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Albino dogs have the same diseases as other albino animals. This makes the perspective on albinism no different when considering dogs. And this perspective often generates controversy, especially when there is not enough information on the subject.
Some people claim that albinism is not a desirable trait in dogs because it has many associated biological deficiencies. Certainly this is the prevailing view in many dog breed standards. Others claim that albino dogs can live well if they receive the necessary care, and therefore there will be no problem allowing them to breed. However, and without ignoring that albino dogs deserve love and the necessary care, we must bear in mind that these dogs are more prone to health problems that can limit their quality of life and even cause very serious difficulties in some cases.
Therefore, if you have an albino dog or are thinking of adopting one, it is important that you get to know it through the Animal Expert the characteristics of albino dogs and how to diagnose albinism. This way you will have a good starting point to understand the care that an albino dog requires.
Characteristics of albino dogs
Although the characteristics of dogs with albinism can be similar to other albino animals, this condition presents certain peculiarities in man's best friend. To begin with, the existence of dogs with albinism has not been fully described. In other words, all albinisms described in the technical and scientific literature on dogs are partial albinisms.
Even dogs in which melanin seems to be completely absent have some pigment, but in some cases it is so diluted that they look like dogs with complete albinism. Partial albinism, on the other hand, means that there is some amount of pigment and therefore it can be confused with other conditions. Perhaps this is why white dogs are often confused with albino dogs, even more so because of their coat color.
However, the main characteristics of an albino dog are as follows:
- Pinkish or very lightly pigmented skin. The skin of normal dogs has noticeable pigmentation, including the white coat, which can be seen separating the coat from the loin. On the other hand, the skin of albino dogs is very light and is usually pink. Some albino dogs may have freckles and moles, but overall pigmentation is almost nil.
- pink nose. Albino dogs have a pink or very pale nose due to poor skin pigmentation. However, not all pink-nosed dogs are albino. A dog with a pink nose but pigmented skin, lips, eyelids and eyes is not albino.
- Depigmented lips and eyelids. Lips and eyelids are other indicators of albinism. When they are pink, there is a possibility that the dog is albino. However, as with the nose, not all pink-lipped and pink-lipped dogs are albino.
- very light eyes. Albino dogs usually have sky, gray or green eyes, all of which are very pale. Occasionally they have light brown eyes. Again, not all fair eyes are albino. Pink eyes are common in other albino animals, but rare in dogs.
Unfortunately, the above features can be confusing and lead to misdiagnosis. Many dogs have one or more of these traits without being albino, and some albino dogs can pass for normal dogs. That is, the diagnosis of albinism must be done by a qualified veterinarian on this team.
albino dog diagnosis
Although much research has been done on the canine genome and the inherited diseases of dogs, little is known about albinism. It is believed that the genes involved may be in the loci Zip code (loci are the positions that the genes occupy on the chromosomes), as with other mammals. However, there is still no 100% conclusive information.
Unfortunately, the absolutely reliable diagnosis of albinism in dogs can only be made through genetic analysis, but as we do not have appropriate genetic markers, it can only be done based on visible characteristics.
Therefore, it is necessary that the person in charge of diagnosing albinism is a experienced professional in the theme. Ideally a veterinarian with some specialization in genetics should do this, but the dog breeder himself can do this if he has sufficient knowledge on the subject and a good pedigree record of his dogs.
Don't trust anyone who tells you a dog is albino. Albino dogs do not always reliably diagnose themselves. It is not enough for the dog to be white or to have a pink nose to say that it is albino.
If you are unsure about your dog or a dog that you intend to adopt, seek advice from a veterinarian you trust, as albino dogs are prone to certain diseases and need special care.
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