Description: Lhasa apso albinism (LAA) is an oculocutaneous albinism found in small breeds, characterized phenotypically by white or off-white fur, pink skin, pale or blue eyes, and depigmented nose, lips and foot pads. Although dogs with the condition lead relatively normal lives, they can be sensitive to light and prone to the formation of melanocytic tumors. Unlike other forms of albinism, hearing loss is not a symptom of this disorder. Affected dogs have white or off-white fur with pink skin, nose, lips and paw pads, and blue irises.
In French bulldogs and pugs, this variant is often referred to as pink.
Affected dogs have a white or off-white coat with pink skin, nose, lips and paw pads, and blue irises.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive
Mutation: c.1478G>A in the SLC45A2 gene
Sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or 2 buccal brushes
The analysis is suitable for the following breeds: Lhasa Apso, Pomeranian, Pekingese, French Bulldog, Pug, mixed breed.
Notes: The c.1478G>A variant is not responsible for albinism in other types of dogs including the Bull Mastiff and Doberman Pinscher.
