Ichthyosis Everything You Need to Know

Ichthyosis is a genetic skin condition commonly found in Golden Retrievers.

Ichthyosis is a genetic skin condition commonly found in Golden Retrievers. It is an autosomal recessive genetic mutation; which means that when genetically tested a dog must have both recessive mutation traits to be affected. This is symbolized as ICH/ICH.

Symptoms

Affected dogs cannot form the outer layer of the epidermis properly; this results in excessive flaking, discoloration, greasy spots and possible hardening of the skin. The darkening of the skin and flaking makes it appear dirty. Symptoms can exhibit in forms from mild to severe, as well as cycle depending on hormones and stress.

Treatment

Treat Ichthyosis with special shampoos, diet, and stress management. We have found keeping the skin dry and clean improves symptoms. Additional issues associated with Ichthyosis such as fungal infections and yeast overgrowth. If your dog is affected, see a veterinarian to help come up with a specific treatment plan for your dog.

Carriers of Ichthyosis and Breeding

A dog can have an Ichthyosis trait but not have symptoms. They are called carriers, symbolized as ICH/NA, will not exhibit symptoms. Clear dogs are symbolized as NA/NA; they will never present symptoms or pass down the trait. Carriers should only be bred to clear dogs; this guarantees that they only produce other carriers or clear dogs.

Ichthyosis Carrier bred to Ichthyosis Clear Punnett Square — ICH Carrier bred to ICH Clear Punnett Square

Carriers should not be bred to other carriers. When carriers are bred to other carriers, there is a 25% chance an affected puppy is born, 25% in producing a clear, and 50% another carrier.

Ichthyosis Carrier bred to Ichthyosis Carrier — ICH Carrier bred to ICH Carrier Punnett Square

Breeding Ichthyosis Affected Dogs

Ichthyosis affected dogs should only be bred to Clear dogs. It will result in 100% carriers but no affected dogs.

Ichthyosis affected bred to Ichthyosis clear Punnett Square — ICH affected bred to ICH clear Punnett Square

If an Ichthyosis affected dog is bred to a carrier, it results in a carrier 50% and affected 50%. Responsible breeders will not do this. Nor should they breed an affected dog to another affected dog which will also produce affected dogs 100% of the time.

Ichthyosis affected bred to Ichthyosis Carrier Results in 50% Ichthyosis carrier 50% Ichthyosis affected — ICH affected bred to ICH Carrier Punnett Square

Ichthyosis Affected bred to Ichthyosis Affected — ICH Affected bred to ICH Affected Punnett Square

Ichthyosis is not fatal or a significant issue in most cases. However, it can be challenging to manage, and uncomfortable for the dog. With the genetic testing available responsible breeders should never knowingly produce an affected dog.