Epitheliogenesis imperfecta is a skin problem a kitten or puppy is born with. Some patches of the body never grow a proper skin covering, so the newborn has raw or bare areas from the first day. Researchers also call it aplasia cutis congenita, which simply means skin that failed to form before birth [2]. It is rare: it has been reported in puppies and kittens, but only now and then [1][4].
If a newborn kitten or puppy has a raw or open patch of skin, take it to a vet promptly.
What it is
Skin is built in layers. In this condition, the outer layer (the epidermis) is missing over some areas, and often part of the deeper layer and the structures in it, such as hair follicles, are missing too [2][3]. The condition has been described in many kinds of animals, and in some species researchers suspect it runs in families [2]. Congenital means present at birth.
Signs
- Open or bare patches at birth: one or more areas with no normal skin, which can look red, raw or shiny [2][3].
- Where they show up: in other animals the patches are found most often on the lower legs and inside the mouth, though they can appear elsewhere [2].
- Other birth defects: a newborn with one defect can have others too, so your vet may check the whole animal [1].
For other skin and coat problems present at birth, see hereditary hair loss in dogs and cats and epidermolysis bullosa in dogs and cats.
How vets diagnose it
Your vet will examine the newborn and the bare or open areas. Epidermolysis bullosa, a different inherited skin disease, can look much the same, and the older name has sometimes been used for both [2]. Looking at a small skin sample under the microscope is how the two are told apart [2][3].
Treatment
Your vet will advise on treatment for the kitten or puppy, based on how large the bare areas are and where they are.
At home, as directed by a vet:
- keep the newborn and its bedding clean;
- do not put creams, powders or dressings on the open area unless your vet tells you to;
- go back for every recheck.
Outlook
The condition can be fatal. In a study of 68 stray kittens that died before eight weeks of age, epitheliogenesis imperfecta was one of the birth defects recorded as a cause of death, and all the skin defects in that study were seen in kittens under one week old [1].
These are statements about groups of animals. They cannot predict how one kitten or puppy will do. Your vet can explain what this means for your pet.
When to see your vet
See your vet promptly if a newborn kitten or puppy has:
- a raw, open or bare patch of skin [2];
- any other change you notice at birth, such as missing claws or trouble feeding.
The bottom line
Epitheliogenesis imperfecta is a rare condition in which a kitten or puppy is born with patches where the skin did not form. Only a vet can tell how large the defect is, and your vet will advise on treatment.
This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your veterinarian. If a newborn pet has a patch of missing skin, see your vet.
Sources
- Contreras G, et al. Mortality in Stray Kittens under Eight Weeks Old: Focusing on Congenital Malformations. Veterinary Sciences. 2024;11(10):461. Open access (CC BY 4.0). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11512254/
- Benoit-Biancamano MO, Drolet R, D’Allaire S. Aplasia cutis congenita (epitheliogenesis imperfecta) in swine: observations from a large breeding herd. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. 2006;18(6):573-579. PubMed abstract. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121085/
- Congenital diseases. Veterinary Dermatology. 2000;11(3):211-215. PubMed abstract. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34644909/
- Hewitt MP, Mills JH, Hunter B. Epitheliogenesis imperfecta in a black Labrador puppy. Canadian Veterinary Journal. 1975;16(12):371-374. PubMed record. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1212644/