What is familial
vasculopathy?
The skin abnormalities in familial vasculopathy are due to an inherited
disorder of the blood vessels. The condition has been reported in 3
breeds of dogs.
How is familial vasculopathy inherited? Greyhound - mode of inheritance unknown.
German shepherd - mode of inheritance believed to be autosomal
recessive.
Scottish terrier - mode of inheritance probably autosomal
dominant.
What breeds are affected by familial vasculopathy?
This condition is seen fairly often in the racing greyhound, less
commonly in the German shepherd , and rarely in the Scottish terrier.
For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode
of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out,
or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a
consensus
among those investigating in this field and among veterinary
practitioners,
that the condition is significant in this breed.
What does familial vasculopathy mean to your dog & you? Greyhound: Skin lesions appear in dogs aged from 6 months to 5
years. Initially there is swelling and tenderness over the knee, ankle,
and inner thigh. This progresses to deep ulcers. Occasionally the front
legs are also affected and some dogs develop kidney problems as well.
The
lesions result from blockage of small blood vessels.
German shepherd: The condition is first seen in young puppies of
about 6 to 8 weeks of age, often within a week or so after their first
vaccination. Pups are feverish and lethargic with swollen lymph nodes,
joints, and feet. The nose becomes swollen and crusted and there are
ulcerated areas on the ears and tip of tail.
Dogs usually recover by 6 months of age although the footpads remain
soft. Fever and lethargy can reoccur with each subsequent vaccination.
(This is presumed to be a disorder of immune responsiveness.)
Scottish terrier: In the few litters in which this condition has
been seen, there was extensive ulceration of the nose associated with
inflammation of blood vessels. The parents were withdrawn from the
breeding programme and no further cases were reported.
How is familial vasculopathy diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made through a skin biopsy. This is a simple procedure
done with local anesthetic, in which your veterinarian removes a small
sample of your dog's skin for examination by a veterinary pathologist.
The biopsy will show abnormalities in the blood vessels consistent with
this condition.
How is familial vasculopathy treated?
There is no specific treatment. The lesions usually heal with routine
wound care, leaving some scarring.
Breeding advice
Affected dogs, their parents and siblings should bot be used for
breeding, even if the lesions heal completely.
FOR
MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
Resources
Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H., Griffin, C.E. 1995. Muller and Kirk's Small
Animal Dermatology. p. 793 W.B. Saunders Co., Toronto.
This
database is funded jointly by the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre
at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island,
and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
The above information is simply
informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a
veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet.
Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any
diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
