Articles Index/Dermatology
Posted 05/23/03

MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION FUNDS RESEARCH; TEXAS A&M DEVELOPS DNA TEST FOR ICHTHYOSIS IN NORFOLK TERRIERS

In 1999 the Comparative Dermatology Laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University was funded by the Morris Animal Foundation to study an inherited skin disease of the Norfolk Terrier.

This disease was brought to the attention of Dr. Bob Dunstan, director of the Dermatology Lab, by a breeder concerned about a mild skin condition affecting one of her dogs. Dr. Dunstan recognized that this canine disease is very similar to a rare inherited skin disease of people called "epidermolytic hyperkeratosis", often included in a family of diseases characterized by scaly or dry skin known as the "ichthyoses". These diseases are associated with a defect in structural proteins of the skin known as keratins.

After three years of research that involved the sequencing of three keratin genes, we discovered that keratin 10, a protein important for the integrity of the outer layers of the skin, is mutated in dogs that have this condition. This disease is inherited in a recessive manner in Norfolk Terriers, meaning that two mutated genes are needed to produce clinical symptoms.

If a dog has only one copy of the mutated gene, the dog appears normal but is called a carrier because if it mates with another carrier and the defective gene from the sire and the dam are passed to an offspring; the puppy will have the disease.

The disease is present at birth but the signs are subtle. You may note that the skin of affected puppies is more gray than pink in color. In our experience, as the dogs age the skin changes progress but are always mild. Dandruff and darkening of the skin are the main symptoms in adults, signs that can also occur in a number of skin diseases. There may be a greasy texture to the skin or hair, but hair loss is not a feature of the condition. You may note the formation of very thin, fragile blisters in areas that are lightly rubbed.

At this time, we do not have a good idea how prevalent this altered gene is in the Norfolk Terrier population. The number of affected dogs appears to be low and this suggests the mutation may not be common. However, if a popular sire was a carrier and his offspring were inbred, it is possible that the disease-causing gene could be present in many Norfolk Terrier kennels.

In addition, the symptoms of this skin disease are mild and are not very specific. Thus some affected dogs may not be recognized. Because we have identified the specific mutation causing this condition, our lab can now perform a simple DNA test to definitively identify Norfolk Terriers that are clear, carriers, or are affected with this skin disease.

To date, we have diagnosed this disease in seven dogs by examining skin biopsy samples and have subsequently confirmed this diagnosis at the molecular level with the DNA test. We have also confirmed the carrier status of parents of affected dogs and some littermates of affected dogs.

All testing will be confidential and our charge will be $85.00 per dog (payable only by check at this time). If samples from four dogs or more are submitted at the same time from the same kennel and owner, the charge will be discounted to $70.00 per dog. As with many DNA based tests available currently, we will send you a kit containing a submittal form and several small brushes that are used to swab the inside of the cheek to collect cells for DNA.

We will send the results for your dog(s) by either mail or email approximately two to three weeks after we receive the cheek swabs. Anyone interested in this test, or having questions about it, please contact the Comparative Dermatology Lab by email at compderm-NFT@cvm.tamu.edu or by phone at (979) 845-2561.

Kelly Credille, DVM
Texas A&M University
ANTIC, March, 2003

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