Ichthyosis (Fish Scale Disease) in Dogs

This disorder is rare and appears to be breed specific. It can resemble many other skin conditions such as allergies, dermatitis, and localized reactions. It is most likely present at birth in your dog and can become painful if left untreated.

Your dog may present with thickened pads of his paws, irritated, flaking skin and other symptoms. He may not itch or scab and it does have some differences from other common conditions. This disorder can cause water loss in your dog as his skin is unable to maintain moisture.

Canine ichthyosis is also known as the “fish scale” disease. Your dog will have thickened skin with scaly and greasy patches and flakes. 

Symptoms are very specific to this condition and while they can mimic other disorders, they are not caused by or related to other disorders. Some of the things to look for are:

• Scaly skin – This symptom is why it is nicknamed the “fish scale” disease 
• Dandruff
• Thickening of the skin and footpads – His paws may even appear to become enlarged and irritated, possibly causing pain 
• Thick, greasy flakes/scales – These will stick to his skin and hair and be difficult to remove

Types

General

• Limited to rare disorders (congenital or hereditary)
• Genetic testing and skin biopsies are used to diagnose officially
• General diagnosis can be done just with symptoms

Epidermolytic Ichthyosis

• Keratin formation defect
• Been found in specific breeds (Rhodesian Ridgeback and Labrador cross)
• Skin biopsy used to diagnose

Nonepidermolytic Ichthyosis

• Autosomal recessive traits
• Still young in veterinary medicine
• Breed specific

Golden Retriever Ichthyosis

• Relatively common
• Mild form of scaling
• Areas affected are on a dog’s trunk predominantly
• Diagnosed by 1 year of age
• Can be diagnosed in adulthood

American Bulldog Ichthyosis

• More severe form of ichthyosis
• Puppies have a scruffy coat
• Skin takes on a wrinkled appearance
• Skin lesions are more severe than Golden Retriever ichthyosis

Jack Russell Terrier Ichthyosis and other breeds

• Mutation cause
• Large, thick, parchment paper like scales
• More severe than other types

The cause of ichthyosis in dogs is:

• A recessive trait that both parents will have 
• The dog will be born with the condition
• Breed specific :Golden Retrievers – most studies have been done on Golden Retrievers 
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Doberman Pinscher
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Norfolk Terrier
• Yorkshire Terrier

If you suspect that your dog is suffering with ichthyosis bringing him to his veterinarian will be necessary. Your veterinarian will want to know the breed of your dog as this disease can be breed specific. The veterinarian will also want to know when you noticed the signs as they are often present at birth and worsen over time.

To diagnose the disorder, a skin biopsy will be done to determine the exact nature of your dog’s skin issues. It will also be important for your veterinarian to rule out any other possible conditions even though the symptoms are very clear to ichthyosis. 

Lastly, your veterinarian can run the ICT-A which is a DNA test made for ichthyosis. This test can definitively identify the disorder or rule it out officially.

Treatment options will be based mostly on maintenance of your dog’s symptoms. While the condition is not deadly, in more severe cases it can be very painful and uncomfortable for your dog. Treatment can be done by using shampoos and rinses for his skin, frequent brushing and grooming and possible medication treatment.

Skin Treatment

Mild anti-seborrheic shampoos and moisturizing rinses can be used frequently on your dog to help his skin and symptoms. Moisturizers can be used to create a protective layer on your dog’s skin and reduce his water loss. 

Grooming

Frequent brushing can help your dog’s skin to rid itself of the greasy flakes that stick to his skin. This brushing can also allow the tightened skin to loosen up and allow your dog more comfort. 

Medication

Topical treatments tend to be the best bet and are often oil based. These treatment options provide a protective barrier on your dog’s skin also. The retinoid Isotretinoin has been shown to improve the symptoms of ichthyosis in dogs. This medication can cause eye infections, hair loss, vomiting and other side effects when used.  

The rate of relapse is high as there is no cure for this condition. It does tend to wax and wane over time even with treatment. Ongoing follow up with your veterinarian will be necessary.

While some cases of ichthyosis are mild, they can be severe as well. Due to the severity of this disorder, ongoing and lifelong checkups will be necessary. These will be done to ensure there are no secondary infections of his skin and to see if any changes need to be made in his treatment to help prevent ongoing buildup of the scales on his skin.

Due to this being a lifelong condition some owners do choose to euthanize their dog if they are unable to give him a good quality of life. However, your dog can live with this condition if you are willing to be meticulous about his care. There may be times when his symptoms are minimal and when they get worse, so continuous care will be necessary to ensure a good quality of life.