pictures of ichthyosis in golden retrievers


Some of the reasons include allergies, cancer, poor nourishment, parasites, infections, metabolic diseases, and the weather. Normal. 1 Fall 2012 Breeders Can Test Golden Retrievers for Ichthyosis Adirect DNA test to help identify Golden Retrievers that are carriers, affected or normal for ichthyosis is available through Antagene, a Scales become pigmented, progressing to gray or black, and range in size from small to large. https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/congenital-ichthyosis-1-and-2-golden-retrievers#:~:text=Congenital%20ichthyosis%20is%20a%20skin,ichthyosis%20in%20the%20Golden%20Retriever, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ichthyosis-in-dogs, https://www.svslabs.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/165686-The-case-of-the-scaly-retriver.pdf, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/structure-of-the-skin-in-dogs#:~:text=Depending%20on%20the%20species%20and,and%20subcutis%20or%20innermost%20layer, https://www.theskinvet.co.nz/ichthyosis-golden-retrievers/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529142/. Canadian golden retrievers. An insertion-deletion variant (often referred to as an indel) in the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 1 (PNPLA1) gene was identified as perfectly correlated with the congenital ichthyosis disease in Golden Retrievers. Additionally, this variant was absent in 300 healthy dogs from 25 other breeds. Ichthyosis is characterized by dry, thickened, scaly skin that forms plaques of different sizes. You can take your dog to the vet, either pay upfront and then claim the amount from Healthy Paws as reimbursement or contact Healthy Paws and ask them to pay the vet directly. One of the most beautiful features of a Golden Retriever is their shiny golden coat which is why its a good indicator that somethings wrong when they have dry, flaky skin with a dull coat of fur Winter time golden retrievers can often get snow nose. a Deletion in the PNPLA1 Gene - a gene that affects the barrier formed by a Golden's skin, with the result scaling. The effect of this deficit in the skin cells is ichthyosis. Available as part of an all-in-one health test package for Golden Retrievers. If two carriers are mated, approximately 25% of the puppies are predicted to develop disease and 50% are predicted to be carriers. A maximum benefit policy is well suited to the Golden Retriever breed. Disclosure: I have never had an affected Golden, but my current dog is a "Carrier". AKC Champion Bloodline. Frequently shaking his head as though there's something stuck in the ear. Frequent bath using dog shampoos for Ichthyosis can help wash out scales and dandruff. But to make sure this is really the reason why your dog has dandruff you might want to consult your vet. Golden Retriever Ichthyosis. Most dog shampoos for Ichthyosis are medicated and can treat infected skin due to extreme dryness. In the clinic, the veterinarian can do a skin biopsy and a histological examination. The variant identified in the ABHD5 gene consists of a 14bp deletion (denoted as c.1006_1019del) that also causes a frameshift and premature stop codon in the resulting protein (pD336Sfs*6). In Golden Retrievers, ichthyosis appears to be an inherited disease caused by a genetic mutation. As soon as Golden Retrievers are ready to mate, responsible owners or breeders can always avoid the risk of Ichthyosis by screening their Goldens using Golden Retriever Ichthyosis DNA test. Featured Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock, What Smells Deter Cats from Peeing? It does not tend to be itchy unless there is also infection present with bacteria and yeast, Being the proud owner of a retriever that experiences allergic reactions led me to search up on the best dog food for golden retrievers with skin allergies. Heres What To Do, Answered by Dr. Olivia Speight, BVSc MRCVS (Vet). ichthyosis was described in the Norfolk terrier and sporad-ically occurs in other dogs, e.g., Rhodesian Ridgeback or Labrador cross. What is the prognosis? Affected skin is rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! The golden retriever is a medium-sized sporting dog that is known for its friendly personality and signature golden color. If you purchased your Golden Retriever from a breeder, and they develop ichthyosis, you should contact the breeder and let them know. In some instances, Golden Retriever puppies have profuse dandruff but eventually resolves on its own. This is symbolized as ICH/ICH. B., Jagannathan, V., Mauldin, E. A., Casal, M. L., & Leeb, T. (2022). This dandruff is more noticeable on the belly and back area. We have had two dogs with an affected DNA diagnosis in the past. Once your dog is diagnosed, he/she will have the condition for their entire life. 2007 , 2009 ; Cadiergues et al. If your Golden Retriever has been diagnosed with this condition, or if you suspect that your dog has ichthyosis, youll want to be armed with as much information as possible in order to provide them with the best possible care. You May Like: How Often Should You Wash A Golden Retriever. Although ichthyosis is incurable, it can be managed with commitment and diligence on the owners part. