Keratoderma

Naso Plantar Keratoderma (KNP) is a genodermatosis that affects both humans and dogs. In the latter, several breeds are affected, with higher or lower incidences.

The clinical signs of KNP are characterized by hyperkeratosis (a thickening of the skin), which results from an abnormal proliferation of epidermal cells, at the level of the footpads and / or the nose. The clinical signs vary from moderate to more severe forms with real crevices and a horn growth under the pads causing severe pain and therefore reduced mobility of the dog. The treatment is symptomatic, it usually consists of the regular cut of the horn. In some cases, an improvement is noted with ageing, but in some extreme situations, euthanasia must unfortunately be considered, the mobility of the dog being highly affected.

In 2015, our team identified the gene and the responsible mutation of the KNP of the Dogue de Bordeaux. This project was carried out in collaboration with Dr. Eric Guaguère, Emmanuel Bensignor, veterinarians specialized in dermatology, Frédérique Degorce (LAPVSO, Toulouse) and Maxence Deverdier (ENV Toulouse), histopathologists, and with the support of many veterinarians, breeders and owners. The French Dogue de Bordeaux breed club (SADB), has accompanied us since the project was set up in 2004 and the “Société Centrale Canine” financially supported this project in 2008 and 2009. A genetic screening, for this disease in the Dogue de Bordeaux is commercialized ed by Antagene. If you know of other breeds, please also contact us.

We collect samples of dog breeds affected by KNP. Thus, we need blood samples from many dogs (affected, carriers or unaffected) and their relatives to extract the DNA. These samples will be entered anonymously into the CaniDNA database. The search strategy for genetic causes consists in comparing the genomes (all 38 chromosomes + XY) of a large number of affected and unaffected dogs to identify the chromosomal region (s) containing the gene (s) and the causal mutation(s) involved in the KNP.

To participate in this research project, please send us:

  • a blood sample on EDTA tube CNRS_KNP_Protocole
  • a completed clinical questionnaire and / or photocopy of clinical results or histological analysis: CNRS_KNP_Questionnaire
  • copy of the pedigree (if available)
  • a photo of your dog (nose and footpads)

We remind you that the data collected at the CNRS are confidential.

For more information, you can contact our team by phone at +33 (0)2 23 23 45 09 or by email cani-dna@univ-rennes1.fr.

Articles published in the press on this research project:

  • Research of the genetic causes of Naso-Plantar Keratoderma (KNP) of the Dogue de Bordeaux – Article in French published on the website of the SADB, November 25, 2010.
  • Research of genes responsible for genodermatoses: example of the Naso-Plantar Keratoderma at the Dogue de Bordeaux – French article in the Bulletin of the Veterinary Academy of France – 2007 – Volume 160 – N ° 3 – page 245.
  • Research program on Naso-Plantar Keratoderma (KNP) of the Dogue de Bordeaux -French article in La Squame – May 2005 – n ° 16 – page 14.
  • Plassais J, Guaguère E, Lagoutte L, Guillory AS, de Citres CD, Degorce-Rubiales F, Delverdier M, Vaysse A, Quignon P, Bleuart C, Hitte C, Fautrel A, Kaerle C, Bellaud P, Bensignor E, Queney G, Bourrat E, Thomas A, André C. A spontaneous KRT16 mutation in a dog breed: a model for human focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (FNEPPK). J Invest Dermatol. 2015 Apr;135(4):1187-90. doi: 10.1038/jid.2014.526