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Congenital and Inherited Anomalies of the Integumentary System in Animals

ByKaren A. Moriello, DVM, DACVD
Reviewed/Revised Jan 2020

Congenital dermatoses of the skin may be genetic or arise during embryogenesis because of nongenetic factors. Genetic mutations that cause skin anomalies may be present at birth or become apparent weeks to months later. These late-onset manifestations are referred to as tardive developmental defects. Both congenital and tardive developmental dermatoses are fairly common in domestic animals of all species, with the greatest number of well-defined defects described in cattle and dogs.

For More Information

Also see pet health content regarding congenital and inherited skin disorders in dogs, in cats, and in horses.

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