Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis in Dogs

Category: Skin & Connective Tissue
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 3

Overview

A change in how cells on the nose mature allows a thick, crusty layer to build up. This inherited disorder affects the nose surface, where cracks can develop and collect fluid. Affected dogs are usually otherwise healthy, but damaged skin may become infected. The changes typically begin while a dog is young.

Signs to watch for

Thick crusts across the top of the nose
Cracks or splits in the nose surface
Moisture collecting inside nose cracks
Bleeding from damaged or rubbed nose skin

Usually appears in puppies and young dogs.

When to get help Book a vet visit for crusting, cracks, or soreness on the nose.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet assesses the nose changes, the dog's age, and its history. A skin biopsy, meaning a small tissue sample examined under a microscope, can help confirm the disorder and exclude other causes. A DNA test can support diagnosis and identify unaffected carriers of the known variant.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Large

Labrador RetrieverLarge · Sporting Group

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 UC Davis VGL

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.