Pet Knowledge Center
Black Skin Disease in Dogs
Source: www.animalhealthcare.ca
Hair loss accompanied by darkening of the skin is often termed "black skin disease"...
Hair loss (alopecia) accompanied by darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) is often termed "black skin disease". Other names applied to this condition include wooly coat, coat funk, pseudo-Cushing's syndrome, and severe hair loss syndrome.
In Pomeranians, this condition is suspected to be an X-linked inherited disorder since many more males than females are affected, and research is being carried out to identify a linked gene marker so that dogs in this breed can potentially be tested for the condition. Other breeds with increased prevalence of black skin disease include the Alaskan malamute, keeshond, poodle, dachshund, chow chow, Samoyed and American water spaniel.
Many of the afflicted dogs are diagnosed with growth hormone responsive alopecia. Not all affected dogs have abnormal growth hormone levels though, and though many affected dogs develop abnormal signs after puberty, dogs of any age can be affected. In Pomeranians, late onset signs are sometimes associated with reduced 21-hydroxylase levels, enzymes which are involved with processing of some of the reproductive hormone precursors.
Currently, the condition is still considered to be of unknown cause since similar signs of hair loss and black skin are not consistently associated with a standard set of hormone changes. Other conditions that can mimic this condition include Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, chronic skin infections, and reproductive hormone disorders that should all be ruled out by testing.
If the condition is due to a laboratory confirmed growth hormone deficiency, hormone therapy is instituted. Benefits last from six months to a few years. As hormone therapy can produce diabetes as a side effect, so the attending veterinarian will recommend close monitoring of the urine and blood sugars weekly during treatment.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
Comments
My groomer suggested coconut oil but my terrier mix doesn't like it so I will try the olive oil. Vet said to take serotonin for hair loss.
junieg - 2009-07-02 16:30:31 PST
I would like to offer a suggestion for this condition. I too have a male Pomeranian that had this condition, of the black skin and dryness, causing severe itching and hair loss. I read somewhere online on a blog, that Olive Oil is a good thing to clear this up. I used it everyday on my doggy for about 4 months and I saw a great improvement! The hair came back and the blackness is now gone, replaced by the normal skin color! Please try it and see it it works for yours! I am so happy to have found out this info and am glad to share it here with you!
Laura - 2009-06-28 10:14:50 PST
Hello I have a male Lab. He started licking and scratching in his hind quarters. Then I notice his skin started to turn Black. It is now moving up to his ears and on his back. I have tried all kinds of things and it doesn't seem to get any better. I feel so bad for him I know it has to be painful. Do you have any suggestions as to how to get rid of this and is it contagious I have a white cat too and I don't want him to get this.
Thank you
Lesa - 2009-06-12 15:52:05 PST
Please check out the article written by our expert Dr. Goldston titled "A Review of Common Skin Ailments for Senior Pets". He wrote it in response to both your questions.
Senior Pet Products Team - 2009-05-28 11:55:21 PST
Good afternoon, my chow chow is also loosing hair and her skin is blackening. Also she's getting a lot of warts on her inner thighs. Will she become completely black and bald if she doesn't receive any treatment?
chrysanthy - 2009-05-17 13:19:55 PST
My husky has been losing his coat near to his rear end his skin has turned black and looks swollen, we thought he had a zinc deficiency or fleas but this has been ruled out by the vets. He is tender where the dark skin is, what action do you suggest I take? I am not sure if it is a serious infection, he seems happy, he can walk fine, and his appetite is fine. Spirit will be 7 on Sept 11th.
Teresa - 2009-05-12 11:57:46 PST
