Oculocutaneous Albinism, OCA

Besides their lack of pigment, albino pups can sometimes suffer visual deficits due to lack of pigment in the eyes (which help direct and absorb ambient light) and their unhaired areas are prone to sunburn.

Signs are often first recognized in puppies.

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

There is no treatment for this condition.

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

Limit sun exposure by providing shade, using pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas, and avoiding outdoor activity during peak sunlight.

If your dog has vision impairment, keep their environment consistent, guide them with verbal cues, and use a leash in unfamiliar areas for safety.

With proper protection and gentle support, most dogs with OCA can live normal, active lives.

This mutation was first described in the Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, and Pomeranian.

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

SLC45A2

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Integument

Citations

1. Wijesena et al 2015

• Lhasa Apso
• Pekingese
• Pomeranian