Description
What is Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis?
Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder that affects only Labrador Retrievers. Affected dogs begin showing clinical signs around six to twelve months of age. They develop dry, rough crusts on the tip of the nose and, in extreme cases, the dog’s nose will crack and cause severe discomfort. Lesions can also occur on the area around the nose. Affected areas are prone to bacterial infections and can lose pigment over time. Fortunately, this disorder may be treated with veterinary consultation and topical therapy.
This test is only valid on Labrador Retrievers.
Understanding Results
There are 3 possible genotypes reported for Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK)
- CLEAR: those having 2 copies of the normal allele and appear to be normal
- CARRIER: those having 1 copy of the normal allele and 1 copy of the mutation but appear to be normal
- AFFECTED: those having 2 copies of the mutation are likely to show clinical signs of HNPK
Although carriers do not show clinical signs, it is important to note that if used for breeding, carriers are likely to pass on the mutation 50% of the time. Therefore a carrier (x) carrier mating is likely to result in producing affected pups in about 25% of the offspring.
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