Epidermal Dysplasia is a skin disease that starts in rather young animals, with a reddening and itching of the skin, especially on the feet, legs and the underbelly of the animal (this area is also known as the ventral part of the body).  The disease becomes severe to the point it is a self perpetuating inflammation, accompanied by possible infection, it becomes widespread over  the animal's body and hair loss is noticeable.  In the areas where the hair is gone, the skin thickens and the pigmentation turns to a black color.  It is greasy to the touch and has a most disagreeable odor to it.  As was stated earlier, this disease does affect young animals, from a few weeks to a few months of age.
     A veterinarian must be consulted should any of the signs described above be observed in your animal.  Obviously, the animal is in a great deal of discomfort, and if the disease is advanced enough severe suffering may be involved.  Some animals will respond readily to the treatment, there are others who will not respond to any treatment at all.  Those animals that do not respond after a reasonable amount of time, euthanasia is performed to stop the suffering.