Darier disease
Also known as: Morbus Darier · Keratosis follicularis · Darier-White-Krankheit · Darier's disease · Canine Darier disease · …
Overview
What it is
Darier-Krankheit is an inherited skin disorder caused by an autosomal-dominant genetic mutation that affects how skin cells bind together and mature. This disruption in cell cohesion and keratinization weakens the outer skin barrier, leading to chronic inflammation. Essentially, the skin cells cannot stick together properly, making the dog's skin fragile and highly susceptible to irritation.
How it presents
The condition typically first appears in young adulthood. Owners will notice greasy, crusted skin nodules, heavy scaling, intense itching, and frequent, painful secondary bacterial skin infections.
Treatment
While the disease is incurable, it can be managed with lifelong daily care, including specialized topical shampoos and oral retinoid medications. This continuous medical management is estimated to cost between €3,000 and €12,000 over the dog's lifetime.
How it's tested
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
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Darier disease?
Darier-Krankheit is an inherited skin disorder caused by an autosomal-dominant genetic mutation that affects how skin cells bind together and mature. This disruption in cell cohesion and keratinization weakens the outer skin barrier, leading to chronic inflammation. Essentially, the skin cells cannot stick together properly, making the dog's skin fragile and highly susceptible to irritation.
How is Darier disease tested?
Tests currently in our database: Klinische Untersuchung und Hautbiopsie.
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.