & Connective Tissue
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 7

Overview

The skin's anchoring fibers are faulty, so its layers can separate after minor rubbing or injury. This form of epidermolysis bullosa can cause skin blisters and open sores, as well as damage to the lining of the mouth and food pipe. Affected puppies may grow slowly and develop misshapen nails.

Signs to watch for

Blisters or raw patches after minor skin injury
Sores in the mouth
Misshapen or damaged nails
Slow growth

Signs may be present at birth or appear during the first weeks.

When to get help Contact a vet promptly if a puppy develops blisters, mouth sores, or damaged nails.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet examines the sores and takes a skin biopsy, a small tissue sample viewed under a microscope. Specialist tissue tests can assess the anchoring fibers and help identify the dystrophic form. A DNA test is available for the Golden Retriever COL7A1 variant.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

2 Large

Golden RetrieverLarge · Sporting Group
Central Asian Ovcharka DogLarge · Foundation Stock Service

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by OMIA

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.