There are a number of skin diseases and disorders known to affect the Japanese Akita Inu. Many of these diseases are difficult and expensive to achieve a medical diagnosis. Although research is ongoing there is not yet any conclusive evidence confirming that these conditions can be inherited through defective genes. Responsible breeders are taking account of cases diagnosed in order to try to avoid producing these conditions. Details of these are listed below:
• Lymphocytic Hypothyroidism (auto-immune related insufficient production of thyroid hormone)
• Immune–mediated skin diseases with a heritable factor:
o Pemphigus Foliaceus (causes pustules, crusting on face, leads to depigmentation)
o Pempjhigus Vulgaris (rarer, milder form)
o Sebaceous Adenitis ( oil glands in skin quit functioning leading to loss of undercoat, thickened skin and a musty rancid odor)
o Atopic Dermatitis (skin reaction to allergies)
• Vitigilio alone or Uveodermatological syndrome (VKH)- (loss of pigment, ulcers and crusting in mucus membranes of nose, eyes, anus, genitals. Can be accompanied by painful blindness)
• Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (immune system attacks and destroys red blood cells)
• Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) often seen with Hemolytic Anemia
• Immune-mediated endocrine diseases with a heritable factor
o Cushing’s Disease (excessive production of hormone ACTH due to malfunctioning Pituitary or Adrenal gland)
o Addison’s Disease (insufficient production of hormones from Adrenal glands)
o Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (body mounts an inappropriate immune response to some part of itself)
o Diabetes Mellitis
• Immune Sensitivity to vaccines, drugs, insecticides, anesthetics and tranquilizers
• Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis (scaling and crusting of the skin in dogs that have a higher than normal requirement for zinc)