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Illness Plans: Coves unexpected sickness, disease, and any changes to your dogs normal healthy state. Scientists have identified two genetic variants that are associated with the disease. There is a lot of misinformation on the internet about what your dogs skin condition may be from, and how to treat it. When deciding which insurance is best for your Golden Retriever, its important to identify how each policy works in correlation with your dogs health requirements. There are many causes of scaling skin in Golden Retrievers other than ichthyosis. Ichthyosis is a known genetic condition (Golden Retriever Ichthyosis is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait). Different environmental allergies are the most common reason why your dog has dandruff. Typically dogs will not get scales on the head, legs, paw pads or nosethe main areas of the body affected are the neck and trunk of the body. Prevention as they say is always better than cure. Easy to apply. A skin biopsy is needed to definitely diagnose the condition, as it can be difficult to distinguish ichthyosis from many other skin diseases. More recently, geneticistsidentified the causative mutationand developed a direct DNA test toidentify affected and carrier dogs. Ichthyosis is an autosomal recessive genetic mutation that affects the skin of Golden Retrievers. Breeds that have been recognized with ichthyosis include: West Highland White Terrier Golden Retriever Great Dane American Bulldog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Doberman Pinschers Jack Russell Terriers Norfolk Terriers Yorkshire Terriers. Oral isoretinoin may also be effective at treating this disease. The first symptoms appear in the first months of life, when a profusion of grayish-white dandruff starts to appear all over the body, but especially on the belly. How to know if my Golden Retriever has Ichthyosis. Next, inspect its skin closely for redness, hyperpigmentation, or a crusty or oily appearance. Learning Center; Our Standards; . They can be easy dogs to train and can make good first dogs for new dog owners, as long as you know what you're getting into taking on a larger breed dog. natural retrieving and hunting abilities of the Golden Retriever. Ichthyosis in Golden Retrievers is caused by a mutation in the PNPLA1 gene, which is found on canine chromosome 12. In humans, over 30 different genes that result in various ichthyoses have been identified. Because of their long hair, Golden Retrievers should be monitored closely to check if they have gained weight. Regular veterinary treatment can prevent or treat many genetic disorders. The scales range in size from small to large, and vary in color from white to grey. The plaques on the dogs skin are also a gateway for many microorganisms such as bacteria and parasites. Severe cases more commonly happen to other breeds. When a scaling skin disorder firstshowed up in Golden Retrieversin the 1990s, it was frequentlymisdiagnosed as seborrhea, a conditionthat also causes scaling and dandruff. It has been identified in large breed dogs such as Saint bernard, giant chsnauzer, and great dane 9. Download and use 10,000+ Golden Retriever stock photos for free. The mutation is a deletion plus an insertion of DNA into the gene which produces a defective protein. These carriers will never be bred to anything except a clear. Other breeds can be affected by this condition as well, however, they tend to develop a more severe form of the disease. The skin is usually not itchy or inflamed, but affected dogs may develop secondary yeast or bacterial infections as a result of the disease, which may result in inflammation and itching. Set up your myVCA account today. Your veterinarian may recommend that your Golden Retriever puppy be fed a high-breed growth food. Your dog will typically not be itchy, licking, or otherwise irritated with the condition, which can lead to either misdiagnosis or no diagnosis at all for years. Conclusion. Golden Retrievers can be prone to certain skin diseases, and a high-risk one is called ichthyosis. However, brushing, mild shampoos and conditioners, and a diet high in fatty acids usually controls Ichthyosis well. Dogs with N/N genotype do not have either of the known Ichthyosis variants Ichthyosis occurs when