Lamellar Ichthyosis

The first signs of LI can be seen in young puppies. Affected dogs have adherent or loose thick, large scales (0.25 - 1 inch, 0.5 - 2 cm) that are either white or tan in color and cover their body. Hyperkeratosis of the footpads and soft nails are also common clinical signs. Affected dogs often have chronic secondary bacterial and yeast infections on their skin.

Affected dogs should be monitored closely for signs of skin infections. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic care depending on the dog's specific clinical signs.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to occur. A carrier dog with one copy of the Lamellar Ichthyosis mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the Lamellar Ichthyosis mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the Lamellar Ichthyosis mutation. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the Lamellar Ichthyosis mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.