Dalcrud.doc

SKIN AND COAT DISORDERS IN DALMATIANS
Study Group on Skin & Allergic Disorders Research Committee, Dalmatian Club of America what is referred to as the “Dalmatian
Bronzing Syndrome”? Does the “Dalmatian
Skin & Allergic Disorders is that all-too- Bronzing Syndrome” really exist as a
diagnostic entity? The answers to most of to by fanciers as “Dal crud.” I will discuss
this topic specifically as it relates to dogs being actively campaigned in conformation sequence leaving the question of cause for the light of your life has a flawless coat while running in the backyard at home and even tolerate a flea or two. He is groomed (“folliculitis”) occurs, we see secondary infection (”superficial pyoderma”) by appearing, usually on the top of the dog’s Staphylococcus intermedius, which is
become very itchy (pruritic). A significant proportion of these lesions, interestingly, may not itch but still progress as follows.
follicle that oozes a bit of serum, which may be noticed only as it dries in the form • Hair loss (”alopecia”) is a result of occurs at the site of each bump. Eventually folliculitis stopping the growth of hair; white hairs take on a pinkish-bronze cast at your hopes and vision of the judge nodding The final and lasting result of all this is the What is the cause (etiology) of this skin “bronzed” appearance of the coat. The importantly, how can we prevent it? Is this and little can be done to whiten a coat so Skin & Coat Disorders in Dalmatians / THE SPOTTER / Fall 1995 Issue just as frequently in colored coats, but is • climatic differences between home and do the hive-like reactions occur in the first • occlusion of pores in the skin by special 1) ALLERGY. A large majority of Dalma-tians
It has been suggested that the non-itching exhibiting these signs are allergic. Many scientific surveys statistically list our related to these environmental conditions ly represented allergic purebreds, based on repeatedly positive skin tests to assorted PREVENTION
reactions (“allergens“). These allergens may be inhaled as in the case of airborne
that flea and inhalant allergies in dogs are pollens, molds, etc.; ingested as with food
hereditary. Certainly the best preventative allergens; injected as with flea saliva; or
medicine is to eliminate affected dogs from merely contacted as with local irritants
establishing lines with consistently good 2) STRESS. Add to allergy the physiol-ogical
stress associated with travel, excite-ment, visibly affected dogs who exhibit chronic- baiting!). Biologically, stress is associated with an increase in production of steroid There is less agreement, on the other hand, allergies in dogs. As guardians of the Dal- for general good health as carefully as we “barrier function” of normal canine skin.
accomplished coat-nirvana in our breeding programs, a little forethought and care may 3) HUMIDITY AND HEAT. Veterinary
disaster. A quick review of the situation allows us to enumerate potential problems significant factors in the onset of these hive- Skin & Coat Disorders in Dalmatians / THE SPOTTER / Fall 1995 Issue part of long-term nutritional support.
cases, for its entire life. Fatty acids may not entirely prevent episodes of “the crud”, but they allow the skin to function optimally allergic dogs to act synergistically with initial reaction to offending allergens. In several studies, dogs receiving both fatty infection than did those receiving either generally proven effective and safe with no For the last few years veterinary dermatol- For breeders, this translates to a prevention supplementation (Derm Caps, EFA Caps,
OM Caps, etc.) for those dogs shown to be
Medicine), myself, other practitioners and modulators, anti-inflammatory agents, and prior to an anticipated allergic challenge histamine therapy and continue it until you beneficial side effects include optimum hair Like Professor Weiss’ suggestions, I usually Although debate continues as to the ideal maleate (Chlor-Trimeton), 12 mg., two to
three times daily. This is an inexpensive should contain a combination of vegetable antihistamine available without a prescrip- and fish oils. Recent data suggests these tion that tends to produce less drowsiness supplements should be administered at two than many other antihistamines. (For those receive their antihistamine, wait until after will develop diarrhea if given doses higher showing to dose them. Duration of activity is short, so this effect should be inapparent important note: the effects of fatty acid Individual response to specific antihista- mines is variable so do not despair if your Skin & Coat Disorders in Dalmatians / THE SPOTTER / Fall 1995 Issue diphenhydramine (Benadryl), clemastine
(Tavist), and hydroxyzine (Atarax).
Systemic antibiotics are always indicated in The rest of the prevention protocol involves cases of folliculitis. Unfortunately, skin needs to be treated for three to four weeks even in uncomplicated cases. If response is antibiotic therapy, reevaluation of the anti- • Use hypoallergenic shampoos, alternat- biotic being used is warranted. Antibiotics against Staphylococcus intermedius. Both
response by bacteria to antibiotics, vary regionally but appropriate choices include: extensive trial and error to identify.
clavulanic acid. It is vitally important that as opposed to Rollover.
academic and referral centers is compatible with published statistics of allergic dogs: disorders, seborrhea, Staphylococcal hyper- sensitivity or rarely, immunocompromise.
• approximately 10% have food allergies THE “DALMATIAN BRONZING
SYNDROME”
TREATMENT
I mentioned this “syndrome” earlier when If your dog begins to “bump up” despite your best efforts or in lieu of preventative hairs by serum pigments called porphyrins.
The bronzed Dal typically appears to have couple of show circuits. Topical treatment along the topline often including the head.
with benzoyl peroxide (Oxydex, Pyoben) or
Close examination of the hair shafts reveals chlorhexidine shampoos (Chlorhexiderm,
Nolvasan) act to cleanse the skin, removing
Early reports attempted to link this staining superficial bacteria. Under these circum- including urinary urate crystals, dietary Skin & Coat Disorders in Dalmatians / THE SPOTTER / Fall 1995 Issue allergies, protein intolerance, demodecosis, collection of disorders, the “Dalmatian Dermatologists are skeptical that this is a syndrome definitely associated with these other maladies or unique to Dalmatians.
Most believe instead that it is the natural result of follicular inflammation described Despite this skepticism in the veterinary Copyright Dalmatian Club of America, Inc., 1995.
All rights reserved.
the “red hair syndrome” of many breeds.
This is a problem reported more frequently in Europe than the United States but closely parallels what has been referred to as the “Dalmatian Bronzing Syndrome” here.
Researchers will be studying the structure of hair shafts by electron microscopy.

Source: http://www.thedca.org/derm.pdf