General Considerations

1. This section will include (i) canine ichthyosis, (ii) canine familial nasal parakeratosis and footpad hyperkeratosis and (iii) Schnauzer comedo syndrome.
2. Ichthyosis has been described in many breeds. Scale is the hallmark clinical signs and it can be adhered and/or loose. It presents in various degrees depending on the genetic mutation and affected breed. Ichthyosis typically affects dogs younger than 1 year of age. Treatment is symptomatic and often includes a keratolytic and hydrating agent. Breeding of affected dogs should be avoided.
3. Canine familial nasal parakeratosis and footpad hyperkeratosis are manifested by the presence of tightly adhered accumulation of keratin on the nasal planum and footpads, respectively. In the nasal planum disease, inflammatory exudate is often mixed with the keratotic crusts and fissures, when present, can bleed.
4. Canine familial nasal parakeratosis has been reported in Labrador retrievers and their crosses and in Greyhounds. Canine familial footpad hyperkeratosis has been reported in Irish terriers, Kromfohrländers, Dogue de Bordeaux, and Rottweilers. Genetic mutations have been identified for these diseases and vary according to breeds. Treatment is symptomatic and often include a keratolytic and hydrating agent.
5. Schnauzer comedo syndrome affects miniature Schnauzers. Comedones (“black heads”) develop along the dorsum and are typically seen in young adults during grooming. Affected dogs are asymptomatic, but may lick, chew and/or rub the dorsum if lesions become secondarily infected. Treatment is symptomatic and often includes anti-seborrheic shampoos and treatment of secondary pyoderma when appropriate.