Zinc-responsive dermatosis in northern-breed dogs: 17 cases (1990-1996).

摘要

Medical records of 17 dogs (13 Siberian Huskies, 1 Alaska Malamute and 3 American Eskimos) with zinc-responsive dermatosis diagnosed at the Michigan State University Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory between January 1990 and March 1996 were reviewed to study their response to zinc supplementation and the rate of recurrence of lesions. Initial lesions were unilateral in 12 dogs but became symmetrical as the disease progressed. Pyoderma was evident in 5 dogs, whereas 10 dogs were pruritic. Most lesions initially developed between September and April and 12 dogs developed lesions in February, October, and November. Initial daily dosage of zinc ranged from 0.8 to 4.6 mg/kg body weight. Effective/maintenance dosages ranged from 0.5 mg/kg twice weeklyto 8.0 mg/kg daily. 15 dogs had complete resolution of lesions after zinc supplementation. Lesions recurred in 9 of 16 dogs. Approximately half of the recurrent lesions were a result of a missed dose or a decrease in dosage or frequency of zinc supplementation. An initial daily dosage of zinc supplement of 1.0 mg of elemental zinc per kg body weight is recommended. It is suggested that treatment should be continued for 1 month to determine response to treatment and the daily dosage should be increasedby 50% if the initial dosage is not effective.