Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis
The epidermis (outermost skin layer) of the canine nasal planum (the exterior of the nose) is on average more than twice the thickness of haired skin in healthy dogs. Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK) is a localized condition of the nasal planum leading to crusts and fissures on the surface.
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Signs and symptoms
Clinical signs range from mild to more severe lesions and may wax and wane during a dog’s life. The clinical symptoms of HNPK in Greyhounds are exclusively restricted to the outermost skin of the nose.
Initial lesions may be visible in puppies. However, clinical signs typically become more apparent as dogs age.Uncover health risks with Embark
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Diagnosis
Veterinarians will typically diagnose this condition with a direct examination of the dog's nose and likely a tissue biopsy.
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Treatment
Treatment options are mostly limited to the daily application of a topical moisturizer or other treatment to keep the nose moist.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Talk to your vet about your dog’s HNPK result so you can plan appropriate care and monitoring.
- Keep your dog’s nose moisturized with a gentle, dog-safe balm to prevent cracking and irritation. Avoid harsh rubbing or wiping, as the skin is sensitive and can easily become sore.
- If you notice bleeding, infection, or significant discomfort, contact your vet for further treatment options.
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Genetic Information
This variant was first identified in the Greyhound.
HNPK is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that affected dogs must have two copies of the variant to show clinical signs from it.
Gene names:
SUV39H2 Intron 4 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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