Oculocutaneous Albinism in Dogs

Category: Skin & Connective Tissue
Breeds documented: 3
Published sources: 4

Overview

A shortage of normal pigment can affect the coat, skin and eyes together in oculocutaneous albinism. Affected dogs often have unusually pale fur, pink skin and lightly colored eyes. Different genetic changes can cause different forms, so appearance varies. White fur alone does not establish albinism, because many white-coated dogs have normal pigment in their eyes and skin.

Signs to watch for

Very pale fur with pink skin, nose or lips
Unusually pale or blue eyes
Squinting in bright sunlight
Difficulty responding to visual signals in bright light

Pigment differences can be visible in the first week of life.

When to get help Arrange a veterinary eye examination if your dog squints in bright light.

Diagnosis and tests

An examination of the skin and eyes helps distinguish albinism from other causes of a white coat. DNA testing is available for the variant first identified in the Lhasa Apso, which is also found in some other breeds. That test does not cover every genetic cause of albinism.

Breeds with documented risk

3 breeds

By breed size

1 Toy
1 Small
1 Medium

PomeranianToy · Toy Group
KeeshondMedium · Non-Sporting Group
German SpitzSmall · 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.