the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) does not properly develop. The scales tend to be white in young dogs, and progressively blacken and become rough and dry with age. A higher reimbursement percentage or a lower deductible would mean youll pay as a larger amount as the monthly premium. Though very rare, paw pads can be enlarged causing pain and difficulty in walking. Over the last 2 weeks, her skin has started to flake. Because the disease is inherited, its important you speak to your breeder about testing they may have done in any of their dogs prior to working with them. Golden Retrievers are not required to be tested as they are not risk for vWd. Early Cancer Detection Tests: Do They Work? Ichthyoses are a group of genetic skin disorders characterized by defects in the formation of the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the epidermis) that result in scaling of the skin and desquamation (shedding of the outer layer of the skin, or more colloquially, skin peeling). Fortunately, Golden Retriever ichthyosis is seldom severe. Insurance for older pets frequently has a co-payment applied. Ichthyosis is a lifelong skin disorder. Ichthyosis or ICT-A for short is a hereditary health condition that has been identified in the Golden retriever dog breed. See puppy photos, reviews, health information. Fungus and bacteria present on the skin cause problems when a scratch or weak immune system allows them to enter the skin and infect the dog. Symptoms include excessive flaking, skin discoloratio, To diagnose skin allergies in golden retrievers, watch for mild to severe itching in localized areas or all over its body. Dont be surprised, just as humans can get a dry scalp and dandruf, dogs can suffer from it too! Applying skin moisturizers is also necessary to help bring moisture back and protect the skin from dehydration. There are3 main types of pet insurance plans are: AccidentPlans: Covers accident-related medical care such as ingestion of foreign objects, poisoning, or if your Golden Retriever was hit by a car. Our responsibility is to promote the temperament, appearance, soundness, My vet has tested and found these specks to be harmless. $30 asadditional teston same animal. To learn more you can visit Optigen Wisteria Goldens 2016-05-27T23:04:10-05:00 Categories: Getting Lifestyle Right , Goldens Health , Training & Tips , Wisteria Goldens Blog | Tags: dog health , english cream golden retriever . This exclusion will vary depending on which pet insurance company and plan you choose. Fleas are one of the most common culprits behind Golden Retriever skin issues. In Golden Retrievers, it does not appear to have any other effect on a dogs overall health or life span. Though a cure has yet to be discovered, care and prevention are simple and achievable. To see what an "original" golden retriever looked like one just needs to look at pictures of famous and champion Golden Retrievers from 60 years ago (I have several breed books dated from the 1950s with photos in . To determine whether canine and human ichthyosis have a common basis, Andr and colleagues first checked for telltale mutations in golden retrievers. Ichthyosis is a genetic disease causing dysfunction of the keratin in the skin, which leads to the production of large, differently pigmented skin scales. The outermost layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum, is the first line of defense of your skin. It covers most routine vet visits, such as vaccinations. But usually, once every 6 months is the frequency you can expect when do Golden Retrievers go into heat. Skin in the abdomen area may appear to be very rough with thick and greasy scales due to moisture loss. Clinical signs included a mild to moderate or severe scaling. The name is derived from the Greek word for "Fish" due to the fish-like scales that are observed. . . Once a dog is diagnosed with ichthyosis, the symptoms may be controlled with frequently applied medicated shampoos and rinses to control the itching and to maintain both skin hydration and skin barrier function. This will ensure your Golden Retriever is fully covered by the plan you pick and help you avoid running into surprises down the road. Ichthyosis is an autosomal recessive disease occurring due to mutations in the PNPLA1 gene and can be seen as early as the first few weeks of life in affected animals (to be affected, dogs must carry two copies of the mutated gene, one . Showing 1 - 21 of 2,038 Golden Retriever puppy litters. Many people mistakenly misdiagnose their own pet with food allergies, without any knowledge of other possibilities. Copyright The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus. All rights reserved. The scales range in size from small to large, and vary in color from white to grey. Unlike most dog diseases, Ichthyosis