Lethal Acrodermatitis (LAD)Lethal Acrodermatitis (LAD) is a disease characterized by growth retardation, skin disease of the face and feet, diarrhea, pneumonia, eating difficulties and increased susceptibility to microbial infections.
Lethal Acrodermatitis(LAD) is a rare inherited disorder of Bull Terriers caused by zinc deficiency. It is characterized by progressive inflammation of the skin and is always fatal. It resembles acrodermatitis enteropathica in humans, but cannot be treated with zinc supplement therapy.
How Is Lethal Acrodermatitis Diagnosed?
The clinical signs of acrodermatitis may include:
- growth retardation
- chronic bacterial skin inflammation marked by pus-filled lesions (pyoderma)
- inflammation of the footpad tissues and nails usually accompanied by yeast and fungal infection and pus formation (paronychia)
- diarrhea
- pneumonia
- tail chasing behavior
Although some of these signs are characteristic of zinc deficiency which is not related to LAD, the combination of the above signs in young Bull Terrier puppies should strongly indicate that they suffer from LAD. Affected puppies are lighter in color, and, usually by 1 to 3 months of age, the skin on their feet is red, covered with cracks and crust.
What Treatments Are Available for Acrodermatitis?
There is no treatment for the disease. Affected puppies become passive, and usually die or are euthanized before the age of 6 or 7 months because of generalized untreatable infections.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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