Verrucous Epidermal Keratinocytic Nevi

Verrucous Epidermal Keratinocytic Nevi is a skin disorder that causes the formation of lesions and hardened scaling. It is caused by a semi-dominant, X-linked, homozygous lethal mutation to the gene NSDHL. The variant analysed in this test is one of two known to occur in the Chihuahua. Another variant of the disorder, also known as CHILD-like syndrome, has been observed in the Labrador Retriever.

Affected dogs present with highly painful lesions on the skin, with hair loss, dark pigmentation and scaly or wart-like growths.

Only female dogs will be affected; as the mutation is homozygous lethal, any male embryos carrying the mutation will spontaneously abort.