Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy in Dogs

Breeds documented
6
Published sources
6

Overview

Painful nails that split, loosen or fall off can be signs of symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy, often shortened to SLO. This inflammatory nail disorder may begin in a few nails before involving several paws. An immune-system problem is suspected, although the exact cause remains uncertain. Replacement nails often grow back brittle or misshapen, and bacterial infections can add to the discomfort.

Signs to watch for

  • Repeated licking at the paws
  • Pulling away when the paws are touched
  • Several nails splitting, breaking or coming loose
  • Nails falling off on more than one paw
  • New nails growing back short, brittle or misshapen
  • Redness or bloody discharge around damaged nails

Reported onset is usually between two and seven years of age.

When to get help Arrange a vet visit for painful paws, repeated nail loss or several splitting nails.

Diagnosis and tests

Diagnosis usually rests on the history and pattern of changes affecting several nails. A vet checks for other causes, including injury, fungal infection and tumors. Material from damaged nails may be examined or cultured to look for infection. A nail biopsy can support the diagnosis, but it is invasive and is not routinely needed.

Breeds with documented risk

6 breeds

By breed size
  • 3 Medium
  • 3 Large

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.

Sources

  1. open.lib.umn.edu
  2. europepmc.org
  3. Bearded Collie: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. English Setter: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. German Shepherd: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Swiss Hound: skk.se