It occurs in middle aged animals. Early lesions are characterized by scaling, erythema, pruritus, depigmentation and ulceration of mucous membranes. Later lesions include papules, plaques and nodules. Mucosal and oral lesions are common and are often misdiagnosed as a non-neoplastic chronic stomatitis. Affected animals often have signs of systemic disease and lymphadenopathy.
Limited data is available on plasma glucagon levels in affected dogs.
Erythema, crusting and alopecia on the face and ulceration of the mucocutaneous junctions, genitalia and distal extremities are usually present. Ulceration and hyperkeratosis of the footpads is also seen. Secondary bacterial and yeast infections are common. Diagnosis is based on histopathology, CBC, Chemistry profile and possibly liver biopsy, bile acids, aminoacid profile, glucagon levels and zinc levels. Prognosis is usually poor.