Colour Dilution Alopecia in English Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s coat and skin condition indicate its general health. A healthy coat should be glossy and smooth, not brittle or drab. Furthermore, healthy skin should be firm and clear, with no oily or flaky areas.

What is CDA (Colour Dilution Alopecia)?

Colour Dilution Alopecia is a genetic disease of the skin that affects dogs with diluted coat colors like blue or light brown. This ailment is especially common in certain dog breeds, such as the Doberman Pinscher, Weimaraner, Great Dane, Dachshund, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

CDA is characterized by hair loss, coat thinning, and dry, flaky, or itchy skin. It results from a structural anomaly in the hair shafts and follicles, causing brittleness and eventual breakage. This issue primarily affects the torso, back, and sides of the coat, which are the thinnest parts.

How does Colour Dilution Alopecia occur?

For the condition to manifest in puppies, both parents must carry and pass on a copy of the mutated gene. The inheritance pattern typically works as follows:

Carrier Parents: Carrier parents have one copy of the mutated gene but do not show any signs of the condition. They typically have normal coats and exhibit no disease symptoms.

Affected Puppies: When two carrier dogs mate, there is a 25% chance that their puppies will inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent). Dogs inheriting both copies of the mutated gene are affected by CDA and may show signs such as hair loss, coat thinning, and skin issues.

Normal Puppies: There is a 50% chance that the puppies will inherit one copy of the mutated gene from one parent and a normal gene from the other. These dogs are typically carriers like their parents but show no symptoms of the condition.

Healthy Puppies: There is also a 25% chance that a puppy will inherit two normal copies of the gene (one from each parent). These dogs do not carry the mutated gene and are considered free of the disease. They do not develop CDA and do not pass the mutated gene to their offspring.

Is there a treatment for Colour Dilution Alopecia?

The primary goal of CDA treatment is to manage symptoms and relieve any discomfort or itching caused by the illness. This could include frequent grooming to remove loose or damaged hair, moisturizing shampoos or topical treatments to comfort the skin, and dietary supplements to promote skin and coat health.

However, there is no cure for Color Dilution Alopecia, and affected dogs may endure sporadic hair loss for the rest of their lives. Periodic symptomatic treatments, such as hydrating rinses for dry, flaky skin or antibiotics for bacterial infections, can help manage symptoms as they arise.

How Should the Skin and Coat of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Appear?

• The coat is closely related to the skin, and dogs with good skin usually have a lustrous, thick, and even coat with no bald patches or hair loss.
• While normal seasonal shedding may occur, excessive or abnormal hair loss is neither typical nor seasonal.
• When touched, the skin should be pliable and immediately revert to its former state, showing that it is well-hydrated.
• Healthy skin should not show signs of crusting, peeling, or infection. Furthermore, there should be no aberrant conditions, such as unusual temperature or inflammation.
• The skin color might vary depending on the dog’s inherent pigmentation, ranging from white to light pink to black.

Does skin color vary with coat color?

Yes, there may be some association between skin and coat color. Blue-colored dogs are supposed to be more prone to skin disorders since their color is caused by the dilution of the black gene. However, it is possible to have blue canines without skin concerns.

What Are the Most Common Skin Issues in the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed?

• Skin Sores
• Dry Skin
• Rashes
• Bumps
• Redness
• Dandruff
• Nodules
• Hair Loss