Canine Acne ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

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Information by Condition or Disease

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Any health care links located here are NOT to replace a veterinarian visit; please take your dog to a vet immediately at any sign of odd behavior or any symptoms of illness or injury. Call your vet and describe your dog's symptoms with any of your concerns about the dog's well-being. Your veterinarian may discover changes in your dog's health that you have overlooked. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

Canine Acne

What is Canine Acne?

Dogs with Canine Acne develop multiple comedones on their chin, lips, and muzzle. These plugs of keratin and sebum block the hair follicles, and are commonly called "blackheads."

How is Canine Acne inherited?

The mode of inheritance is unknown.

What breeds are affected by Canine Acne?

Canine acne occurs in young adult Boxers, English Bulldogs, Doberman Pinschers, and Great Danes.

For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.

What does Canine Acne mean to your dog and you?

Animals with this syndrome have bumps, scabs and blackheads on their lips, chin and muzzle. These usually do not bother the dog unless a secondary bacterial skin infection develops. This can cause pain and itching and your dog may paw at his/her face or rub it along the carpet.

The dog's general health is not affected by Canine Acne.

How is Canine Acne diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made based on finding comedones or blackheads. Your veterinarian may take a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This is a simple procedure done with local anesthetic, in which your veterinarian removes a small sample of your dog's skin for examination by a veterinary pathologist.

How is Canine Acne treated?

This condition can not be cured but it can be controlled. Mild cases need no treatment. In other cases or where there are repeated infections, regular cleaning with acne cleaning products or mild anti-seborrheic shampoos will be required. Your veterinarian will work with you to find a regime suitable for your dog.

If a secondary bacterial infection develops, your dog will need to take antibiotics for 3 or 4 weeks.

Page URL: http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/acne.html

Resource References:
Much, much appreciation to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, DVM of Clifton, VA USA for his extensive research in locating the material found on this page. Thank you, dear Doctor!