Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (Discovered in the Australian Shepherd)

Epidermolysis Bullosa is a group of inherited disorders characterized by skin fragility and multifocal skin blistering and ulcerations. The type known as Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa is indicative of the involvement of the epithelial basement membrane. In affected dogs, ulcerations may appear within days to weeks after birth and often in areas of high friction, such as the oral cavity, ears, abdomen and paw pads. Thick crusts covering deep erosions and ulcers of the skin, particularly of the elbow, hocks and tail tip, may occur. Affected puppies may also slough their nails. Oral lesions may be found along the gingival and buccal mucosa, tongue and both the hard and soft palates. Owners may report the puppy shows difficulty with eating or drinking. It is possible that affected puppies are smaller than littermates as a result of discomfort associated with eating. The disorder carries a poor to guarded prognosis with severely affected puppies not surviving past a few months of age.

Treatment is pain management, supportive care, and symptomatic depending on the severity of the dog's clinical signs. This may also include owners altering the dog's environment to reduce potential for trauma to the skin. Unfortunately, many cases of JEB carry a poor prognosis and humane euthanasia may be elected depending on quality of life.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disorder is autosomal recessive, meaning two copies of the variant are needed for a dog to be at an elevated risk for being diagnosed with the condition. A carrier dog with one copy of the Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (Discovered in the Australian Shepherd) variant can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (Discovered in the Australian Shepherd) variant. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the variant. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disorder signs similar to the ones associated with this Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa variant could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.