There is currently research underway for Nasal Parakeratosis, Hyperakertosis in the Labrador Retriever (HNPK) at the University Of Bern, Institute of Genetics PO-Box 8466 CH-3001 Bern
There is a link with instructions on how to send blood for the study.
Hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK) is inherited as a monogenic autosomal recessive skin disease in the Labrador Retriever. Affected dogs show scales and crusts on the nosepad. Occasionally they also develop painful fissures on the nose. We would like to identify the causative mutation for nasal parakeratosis in the Labrador Retriever. Our aim is the development of a genetic test, which will allow the unequivocal diagnosis of carrier animals. For the research we need EDTA blood samples from affected dogs, ideally together with their parents and siblings. We therefore ask breeders and owners to donate samples for our research.
I've seen enough adult dogs, litters and photos of Labrador with this visible disease on websites to post this information. It is a genetic problem in both the Labrador and Golden Retrievers. The website and email address are listed if you're interested in helping the rearchers help our breed. Remember, it is not only limited to the nose. It can appear on the pads of the feet and other areas.
