Background: Canine flank alopecia (CFA) is a skin condition in dogs characterized by non-inflammatory, seasonally recurring episodes of localized hair loss and often hyperpigmentation of the affected skin. A genetic basis is suspected because of the predisposition in certain breeds, such as the Rhodesian Ridgeback (RR). This study investigated the possible role of the canine melanophylin (MLPH) gene in CFA among RRs through pedigree analysis and MLPH genotyping.
Results: We included 24 CFA-affected and 12 non-CFA-affected control RRs. Pedigree analysis revealed inbreeding loops and close family relationships among the CFA-affected dogs, indicating the potential heritability of CFA. MLPH genotyping revealed 3/24 (12.5%) affected dogs and 1/12 (8.3%) control dogs to be heterozygous (Dd) for the dilute (d) allele, indicating no difference between these groups. None of the dogs were found to be homozygous (dd). Statistical analysis did not reveal an association between the MLPH-d allele and CFA.
Conclusions: The familial patterns among affected RRs observed through pedigree analysis suggest a potential genetic component in CFA. However, our findings from the MLPH genotyping did not reveal that the MLPH gene is involved in this skin condition in RRs. However, further genetic studies are needed to clarify the etiology of CFA in RR dogs.
Keywords: Melanophylin gene; Canine flank alopecia; Genetic predisposition; Pedigree analysis; Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Canine Flank Alopecia is an undesired skin condition in dogs. Affected dogs lose hair, typically on one or both sides of the body, without signs of any other skin disease. The well-demarcated bald patches are often hyperpigmented and non-itchy. The surrounding hair and skin are normal. Hair will usually regrow within 3–8 months after the onset of hair loss, but bald patches will often recur every year. Because some breeds, such as the Rhodesian Ridgeback, are at risk of developing this trait, it is suspected that this condition may have a genetic basis.This study aimed to determine whether a specific gene (the canine Menalophylin gene) may play a role in canine flank alopecia among Rhodesian Ridgebacks. We used pedigree analysis to explore the relationships between family members and disease inheritance patterns within families. We used MLPH genotyping to examine differences in the occurrence of this gene between affected Rhodesian Ridgebacks and healthy ones. In this study, we included 24 affected and 12 healthy control Rhodesian Ridgebacks. The pedigree analysis of the affected dogs revealed close family ties and inbreeding loops. This finding points to a possible heritability of canine flank alopecia. This genetic study did not reveal that the MLPH gene is involved in this skin condition. The cause of CFA may be multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role.We recommend further investigation of the genetic and environmental basis of Canine Flank Alopecia in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Deeper knowledge could help develop breeding strategies to minimize the frequency of this undesirable skin trait within the Rhodesian Ridgebacks population.
© 2024. The Author(s).