Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (Greyhound Type)

General Information: Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNP) in Greyhounds is an inherited skin disease that primarily affects the nose, leading to the development of dry, rough, and crusty lesions. This condition typically becomes apparent in young dogs and is characterized by thick, gray to brown crusts that form on the tip of the nose. These crusts can sometimes extend to the adjacent skin areas. The affected areas are prone to cracking and may become infected, leading to further complications. Despite the severity of nasal symptoms, affected dogs generally remain otherwise healthy. Management of HNP involves regular use of topical treatments to alleviate crusting and prevent infections, ensuring the dog's comfort and quality of life. The condition tends to persist throughout the dog's life, requiring ongoing care and monitoring to manage symptoms effectively.

How to Read Your Dog's Test Results for this Genetic Variant:

Two Variants Detected: Dog Likely Affected

One Variant Detected: Dog Unlikely Affected

No Variants Detected: No Effect

Gene / Testing Information: Genetic testing for the SUV39H2 gene is crucial for identifying carriers of the mutation responsible for Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNP) in Greyhounds. HNP is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to develop the condition. Dogs carrying only one copy of the mutation (carriers) do not exhibit symptoms but can pass the gene to their offspring. When two carriers are bred, each puppy has a 25% chance of developing HNP and a 50% chance of being a carrier. Reliable genetic testing is vital for responsible breeding practices to avoid mating two carriers, thereby reducing the risk of producing affected puppies. By ensuring that only non-carrier dogs are bred, breeders can help eliminate this condition from Greyhound populations, promoting healthier and more robust future generations. This practice is essential to maintaining the health and well-being of Greyhound breeding lines and preventing the perpetuation of this painful nasal condition.