Lethal acrodermatitis is a genetic disease of the immune system. The clinical signs are skin lesions on the paws and muzzle, leading to secondary infections. In addition, the lesions cause hyperkeratosis of the pads and deformation of the nails. Affected puppies also suffer from diarrhea, bronchopneumonia and retarded growth. The first symptoms appear quickly after birth. Affected puppies usually die before 2 years of age or are euthanized.
