Lethal acrodermatitis is a rare inherited disease of Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers. Affected puppies grow poorly, develop skin disease on the face and paws, and catch infections easily. It is a serious disease, and this article explains it plainly so you know what to expect and how your vet can help.
A Bull Terrier puppy that is not growing well and has sores on the face or feet needs a vet. Many problems can cause these signs, and your vet can work out what is going on.
What lethal acrodermatitis is
It is an inherited skin disease, often shortened to LAD. A puppy gets it only when it inherits the faulty gene from both parents (recessive inheritance), and it is seen in Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers [2][4]. Besides the skin, it affects growth and the immune system, and the paws are usually hit hardest [2].
The University of Minnesota dermatology handbook lists it among the severe skin diseases linked to zinc, because the body seems unable to take up and use zinc properly [1]. Even so, giving zinc has not improved the signs in affected dogs [2][4].
Signs
Researchers who followed 28 affected Bull Terriers in the UK, the largest group studied so far, found that the main features are [3]:
- stunted growth;
- toes that spread apart (splayed toes);
- trouble eating;
- skin disease on the face and feet;
- infections that take hold more easily than in healthy dogs.
- Paws and nails: as the dogs get older, infection around the nails (paronychia), nail disease and thick, hard footpads appear, and in that study these became severe after about six months of age [3]. See also footpad hyperkeratosis in dogs and nail and nail bed problems.
- Yeast infections: in a study of 12 affected dogs, Malassezia yeast turned up often on the skin, coat, pads, nails and mucous membranes, and Candida yeast was also common [5]. See Malassezia yeast skin infection in dogs.
- Other illness: an earlier US report on 17 related puppies also described long-lasting skin infection, diarrhea, pneumonia and unusual behavior [4].
How vets diagnose it
According to the UK study, a vet can strongly suspect LAD in a young Bull Terrier that shows several of these signs together [3]. A skin biopsy helps confirm it: a typical pattern under the microscope, together with the usual signs, was enough to make the diagnosis [3]. The same authors found that blood zinc tests are of little help in diagnosing it [3].
The gene change behind the disease has been found, and the researchers note that this makes genetic testing of both breeds possible [2]. Your vet can tell you whether a genetic test is useful for your dog.
Treatment and care
No treatment fixes the underlying problem. Care focuses on the infections that affected dogs pick up so easily [3][5] and on keeping the dog comfortable. Your vet will decide which treatments fit your dog.
At home, as directed by a vet:
- give all medicines exactly as prescribed;
- do not give any medicine or supplement unless your vet advises it;
- keep the face, paws and nails clean only in the way your vet shows you;
- tell your vet early about new sores, coughing, diarrhea or eating problems.
Outlook
This part is hard to read. The sources describe the outlook as follows:
- The University of Minnesota handbook describes the outlook for the severe zinc-related disease in Bull Terrier puppies as poor to guarded [1].
- The genetics researchers write that most affected puppies do not live to two years of age; infections such as pneumonia and very painful paw pad sores are the main reasons they give [2].
- In the US report on 17 related puppies, half had died by about 7 months of age [4].
These are figures and statements about groups of dogs in particular studies. They cannot predict how one dog will do. Your vet can explain what this means for your dog.
Your vet can also help you watch your dog’s comfort and quality of life, and talk with you about choices as things change.
When to see your vet
See your vet if your Bull Terrier or Miniature Bull Terrier puppy has:
- poor growth or stunting [3][4];
- sores or crusts on the face or on the feet [3];
- splayed toes, sore nails or thick, cracked pads [3];
- trouble eating [3];
- coughing, fast breathing, diarrhea or low energy.
FAQ
Can zinc supplements help?
No. Studies report that giving zinc did not improve the signs [2][4]. Do not give any supplement unless your vet advises it.
Is lethal acrodermatitis contagious?
No. It is inherited [2][4], not something dogs catch from each other. Affected dogs do catch infections easily [3].
Which breeds get it?
Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers [2].
Is there a test for it?
The gene change has been found, and the researchers say this makes genetic testing possible [2]. Ask your vet whether a test is useful for your dog.
How long will my puppy live?
No one can say for one dog. The figures from studies are in Outlook above. Your vet knows your puppy and can talk this through with you.
The bottom line
Lethal acrodermatitis is a rare inherited disease of Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers. Affected puppies grow poorly, get skin disease on the face and feet, and catch infections easily. Giving zinc does not help. Your vet can treat infections, keep your dog as comfortable as possible, and support you through decisions about its care.
This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your veterinarian. If you are worried about your puppy, contact your vet.
Sources
- Torres SMF. 3.13 Canine Zinc Responsive Dermatosis. Small and Large Animal Dermatology Handbook, Vol. 2. University of Minnesota, 2025. CC BY 4.0. https://open.lib.umn.edu/animaldermatology2/chapter/nutritional-related-keratinization-disorders-zinc-responsive-dermatosis-dogs/
- Bauer A, Jagannathan V, Högler S, et al. MKLN1 splicing defect in dogs with lethal acrodermatitis. PLoS Genet. 2018;14(3):e1007264. CC BY. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5863938/
- McEwan NA, McNeil PE, Thompson H, McCandlish IA. Diagnostic features, confirmation and disease progression in 28 cases of lethal acrodermatitis of bull terriers. J Small Anim Pract. 2000;41(11):501-507. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11105789/
- Jezyk PF, Haskins ME, MacKay-Smith WE, Patterson DF. Lethal acrodermatitis in bull terriers. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1986;188(8):833-839. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3710872/
- McEwan NA. Malassezia and Candida infections in bull terriers with lethal acrodermatitis. J Small Anim Pract. 2001;42(6):291-297. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11440398/