Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XHED)

General description

Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (XHED) is an inherited disease in the breed German Shepherd, characterized by hypotrichosis, a reduced number of sweat glands and missing or malformed teeth. The disease is caused by a genetic variant of the Ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene. Ectodysplasin is involved in the morphogenesis of ectoderm derived organs, like skin, coat, teeth and glands. Affected dogs are completely hairless on their forehead and over the dorsal pelvic area. Most premolars and incisors are missing or shaped conically. Due to a compromised immune system, affected dogs have an increased risk for pulmonary infections. Moreover, affected dogs often suffer from chronical nasal discharge and develop dry eyes with corneal ulceration, as well as treatment-resistant demodecosis (canine skin parasite). The disease is inherited in a X-chromosomal recessive manner.