ICHTHYOSIFORM DERMATOSIS IN A SOFT-COATED WHEATEN TERRIER

A Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier with an ichthyosiform dermatosis is desc ribed. Patches of thick, scaly skin were apparent from birth and progr essed in extent as the dog aged. At 3 months of age, the scaling was g eneralized and was accompanied by a greasy exudation which matted the haircoat. The skin was greasy and there was generalized scaling, but t he skin of the head and pinnae of the ears was most affected. There wa s minimal involvement of the foot-pads. Microscopically, the skin had patchy areas of ortho- and parakeratotic ; hyperkeratosis, follicular keratosis, superficial perivascular dermatitis, and variable hypergran ulosis. Electron microscopical findings were consistent with prolifera tive hyperkeratosis. The dog did not respond to treatment with benzoyl peroxide shampoos, humectant sprays, and isotretinoin. Comparative fe atures of skin diseases similar to this canine ichthyosiform dermatosi s are discussed.