Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA)(CDA)
Also known as: Farbverdünnungsalopezie · Blue Dog Syndrome · Color Mutant Alopecia · Farbmutantenalopezie · Blue Doberman Syndrome · …
Overview
What it is
Color Dilution Alopecia is a genetic skin disorder that affects dogs with diluted coat colors, such as blue, fawn, or lilac. It is caused by an abnormal distribution of pigment within the hair shafts, which makes the hair brittle and prone to breaking. This structural weakness leads to progressive hair loss and leaves the skin more vulnerable to irritation.
How it presents
Owners typically notice thinning hair or bald patches along the dog's back, with symptoms usually appearing between six months and three years of age. The affected skin can also become dry, flaky, and prone to itchy, bumpy bacterial infections.
Treatment
There is no cure, but the condition can be managed long-term with specialized shampoos, moisturizing skin care, and antibiotics for secondary infections. Lifetime management costs typically range from €1,000 to €3,500.
How it's tested
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
Primary testDNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Labogen / Laboklin) — bündelt alle relevanten Erbkrankheiten der Rasse in einem Test.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Hautbiopsie und histopathologische Untersuchung(Biopsie)
Primary testClinical examEine Hautbiopsie mit anschließender histopathologischer Untersuchung der Haarfollikel dient dem Nachweis von dysplastischen Follikeln und abnormalen Pigmentansammlungen.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
D-Lokus DNA-Test (Farbverdünnung)(D-Lokus)
Primary testDNA testDer DNA-Test analysiert das MLPH-Gen auf Mutationen (wie das d1-Allel), die für die Farbverdünnung und die damit assoziierte Farbmutantenalopezie verantwortlich sind.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Klinische Untersuchung und Hautbiopsie(Hautbiopsie)
Primary testClinical examDie Diagnose der kutanen Muzinose erfolgt primär klinisch und wird durch eine histopathologische Untersuchung einer Hautbiopsie (Stanzbiopsie) gesichert.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Feragen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Feragen, Österreich) — gleiches Konzept wie Labogen.
Issuing body: Feragen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Embark Breed + Health Panel(Embark)
DNA testUS-Anbieter; 250+ genetische Erkrankungen + Abstammung. Anerkennung in DE/AT variiert je nach VDH-Verein.
Issuing body: Embark
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
MyDogDNA Panel(MyDogDNA)
DNA testGenoscoper-basiertes Panel (Mars Petcare). 200+ Erkrankungen + Rassenkomposition.
Issuing body: MyDogDNA
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
24 of 30 breeds
Mandatory testGerman PinscherMandated by Pinscher-Schnauzer-Klub 1895 e.V. (PSK)
Mandatory testLabrador RetrieverMandated by Labrador Club Deutschland e.V.
RecommendedAmerican Staffordshire Terrier
RecommendedBarbet
RecommendedBasset Hound
RecommendedBernese Mountain Dog
RecommendedChihuahua
RecommendedChow Chow
RecommendedContinental Toy Spaniel (Papillon)
RecommendedDachshund
RecommendedDobermann
RecommendedFinnish Hound (Suomenajokoira)
RecommendedGordon Setter
RecommendedIrish Red Setter
RecommendedIrish Water Spaniel
RecommendedItalian Greyhound
RecommendedMedium Poodle
RecommendedMiniature Pinscher
RecommendedPoodle
RecommendedPortuguese Water Dog
RecommendedRhodesian Ridgeback
RecommendedSaluki
RecommendedSchipperke
RecommendedShetland Sheepdog
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA)?
Color Dilution Alopecia is a genetic skin disorder that affects dogs with diluted coat colors, such as blue, fawn, or lilac. It is caused by an abnormal distribution of pigment within the hair shafts, which makes the hair brittle and prone to breaking. This structural weakness leads to progressive hair loss and leaves the skin more vulnerable to irritation.
How is Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) tested?
Tests currently in our database: Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Hautbiopsie und histopathologische Untersuchung, D-Lokus DNA-Test (Farbverdünnung), Klinische Untersuchung und Hautbiopsie, Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: German Pinscher, Labrador Retriever, American Staffordshire Terrier, Barbet, Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Chihuahua, Chow Chow.