Zinc Responsive Dermatosis in Dogs

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4 min read

Key takeaways


Zinc-responsive dermatosis is a group of syndromes in dogs where a lack of zinc or an inability to absorb zinc leads to damaged skin. 

  • This syndrome is caused by poor absorption of zinc in the small intestine, lack of zinc in the diet, or excess of minerals that block absorption of zinc
  • Symptoms include crusty, scaly lesions on the skin and mucous membranes
  • Prompt veterinary attention is required
  • Diagnostic tools include physical examination, nutritional history, and skin biopsy
  • Treatment includes dietary changes, zinc supplements, and the elimination of zinc-blocking minerals from the diet
  • In most cases, adding zinc to the diet is sufficient for recovery, with most dogs showing improved symptoms within 6 weeks of starting treatment
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A closer look: Zinc Responsive Dermatosis in Dogs


Zinc is a necessary nutrient for maintaining healthy skin and hair. Dogs who do not get enough zinc can develop zinc-responsive dermatosis (ZRD). Dogs showing symptoms of zinc-responsive dermatosis benefit from prompt veterinary evaluation.

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Risk factors


Zinc-responsive dermatosis is rare in dogs. Dogs with unbalanced diets are at risk of zinc deficiency, which can lead to dermatosis. Dogs on homemade or specialty diets are at higher risk of nutrient deficiencies. Excess supplementation of canine diet without veterinary guidance may also contribute to development of ZRD in some dogs.

The severity of zinc-responsive dermatosis depends on which type is present, and whether secondary infections develop.

Type 1 zinc-responsive dermatosis is caused by a genetic defect in intestine function. At-risk breeds include:

  • Siberian huskies
  • Alaskan malamutes
  • Bull terriers
  • Doberman pinschers
  • Great danes

Type 2 ZRD is most prevalent in the puppies of large, rapidly growing breeds.

In some cases, other breeds of dog have this form of dermatosis as a result of severe intestinal disease.

Dogs with zinc-responsive dermatosis are more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections such as Malassezia.

Possible causes


There are 3 types of zinc-responsive dermatosis in dogs, which all have their own root causes.

Type 1 is caused by a genetic defect which prevents the intestines from absorbing zinc properly, even when there is plenty of zinc in the diet.

Type 2 is caused by specific minerals in the dog’s diet that interfere with zinc absorption, even when there is plenty of zinc in the diet. Typically, this is related to dietary supplements that contain plant-based antioxidants and calcium.

Type 3 zinc-responsive dermatosis is also known as “generic food disease” because it occurs in dogs who eat poor quality dog food that do not contain sufficient zinc.

Main symptoms


The main symptoms of zinc-responsive dermatosis are crusty, scaly, thick lesions on the skin or mucous membranes.

Lesions are often accompanied by loss of hair.

Testing and diagnosis


Diagnosis of zinc-responsive dermatosis aims to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. Most cases of zinc-responsive dermatosis are diagnosed based on symptoms improving after increasing zinc in the diet. Other diagnostic tools include:

  • Physical examination
  • Nutritional history
  • Skin biopsy
  • Measurement of zinc levels in the blood or hair

Steps to Recovery


Treatments include:

  • Improving the diet to include sufficient zinc
  • Eliminating supplements with plant-based antioxidants and calcium, in order to improve zinc absorption
  • Supplementing with zinc

The prognosis for dogs with type 1 zinc-responsive dermatosis depends on the amount of zinc the intestine is able to absorb. Dogs with no zinc absorption typically do not survive longer than 18 months. The prognosis for dogs that absorb some zinc is good with life-long zinc supplementation.

The prognosis for dogs with type 2 and type 3 zinc-responsive dermatosis is good with the elimination of zinc-blocking minerals from the diet or improving the diet. Typically, the lesions resolve within 6 weeks.

Prevention


Type 1 zinc-responsive dermatosis is hereditary. Avoiding breeding dogs with this disease is recommended.

Types 2 and 3 are preventable by ensuring sufficient zinc in the diet and avoiding supplements that block the absorption of zinc.

Is Zinc Responsive Dermatosis in Dogs common?


Type 1 is very rare, and some reports suggest that it has been bred out completely.

Types 2 and 3 are more common, but are still rare overall.

Typical Treatment


  • Zinc supplementation
  • Improving the diet
  • Eliminating phytates and calcium supplements

References


Krista Williams, BSc, DVM, CCRP; Robin Downing, DVM, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP - Writing for VCA Animal Hospitals
Anita Patel - Writing for Improve Veterinary Practice
Carlo Vitale, DVM, DACVD - Writing for dvm360®
Darren Berger, DVM, DACVD - Writing for Clinician's Brief

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