Diagnostic features, confirmation and disease progression in 28 cases of lethal acrodermatitis of bull terriers

Abstract

Lethal acrodermatitis (LAD) is a genetically determined metabolic disease of bull terriers first described in the USA in the 1980s. In this study, the largest so far reported, 28 bull terriers born in the UK were diagnosed as suffering from LAD, and the clinical findings and the progression of the disease with time are described. The main characteristics of LAD are stunting, splayed digits, eating difficulties, skin disease of the face and feet, and increased susceptibility to microbial infections. In older dogs, paronychia, nail disease and hyperkeratosis of the footpads develops, becoming severe in dogs over six months of age. A diagnosis of LAD can be strongly suspected in any bull terrier showing a combination of the aforementioned signs from an early age. Dermatohistopathological demonstration of marked parakeratotic hyperkeratosis is strongly supportive of the diagnosis of LAD and, in association with the typical clinical findings, is sufficient to confirm a diagnosis. Although many of the clinical signs and the pathology of this condition suggest zinc deficiency, the measurement of blood zinc levels as a diagnostic aid is of limited value.

Analysis of the liver soluble proteome from bull terriers affected with inherited lethal acrodermatitis

“…Affected pups can also exhibit abnormal behavior and diarrhea, though not all of these symptoms are present in all afflicted pups [1,3]. The current diagnostic criteria for LAD includes a combination of these features in which onset occurs at an early age [3]. One study found that five affected pups exhibited low plasma zinc levels [1], though others found that zinc levels were not significantly different from dogs with atopic dermatitis [3].…”

“…The current diagnostic criteria for LAD includes a combination of these features in which onset occurs at an early age [3]. One study found that five affected pups exhibited low plasma zinc levels [1], though others found that zinc levels were not significantly different from dogs with atopic dermatitis [3]. The activity of alkaline phosphatase, a zincdependent enzyme, was also not consistently diminished in LAD pups [1,3].…”

“…Affected pups can also exhibit abnormal behavior and diarrhea, though not all of these symptoms are present in all afflicted pups [1,3]. The current diagnostic criteria for LAD includes a combination of these features in which onset occurs at an early age [3].…”

Severe Zinc Responsive Dermatosis in a Litter of Pharaoh Hounds

“…Affected patients have variable plasma and tissue zinc concentrations and do not clinically respond to zinc supplementation. 5,7 Histologically, there is marked parakeratotic hyperkeratosis with moderate to severe epidermal hyperplasia, hypogranulosis, and dyskeratosis. Deeper keratinocytes may appear disorganized.…”

“…This disease typically manifests as young as 6-8 weeks of age in both males and females. Affected Bull Terriers present with progressive crusting dermatitis, growth abnormalities, decreased immune function with chronic diarrhea, and bronchopneumonia 5,7,9 Survival to adulthood is rare.…”