Uncovering the Hidden Threat: Familial Dermatomyositis in Shelties and Collies – A Guide to This Devastating Canine Condition
Familial dermatomyositis is a skin disease that is common in Shetland Sheepdogs (nicknamed “Shelties”) and Collies.
Some families who own shelties or collies
What is familial dermatomyositis?
“Does it mean that siblings of dogs can also develop the disease?”
Is familial dermatomyositis life-threatening?
Some of you may have questions or concerns such as:
Here we will explain in detail about familial dermatomyositis.
Please read on to find out more about familial dermatomyositis.
📍 Table of Contents
▼ What is familial dermatomyositis?
▼ Symptoms of familial dermatomyositis
▼ Testing for familial dermatomyositis
▼ Treatment of familial dermatomyositis
▼ Can familial dermatomyositis be cured?
▼ Summary
What is familial dermatomyositis?
Familial dermatomyositis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the skin, muscles, and blood vessels, causing skin diseases and loss of strength throughout the body.
The cause of this disease is thought to be an immune-mediated disorder in which the immune system, which is supposed to protect the body, malfunctions and attacks the body itself.
Familial dermatomyositis is inherited from parent to child in an autosomal dominant manner.
Autosomal dominant inheritance means that if one parent has the gene for familial dermatomyositis, there is a 50% chance that the child will inherit it.
This means that siblings of a dog with familial dermatomyositis may also develop the condition.
The most common breeds affected are Shetland Sheepdogs, Collies and their crosses, but other breeds can also be affected.
The age of onset is said to be under 6 months. Since most dermatitis develops at ages 6 months or older, the onset at such a young age is one of the characteristics of familial dermatomyositis.
Symptoms of familial dermatomyositis
Familial dermatomyositis symptoms are broadly divided into skin and muscle symptoms.
The predominant lesions are skin lesions.
Muscle symptoms are often not observed.
As a skin symptom
- Turning red
- Hair loss
- Gouged out
- Blisters may form
- The pigment fades
- Scabs form and fall off
Some examples include:
Skin lesions occur on the face, limbs, paws, and tail, especially around the eyes.
As muscle symptoms
- Can’t swallow food
- I can’t move my body
- Walking strangely
- Muscles become thinner
Some examples include:
When muscles are damaged, not only the skeletal muscles that move the body are affected, but also the internal organs that are made of muscles.
For example, the muscles that move the esophagus may be damaged, resulting in megaesophagus, in which the esophagus stops functioning, or the myocardium, the tissue that moves the heart, may be damaged, resulting in circulatory disorders.
Testing for familial dermatomyositis
Familial dermatomyositis can have similar symptoms to several other disorders, including skin infections and other immune-mediated disorders.
To rule out these diseases, your veterinarian will perform a combination of the following tests to diagnose your pet:
The main tests for familial dermatomyositis include
- Physical Examination
- Blood tests
- Skin tests
- Pathological examination
- Electromyography
Some examples include:
Only a combination of tests can provide an accurate diagnosis, determine how advanced the disease is, or rule out other diseases.
Treatment of familial dermatomyositis
Treatment for familial dermatomyositis varies depending on the stage of the disease.
In addition, secondary skin and muscle symptoms caused by familial dermatomyositis may also require treatment.
The following are treatments for familial dermatomyositis:
For the treatment of familial dermatomyositis
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B3
- Fatty Acid Supplements
- Vasodilators
- Immunosuppressants
Some examples include:
It is important to consider the best treatment for your dog’s condition.
Exposure to sunlight and trauma to the skin can also aggravate the condition.
Limiting exposure to sunlight and protecting your skin are important ways to prevent the disease from worsening.
Is familial dermatomyositis curable?
While some dogs have mild cases of familial dermatitis that will heal naturally, unfortunately in others the condition can be progressive and difficult to manage, or even life-threatening.
Furthermore, familial dermatomyositis is a genetic disease that is passed down from parents to children.
When a dog has familial dermatomyositis, it is important to avoid breeding them so as not to pass on this painful disease to their offspring.
summary
Familial dermatomyositis is a disease that affects the skin and muscles.
Although it is often a mild disease, it can be life-threatening. Correct diagnosis and prevention of reproduction are important to prevent the transmission of this painful disease to offspring.
Familial dermatitis can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other skin conditions.
Our clinic specializes in dermatology treatments.
If you have a skin disease that is difficult to cure or keeps recurring, please consult our clinic.
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