Lethal Acrodermatitis, LAD

Signs include red and ulcerated patches on the head and paws and coat color dilution. The skin lesions progress to the legs and muzzle. Respiratory signs, diarrhea, and poor growth are also common.

Signs are often first recognized in puppies as young as 3-4 weeks of age.

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

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this condition. Certain medications can help control the infections for a period of time, but most puppies are euthanized early in life.

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

Keep your dog’s skin clean and protected, and use gentle, moisturizing products to reduce irritation.

Provide a calm environment and balanced nutrition to help support your dog’s overall well-being.

This condition can be very serious, and affected puppies often have a shortened lifespan. Focus on keeping your dog comfortable and surrounded by care and familiarity.

This mutation was first described in the Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier.

Penetrance: This mutation has an autosomal recessive inheritance, meaning that dogs must have two copies of the mutation in order to show clinical signs.

Gene

MKLN1

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Integument

Citations

1. Bauer et al 2018

• Bull Terrier
• Miniature Bull Terrier