Our 7 month old female was just diagnosed with Ichythosis. It is basically severe dandruff/dry skin. She has had tons of dandruff since the day we brought her home and the vet decided to take some skin biopsies when she went in to be spayed. We are told that there is no cure/treatment and that the best thing we can do is to bathe her frequently. Thankfully she doensn't seem to be itchy at all from this. My fear is that it will be worse as she ages. I've seen pics online of dogs that have severe ichthyosis and it affects their pads and noses.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I need to call the breeder and let them know about it too. From my understanding, both the parents have to be carriers for Mollie to have this. I know that they plan to use both parents for future litters.

Any advice on home treatments or advice on what to tell the breeder?

Thanks so much..

I haven't heard of this (though I've had a golden with flaky skin). I'm so sorry for the bad news!

I would tell the breeder just what you've told us. Also, check to see what sort of health guarantee you received when you purchased her. Any reputable breeder should be concerned to hear the news and appreciative of the information especially as it pertains to the heredity factor and their breeding program.

Good luck to you! Hopefully others will have good advice for you.

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Sorry for the diagnosis. With the rate science finds new and improved technologies and medicines, hopefully they will find something for this condition soon. I hope she doesn't become uncomfortable.

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Miss You Sam...
Aug 1, '94 ~ Jan 8, '07
http://www.scrapblog.com/viewer/vw_f...px?sbid=483622

Char's Rachel has this.

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rachel has a mild form of it and it doesn't really bother her except for scratching sometimes...swimming in the river really helps it for some reason. the vet dermatologist I took her too...recommended vitamin a and fish oil....I didn't see much difference...so stopped it...some people may recall I really freaked out when I found out she had it...I contacted my breeder and they basically blew me off, saying none of the other puppies had it, and the mother and father didn't...sure...right...but anyone, she lives a normal life...so please....take a deep breath...it will be okay..hugs!

BTW...feel free to PM me if you ever want to talk about this...

So my golden, funny thing, Molly, just got diagnosed with icthyosis, almost the exact same situation....any advice/treatment that you could offer that you went threw with Mollie that seemed to help?

There is a DNA test available for this now. I would definitely let your breeders know, as they will want to test the sire and dam of the litter. My understanding is that carriers should be bred to clears, and not to another carrier.

I don't think there is a lot that can be done for it, but my understanding is that it is primarily a cosmetic issue and not one that will hurt the dog. I have heard recommendations of fish oil and vitamins as well.

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Linda
Tahnee Golden Retrievers

I would contact a dermatologist with a referral from your vet. Or if you are near a vet college fet a referral to them. Also you might talk to a holistic vet to see if they might know if some stuff to help.

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My 5 y/o old Champ has it too. As a pup up to a year old or so it would snow in July if we brushed him. He's now on a fish oil pill a day and its helped tremendously. No more flaking when he walks. Fortunately, the flaking does not mean he's itchy. Baths wont help at all.
I was torn up when we found out too but now its a non issue. I suspect it wont be for you either. Here's my big boy! 109 lbs of twisted steel and my hunting partner!
Pedigree: Flambeau's Runnin the Roosters