has no cure at this time, however there are some treatments that can help manage the condition. Ichthyoses are hereditary cornification disorders that manifest with abnormal differentiation and desquamation of keratinocytes in a form of generalized dry and scaly skin. The disease worsens with age and some dogs are more severely affected than others. Two genetic variants have been associated with congenital ichthyosis in the Golden Retriever. The skin normally has 3 layerssubcutis, dermis, epidermiswith the epidermis being the outermost layer. They typically grow to be as tall as 20-24'' inches from the top of their shoulder . The moisturizer can hydrate your dogs skin and reduce water loss. From what I have read, the Ph.D researchers are recommending that Carrier and Affected dogs . (a and b) 1.5-yr-old female American bulldog with lesions that resemble congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma. In addition to the flakes and scales on the body, there may be areas of thickened skin with increased pigment, as well as thickening of the footpads. Read more about The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services: Animal DNA Diagnostics (UK) Phone: 01223 395577 Email: Animal DNA Diagnostics Web: www.animaldnadiagnostics.co.uk: Animal Genetics (UK) Phone: 01726 247788 Email: Animal Genetics Web: www.animalgenetics.eu . In addition, he can check for the presence of parasites by scraping the affected area. Flea allergy. The most common causes would be allergies, skin infections, other immune-mediated diseases and endocrine disorders, she says. Ocala, FL. How Long Will My Golden Retriever Have Ichthyosis? Much like allergies, they will cause your dog to itch a lot. However, it is vital to understand that once the financial limit in this policy has been reached for each condition, you will have to pay for the rest of the treatment yourself. Dogs who genotype as Ich1/Ich1 or Ich2/Ich2 should be clinically evaluated. Ichthyosis in Golden Retrievers Ichthyosis as genodermatosis is best known in Golden Golden Retrievers with ichthyosis have mild to moderate scaling of the skin, predominately on the trunk. In fact, according to Rover's Cost of Pet Parenthood Survey, 64% of pet parents with a Golden Retriever claim they expected to spend $500-$2,000 on upfront costs for their dog. This can be accomplished by paying close attention to your Goldens overall health and routine observation by your veterinarian. More than a decade later, veterinaryspecialists began studying the disorderand realized it is specific to GoldenRetrievers. A biopsy is a procedure to remove a small section of tissue so that it can be examined under a microscope by a veterinary pathologist. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Treatment is tailored to the individual dog depending on its symptoms, and usually includes frequent brushing, medicated shampoos to remove scales, and moisturizing rinses. English Cream golden retrievers. The mutation prevents the outer layer of skin from developing properly. Normal. (2012). Your Goldie can have a happy and healthy existence by getting regular veterinary attention. The parents may have two copies of the mutated gene and, therefore, show signs of the disease and appear scaly. The term ichthyosis comes from the Greek word for fish because the skin of these dogs resembles fish scales. Complete index of all the wonderful cat breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your furry friend is a crucial decision, We love our cats, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Understanding cat behavior can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, Complete index of all the wonderful dog breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your four legged friend is a crucial decision, We love our dogs, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Training your dog can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, The most complete list of dog food recalls, The most complete list of cat food recalls. PNPLA1 mutations cause autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis in golden retriever dogs and humans. She is just over 14 weeks old. These scales may give the dogs hair and skin a dirty look as the scales progress to a darker color. Two copies of either variant must be present for the disease to manifest, and both sexes are equally affected. While some vets choose to do ICT-A testing. The breed grows up to 32 inches tall and weighs between 65 and 75 pounds. Ichthyosis in Golden Retrievers whether in its mildest form or its most severe is simply dandruff or flaky skin. The damp, warm conditions in a golden's dense undercoat prompt bacteria to quickly flare into hot spots. It has all of the same benefits as a maximum benefit policy but your financial limit for each condition resets every year the policy is renewed. My Golden Retriever has scaly skin. Yeast or bacterial infections, for example, can cause dandruff. Golden Retrievers can be affected by excessive flaking of the skin. There are mild anti-seborrheic shampoos and moisturizing rinses that can help ease the symptoms of Ichthyosis. