Zinc-responsive dermatosis in the Siberian Husky
2-year-old Siberian Husky with adherent crusts, scaling and alopecia around the eyes, mouth, chin and pinnae, with mild elbow involvement. It eats a complete, good-quality commercial diet. Biopsy shows diffuse epidermal and follicular parakeratotic hyperkeratosis.
What is the most appropriate treatment?
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A. Lifelong oral zinc supplementation
Correct. In syndrome I (Nordic breeds) there is a genetic defect in zinc absorption, so supplementation must be maintained. Give it with food to reduce vomiting; if the response is incomplete, low-dose glucocorticoids may improve absorption.
B. Switch to another commercial food or a meat-rich home-made diet
Correcting the diet resolves syndrome II (puppies on diets low in zinc or high in calcium and phytates), but not syndrome I, which is an absorption defect.
C. Oral ciclosporin for suspected autoimmune disease
Diffuse parakeratosis in a young Husky with this distribution is typical of zinc deficiency; immunosuppression does not correct the cause.
D. Supplement zinc only until remission and then stop
In syndrome I lesions recur when zinc is stopped, often during stress or oestrus.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Syndrome I: Husky, Malamute and other Nordic breeds, with crusting on the face, pinnae and pressure points; lifelong supplementation. Syndrome II: rapidly growing puppies on unbalanced diets, sometimes with pad hyperkeratosis; responds to diet correction. In both, biopsy showing diffuse parakeratosis supports the diagnosis.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.