Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa in Dogs

Category: Skin & Connective Tissue
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 4

Overview

In junctional epidermolysis bullosa, the connections at the boundary between skin layers are faulty. Even minor friction can separate these layers, causing blisters and open sores. Wounds can involve the mouth, feet, ears, and pressure points on the legs. This is an inherited skin fragility disorder; reported puppies developed lesions soon after birth.

Signs to watch for

Open sores inside the mouth
Raw or ulcerated paw pads
Crusted wounds on the ears, elbows, or hocks
Loose, missing, or misshapen claws

In reported litters, sores developed during the first weeks after birth.

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

Diagnosis and tests

Skin and mouth sores can look similar in different forms of epidermolysis bullosa. Vets examine a biopsy, a small tissue sample, to locate where the layers separate. Specialist staining or microscopy can help distinguish the junctional form. Genetic testing can identify the LAMB3 variant reported in Australian Shepherds.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

Australian ShepherdMedium · Herding Group

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.