Morbus Darier · Keratosis follicularis · Darier-White-Krankheit · Darier's disease · Canine Darier disease · Dyskeratosis follicularis
Darier-Krankheit is an inherited skin disorder caused by an autosomal-dominant genetic mutation that affects how skin cells bind together and mature. This disruption in cell cohesion and keratinization weakens the outer skin barrier, leading to chronic inflammation. Essentially, the skin cells cannot stick together properly, making the dog's skin fragile and highly susceptible to irritation.
The condition typically first appears in young adulthood. Owners will notice greasy, crusted skin nodules, heavy scaling, intense itching, and frequent, painful secondary bacterial skin infections.
While the disease is incurable, it can be managed with lifelong daily care, including specialized topical shampoos and oral retinoid medications. This continuous medical management is estimated to cost between €3,000 and €12,000 over the dog's lifetime.
More conditions affecting the Skin & coat.
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.