Oculocutaneous Albinism, OCA
Albinism refers to the lack of pigment in the hair, eyes, and skin.
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Signs and symptoms
Affected dogs appear white with pink skin, nose leather, paw pads, and lips, and either blue, pink, or red irises.
Signs are often recognized shortly after birth.Uncover health risks with Embark
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Diagnosis
Genetic testing and clinical presentation can be used to diagnose this condition.
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Treatment
There is no medical treatment for this condition; lifestyle changes are recommended to prevent sun exposure.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- 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.
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Genetic Information
This variant was first identified in Bullmastiff dogs.
OCA 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:
SLC45A2 Exon 6 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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