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Have a cat? Input your search keywords and press Enter. The study showed that the variant was only present in North American Golden Retrievers, being absent in over 390 Golden Retrievers of European origin. In short, their puppies are still carriers of the disease but have lesser chances of passing down the ichthyosis genes unless they will be paired with another carrier. Cone-Rod Dystrophy 4. llustrated Study Guide Understanding the Breed Standard, Year-End Statistics Conformation, Field, Obedience, and Agility, Legislative Matters and GRCA Position Statements, GRCA Puppy Referral Manual For Member Clubs, Applications: For Certain Trophies & Awards, The Origins of the Golden Retriever Revisited, Advances in Golden Retriever Health Research, Introduction to Canine Health Foundation Peer-Reviewed Papers, Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM) Research, Health Screenings for the Parents of a Litter, Improving the Odds for Obtaining a Healthy Golden Retriever Puppy, Understanding Cancer in Golden Retrievers, Effects of Early Spay or Neuter in Golden Retrievers, Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Info for Puppy Buyers. Ichthyosis results in a gene mutation where the outer layer of skin does not develop properly. Ichthyosis is a hereditary skin condition affecting Golden Retrievers that is caused by a genetic mutation. The Ichthyosis Golden Retriever test results may come back as: The toughest part of this condition is that there is no Ichthyosis Golden Retriever treatment available yet. I tried to lightly scrub them off during bathing, but they became raw and red Canine Seborrhea in a Golden Retriever Dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum is a rare disease that affects a specific anatomic site of the nasal planum. This can also help stimulate skin oil production. It does not tend to be itchy unless there is also infection present with bacteria and yeast. A study published in 2022 looked at 14 Golden Retrievers diagnosed with congenital ichthyosis that did not have the PNPLA1 variant and identified a second genetic variant strongly associated with congenital ichthyosis in the breed. The infections can be very itchy, further complicating the diagnosis. In addition to the flakes and scales on the body, there may be areas of thickened skin with increased pigment, as well as thickening of the foot pads. Golden Retriever Great Dane American Bulldog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Doberman Pinschers Jack Russell Terriers Norfolk Terriers Yorkshire . This mutation prevents the outer layer of the skin from developing properly, which causes the skin to scale and flake. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), PRA, Golden Retriever 2, PRA, Golden Retriever 1, DNA Disease Panel, Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type 1 Here comes the science! Ichthyosis is a form of dermatitis of the skin, which occurs due to a gene mutation that causes the cells of the skin to malfunction, leading them to be larger than normal and often discoloured too. However, 60% said the actual up front costs matched their budget, but 32% said the costs were actually higher. talk to a vet online for advice >. Working with 20 affected dogs and 20 healthy controls, the investigators screened the entire genome with 50,000 genetic markers, ultimately finding mutations in a gene called PNPLA1. Washington DC web design company, Tarheel GRC Specialties Pinehurst, NC May 5-7, 2023 Friday 5/5 Independent Specialty Ms. Linda Willard Sweepstakes Ms. Lynn Tribble Saturday 5/6 Designated Specialty Mr. Terry Stacy Sunday 5/7 Supported Entry Mr. Gary Andersen, Club Name: Mid-Fl Golden Retriever Club Event Date: 05/07/2023 Event Time: 9AM Location: MADTA. In golden retriever dogs, autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) has been associated with mutations in the PNPLA 1 gene. Dogs with Ich1/Ich1 or Ich2/Ich2 genotype are homozygous for the ichthyosis variants found in Golden Retrievers and are expected to develop ichthyosis, although the presentation may be variable. Icthyosis in a dog can range from no symptoms at all to horrible skin. This disorder is most commonly seen in adult Cocker spaniels although cases are reported in Labrador retrievers, miniature schnauzers and Gordon setters. However, dry skin is a symptom of other serious health issues. Description. Overall, 54% of pet