A Threat To Dilute Colored Breeds

Color Dilution Alopecia: A Devastating Disease Affecting Dogs

A Threat to Dilute-Colored Breeds

Color dilution alopecia (CDA) is a debilitating genetic condition that primarily affects dogs with diluted coat colors, such as blue charcoal and lilac silver. This distressing disease leads to patches of thinning or complete hair loss, causing not only discomfort but also a compromised quality of life for affected dogs.

The Genetic Basis of CDA

CDA is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, meaning that both parents must carry the defective gene for their offspring to develop the disease. Dogs with one copy of the mutated gene (carriers) are usually unaffected but can pass the trait on to their descendants.

Symptoms of CDA

The onset of CDA typically occurs between 1 and 4 years of age. Affected dogs develop patches of thinning or hair loss in areas such as the ears, face, neck, and abdomen. The hair loss is often progressive, and the coat may become dull and brittle. In severe cases, dogs may lose all their hair, resulting in a complete absence of fur.

Health Impacts and Treatment

CDA不仅仅是一种影响毛色状态的疾病。它还可以导致严重的健康问题，例如皮肤感染、晒伤和免疫系统减弱。目前还没有已知的治愈方法，治疗主要集中在改善症状和缓解疼痛。