Zinc-responsive dermatosis in northern-breed dogs: 17 cases (1990-1996).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the response rate of zinc-responsive dermatosis to zinc supplementation, the optimal dosage of zinc required for resolution of lesions, the rate of recurrence of lesions, and to develop recommendations for maintenance dosages of zinc to be administered to dogs with this type of zinc-responsive dermatosis.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
17 northern-breed dogs with a diagnosis of zinc-responsive dermatosis.


METHODS
Histologic evaluation of skin biopsy specimens and review of medical records. Additional information was obtained from veterinarians and owners via a telephone questionnaire.


RESULTS
In 12 of 17 dogs, lesions were unilateral initially, then became symmetrical as the disease progressed. Pyoderma was evident in 5 of 17 dogs, whereas 10 were pruritic. Most lesions initially developed between September and April, and 12 of 17 dogs developed lesions in February, October, and November. Initial dosages of zinc supplement ranged from 0.8 to 4.6 mg/kg of body weight/d (0.36 to 2.09 mg/lb/d). Effective/ maintenance dosages ranged from 0.5 mg/kg (0.23 mg/lb), twice weekly, to 8.0 mg/kg/d (3.6 mg/lb/d). Fifteen of 17 dogs had complete resolution of lesions after zinc supplementation. Lesions recurred in 9 of 16 dogs. Approximately half of the recurrent lesions were a result of a missed dose or a decrease in dosage or frequency of zinc supplementation.


CONCLUSIONS
An initial dosage of zinc supplement of 1.0 mg of elemental zinc/kg (0.45 mg of elemental zinc/lb), PO, every 24 hours is recommended. Treatment should be continued for 1 month to determine response to treatment, and the daily dosage should be increased by 50% if the initial dosage is not effective. Dogs are prone to recurrence of lesions if a dose of zinc is missed or the dosage or frequency is decreased.
Colombini
S
S
Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
Dunstan
R W
RW
D000505:Alopecia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D004890:Erythema / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D015032:Zinc