Species: Dog
Condition: Zinc-responsive Dermatosis
Organ System: Urogenital
Zinc-responsive dermatosis is a condition in which your dog will experience dandruff, hair loss, scaling and marked crusting on the muzzle and around the eyes. The disorder may also affect the pads of the feet and the area around the vulva and anus. Although this condition can be seen in dogs with good diet, it responds well to treatment with zinc supplements. It is believed that affected dogs may have a particularly high need for zinc. Some dogs recover completely after a course of treatment while others need to have zinc supplements throughout their lives. If your dog has this condition, you should not breed from them.
Breeds exposed to Zinc-responsive Dermatosis – Research Reference
Alsatian Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
German Shepherd Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Alsatian – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
German Shepherd – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Zinc-responsive Dermatosis or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
