Vitiligo in Dogs
Michael Jackson's Skin Condition That Causes Loss of Color
Vitiligo has recently gained attention in the news as the skin condition that turned Michael Jackson’s color from black to white, but not many people are aware that dogs can also have vitiligo.
What Is Vitiligo?
According to the Mayo Clinic, vitiligo is a condition which causes the skin to lose its pigment cells, or melanocytes. When the immune system produces antibodies that destroy these melanocytes, white patches are the result.
In dogs, this depigmentation may appear as patches of pale skin or white hair on the muzzle, around the eyes or scattered throughout the coat, with loss of color in dark areas like the paw pads, claws or nose and mucous membranes around the mouth and eyes.
Causes of Canine Vitiligo
Although vitiligo is still not completely understood and experts have varying opinions as to causes, the Atlantic Veterinary College at University of Prince Edward Island claims that it may be inherited or acquired, sometimes secondary to another condition or an injury. Some studies have suggested vitiligo may be associated with autoimmune diseases. Other causes could include infections, stress, mutations, neurological factors, and defects of skin pigment receptors. Vitiligo is fairly uncommon in dogs and usually appears before the age of three.
Dog Breeds Affected by Vitiligo
Due to the rare appearance of vitiligo in dogs, thorough studies into breeds most often affected by this condition have not been conducted. However, researchers and veterinarians report that cases seem to occur more often in the Belgian Tervuren, Dachshund, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, German Short-haired Pointer, Labrador Retriever, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, and Rottweiler.
Diagnosing Vitiligo in Dogs
The veterinarian may take a small sample of the dog’s skin, called a biopsy, using local anesthetic. This will be examined by a veterinary pathologist.
Treating Vitiligo in Dogs
Vitiligo occurs with varying degrees of severity but is not believed to negatively affect the dog’s general health. While dietary supplements have been reported to help restore pigment in some cases, often times no treatment is prescribed other than protection from the sun for affected areas. A sunscreen made especially for dogs should be applied to depigmented spots to prevent sunburn.
Experts recommend that dogs with vitiligo not be bred.
Skin Problems in Dogs
Dog owners can learn more about other skin problems in dogs by reading Why is My Dog Losing Hair? and Demodex or Red Mange Affects Puppies
Dogs with unidentified skin problems or missing hair should be seen by a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Sources:
Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Vitiligo
Vetinfo.com, Skin - Depigmentation or Pigmentation
Dogs Can Get MJ Skin Disorder, Vitiligo
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