Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia
XHED has been mapped to a mutation in the EDA gene, leading to a defective ectodysplasin protein, which is known to play a role in hair follicle and tooth bud development. This developmental condition can cause a scanty hair coat, malformed teeth, and few or absent sweat glands.
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Signs and symptoms
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. -
Diagnosis
Genetic and laboratory testing are used to diagnosis this disorder.
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Treatment
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.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Monitor your affected dog closely for respiratory infections, as these can prove deadly.
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Genetic Information
This mutation was first described in the German Shepherd Dog.
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 names:
EDA ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
x-linked recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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