parents spend between $100-150 . This is present from birth, but may be very mild, so is not always noticed. ICT-A or Golden Retriever Ichthyosis DNA test is painless and very simple. Dr. Lindsay Bisset. For example, the inbreeding of Golden Retrievers has led to the high prevalence of ichthyosis within the breed. ), 12(2), jkab397. At least 15 business days; may be delayed beyond 15 business days if sample requires additional testing, or a new sample is requested. You need to understand whats causing the problem and make sure that you provide adequate treatment. The disorderis named for the Greek wordichthys, meaning fish, because it lookslike fish scales. In Europe alone, more than 50% of the Golden Retriever population are carriers of Ichthyosis. Breeds that have been recognized with ichthyosis include: Recommended Reading: Service Golden Retrievers. The skin becomes rough, darkened, and . Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Learn more. All advice & treatment protocols are given from the members experience. We also investigated the mode of transmission of this disease. The condition is inherited, and, fortunately, it is not dangerous to your Golden Retriever's health. My dog is a field bred Golden and I run in those circles (hunting and hunt tests). Objectives: We described epidemiological, clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural features of ichthyosis in the golden retriever breed in a prospective study. Lindsay is a veterinarian who lives in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa with her husband and their rescue cat and dog, Harrison and Blizzard. Not to mention that most dogs will not tolerate this and constantly roll, lick, or chew to try and get these products off of their skin. Since my experience with Ichthyosis was insignificant and because statistics from ichthyosis indicated that an affected diagnosis didnt necessarily mean a problem, I was hesitant to place much importance on the test. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. A total of 179 golden retriever dogs (21 dams and 158 puppies) were examined. Golden Retriever Ichthyosis May Be Underdiagnosed Due to Seborrhea Similarity Continued on page 2 Golden Retriever Vol. The histologic features are marked orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis of the follicular ostea, which is more severe than at the epidermal surface. Golden Retrievers are typically diagnosed at less . We are a breeder of English Cream Golden Retrievers located in upstate New York. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? Photos "Fun In The Sun | Social Video" will play after the ad. Specifically related to Golden Retrievers, there are current ongoing studies as to the prevalence of this disease, but it appears to be over-represented in goldens, Jack Russells and bulldogs. Through studies of ichthyosis in the Golden Retriever, mutations in the same gene have been identified as one of the genetic defects responsible for ichthyosis in humans. This is present from birth, but may be very mild, so is not noticed until later in life. It is predicted that this variant (also denoted as c.1445_1447delinsTACTACTA) causes a frameshift in the protein product, which would produce a premature stop codon (p.N482Ifs*11), and thus the altered protein product is predicted to be shorter than the normal product. Ichthyosis is a genetic skin condition commonly found in Golden Retrievers. Today, most good breeders are including Ichthyosis as part of their normal testing protocol. Relatively common; Mild form of scaling; Areas affected are on a dog's trunk predominantly; Diagnosed by 1 year of age; Can be diagnosed in adulthood; American Bulldog Ichthyosis. If this does not appeal to you, then a lifetime policy may be worth an investment. More severe form of ichthyosis; Puppies have a scruffy coat; Skin takes on a wrinkled appearance; Skin lesions are more severe than . Dog has two copies of the variant associated with congenital ichthyosis 2 found in Golden Retrievers and will likely develop the disease. Consider contributing to The Golden Retriever Foundation. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? This anal glands secretion gives out information to other dogs. Ichthyosis in golden retrievers (Excessive scale or dandruff flakes) Several breeds of dog, notably the Golden Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier and Bulldog, can be affected by excessive flaking of the skin. The first case report is from 2004 ( Hall and Yager 2004 ) and the disease phenotype has been well characterized in the following years ( Guagure et al.

Is Icehouse Beer Being Discontinued, Nike Flex Runner Plus, Oldest Church In Florida, How To Check Lenovo Dock Firmware Version, Articles P


pictures of ichthyosis in golden retrievers