Coat Colour Dilution Alopecia (CDA)
- Naomi Lee
- Mar 4, 2020
- 1 min read
Updated: Oct 26, 2023
About CDA
CDA is a genetic recessive inherited condition that causes patches of hair thinning or loss, and may also include flaky and/or itchy skin.
The actual cause of CDA is poorly understood. Dogs with CDA tend to have abnormalities in the hair follicles themselves, causing them to self-destruct, making it impossible for them to grow new hairs.
Though two copies of the gene variant are necessary to develop colour dilution alopecia, the variable presentation of this condition suggests that breed, genetics, environmental factors and nutrition contribute to the development of alopecia.
Little is known about CDA in Border Collies and it is currently not recognised as a genetic disorder in the breed.
It is thought that breeding dilute to dilute ensures that you can eradicate, or prevent, CDA from the line. This is due to the fact that you can clearly see if either dog is affected before breeding.
You can read more about CDA here:
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