[ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Nodular Dermatofibrosis

  • From: Colleen Donnelly <gsdsforlife@xxxxxxxx>
  • To: fairway97045@xxxxxxxxx, Gsdbroon@xxxxxxx, showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 01:42:59 -0500 (EST)

Yes it is sad. 
But I wonder WHY only GSD's? What's up with that?

It always boggles my mind why there are diseases known to only specific breeds. 
While I do understand the gist of the why, they still boggle me. ( or maybe I 
should replace the "boggle" with "disappointment". )

Colleen  

Terry Cochran <fairway97045@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: What is really sad here is the 
only breed listed as being affected is the German Shepherd. 
   
  Terry 
Terry Cochran  wrote:
  related terms: nevi, renal cystadenocarcinoma, uterine leiomyoma
What is nodular dermatofibrosis?
This is a condition in German shepherd dogs in which lumps (nodules) form on 
the skin, generally on the head and legs. In most affected dogs, the condition 
is associated with cancer of the kidneys (renal cystadenocarcinoma), or of the 
uterus in females that have not been spayed. The skin lesions are considered a 
marker for the internal cancer. 
How is nodular dermatofibrosis inherited?
The mode of inheritance is believed to be autosomal dominant.
What breeds are affected by nodular dermatofibrosis?
German shepherd 
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 nodular dermatofibrosis mean to your dog & you?
Skin lesions are generally first seen in dogs over 5 years of age. You will 
notice small, firm, usually painless bumps or nodules on your dog's limbs 
and/or head. Over time these will increase in size and number. The lesions 
themselves cause few problems, although they may become ulcerated and painful 
as they grow larger. Most important however, is the fact that they are usually 
associated with cancer of the kidneys (or of the uterus in unspayed females).
The signs that you may see if your dog has kidney disease include increased 
drinking and urination, blood in the urine, loss of appetite and weight loss, a 
swollen abdomen (due to fluid retention or tumour size), depression, and 
vomiting. 
How is nodular dermatofibrosis diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will surgically remove one of the skin nodules (a simple 
procedure done with local anesthetic) for examination by a veterinary 
pathologist. The biopsy will show changes characteristic of this condition. 
Your veterinarian will also look for signs of kidney disease. S/he may be able 
to feel that the kidneys are enlarged or you may have already noticed some of 
the typical clinical signs listed above. Your veterinarian will also take blood 
and urine samples to look for indications of kidney disease, and likely also 
recommend radiography or an ultrasound.
How is nodular dermatofibrosis treated?
There is no specific treatment for this condition. The nodules can be 
surgically removed if they are large or painful, and generally do not grow back 
if excised fully (although new ones will continue to appear). Unspayed females 
should be spayed, to remove the potential of cancer in the uterus and also 
because these dogs definitely should not be bred.
Your veterinarian will carefully monitor your dog's kidney function. If cancer 
develops and appears to be confined to one kidney, that kidney should be 
removed. Otherwise it is a matter of providing supportive care for kidney 
disease as it progresses, such as a special diet and fluid therapy when needed. 
Breeding advice
Affected animals should not be bred, and siblings and parents should be 
carefully examined for nodules.
Because nodular dermatofibrosis has an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, 
all dogs with the defective gene will develop the condition. Theoretically it 
should be possible to eradicate this problem. However because signs do not 
appear until the dogs are over 5 years of age, it is quite possible that they 
have already been used for breeding. The best course is to discontinue breeding 
lines in which there are affected dogs. Although there are no screening tests, 
computed tomography (a radiographic technique) is the best way to detect early 
cases.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
Resources
Moe, L., Lium, B. 1997. Hereditary multifocal renal cystadenocarcinomas and 
nodular dermatofibrosis in 51 German shepherd dogs. Journal of Small Animal 
Practice. 38:498-505.
Copyright © 1998 Canine Inherited Disorders Database. All rights reserved.
Revised: December 17, 2001.
This database is funded jointly by the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at 
the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and the 
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

Gsdbroon@xxxxxxx wrote: We would all like to know what this is.

viv

Vivian Brown
Santa Ana CA

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