Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Affected dogs have skin that is injured easily and stretches more than normal.

Signs first appear in puppies.

Genetic testing, skin biopsy, and clinical signs can be used to diagnose this condition.

A variety of therapies, including skin grafts, stem cell therapy, and gene therapy, are under investigation for the treatment and prevention of EB, but these are young in development.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa result so you can plan appropriate care and monitoring.

Handle your dog gently and use soft bedding materials such as fleece blankets or foam padding to reduce friction and protect the skin.

Keep your dog’s environment safe by covering hard floors with rugs or mats and removing sharp edges or rough surfaces that could cause injury.

If wounds occur, seek veterinary attention right away to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.

This mutation was first described in Golden Retrievers.

Penetrance: This disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that affected dogs must have two copies of the mutation to show clinical signs.

Gene

COL7A1 (Exon 68)

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Integument

Citations

1. Baldeschi et al 2003

• Golden Retriever