X-linked Ectodermal Dysplasia, Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia, XHED

Affected puppies have symmetrical hair loss and missing or malformed teeth.

Affected dogs are often first noted at birth, although signs continue to develop into adulthood.

Genetic and laboratory testing are used to diagnosis this disorder.

Because dogs only have sweat glands on their paw pads, they are not prone to overheating--other than dietary changes to accommodate missing teeth and appropriate measures to protect skin from sunburn or over drying, affected dogs can lead healthy and normal lives.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s XHED result so you can work together to plan ongoing care and monitoring.

Watch closely for signs of respiratory infection, such as coughing, nasal discharge, or labored breathing, and contact your vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

Help your dog stay comfortable in warm weather by providing cool, shaded areas and plenty of fresh water, as affected dogs may have trouble regulating body temperature.

This mutation was first described in the German Shepherd Dog.

Penetrance: This mutation has a sex-linked recessive inheritance pattern, which means that the gene is on the X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes and must inherit two abnormal copies to be affected with this disease. Males have only one X chromosome and either have a normal copy of the gene or the mutation. Males with the mutation typically die at 2-15 months of age. Carrier females tend to have excessive protein in their urine, but a normal lifespan.

Gene

EDA

Inheritance type

x-linked recessive

Clinical category

Multisystem

Citations

1. Casal et al 2005

• Czechoslovakian Vlcak
• German Shepherd Dog
• Saarloos Wolfdog
• Shiloh Shepherd
• White Shepherd