Zinc is a trace mineral that is found in virtually every cell in the body and is a component of over 200 enzymes. Enzymes are molecules involved in speeding up the chemical reactions necessary for body functions. Zinc functions in more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral; low zinc levels affect virtually every system of the body. Zinc is also required for proper action of many body hormones, including insulin, growth hormone, and sex hormones. Adequate zinc levels are absolutely essential to good health. Zinc is especially important to proper immune function, wound healing, sensory function, sexual function, and skin health.
A deficiency in this mineral can lead to a condition called zinc-responsive dermatosis.
Zinc-responsive dermatosis is an uncommon disease of dogs resulting from either an absolute or relative deficiency in zinc. Dermatological lesions are characterized by inflammation (erythema), hair loss (alopecia), scales, and crusts that primarily affect the head. Two forms of the disease exist: a familial form affecting Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian huskies and a form that affects growing puppies fed zinc-deficient or oversupplemented diets. The coat appears dull and occasional areas with loss of hair color can be seen. The affected dogs may have difficulty absorbing zinc perhaps through a genetic mulfunction. relative or absolute zinc deficiency is most likely to be seen in fast-growing giant breeds fed inadequate diets rich in soya and cereals. Puppies and kittens fed diet soy protein-based diet have poor coats characterized by thinning and slow hair growth and scaliness of the skin and ulcerations.
Diagnosis This condition is diagnose by laboratory testing for zinc levels, clinical examination, dietary history and histopathological examination of cutaneous biopsy specimens, and laboratory analysis of tissue zinc concentration.
Treatment Zinc supplementation with oral zinc sulfate is the treatment of choice. Supplementation may be required for life in the familial form of the disease. In other individuals, the supplementation is provided only until the cutaneous sighs have resolved.
Lethal acrodermatitis is a rare inherited disorder of Bull terriers that does not respond to zinc supplementation and is invariably fatal.
Best dietary sources of zinc are red meat, shellfish, fish, kelp, whole grains and legumes. However, zinc in plant foods is less available because it binds to phytic acid. Zinc absorption can be impaired if owners give their dogs calcium or iron supplements. Zinc levels can be lowered by chronic or acute diarrhea, kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes.