Zinc Dermatosis
Description of the Disease and Clinical Picture
Zinc deficiency most commonly occurs due to chronically reduced zinc absorption from the intestinal tract or when the diet is low in zinc and high in calcium. The condition is most often seen in young dogs of the Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute breeds, but can also occur in other breeds with rapid growth. In the early stages of the disease, erythema, alopecia, scales, and crusts appear around the lips, chin, eyes, and ears. Thick crusts may occur on the elbows and other pressure points, as well as on the paw pads, causing the animal to show movement disorders. In these areas, the skin is inelastic and often cracks. Secondary Malassezia and bacterial skin infections are common. In some dogs, a reduction in the sense of smell (hyposmia) and taste (hypogeusia) is observed.
 
Therapy
The diagnosis is made based on the clinical picture and by ruling out other diseases, and is confirmed by histopathological findings. Therapy consists of zinc supplementation, and the changes usually resolve after 4 to 6 weeks.
 
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