In dogs and cats, vitiligo starts at a young age and progressively destroys melanocytes. As the melanocytes die off, the skin in the affected area turns white or pink. The fur covering the affected skin also turns white. Vitiligo commonly affects the face first, particularly the nose.
When we bring a pet into our homes, we take on the responsibility for ensuring that their health and wellbeing is fully taken care of. This often means that we must be aware of the potential for any conditions that could occur, so that we can spot signs and symptoms. One such condition is vitiligo, and it is important to be aware of the potential of this condition in order to provide the best care for your pet. In this blog post, we will discuss the potential of vitiligo in dogs and the signs to look out for that could indicate this condition. We will also provide advice on the steps to take should you suspect that your pup could be suffering from this condition, as well as advice on treatment and management. But first, let’s look at exactly what vitiligo is and why it might affect your pup.
What Is Vitiligo in Dogs & Cats?
Some people can develop the rare skin condition vitiligo, but cats and dogs can also get it. Depigmentation, or the loss of the skin’s natural pigments, happens in a person or animal with this condition. Patches of the skin will turn white (or light pink), and the hair there may also turn white.
Tri-County Animal Hospital in Wayne, New Jersey reported that vitiligo is a “condition characterized by symmetrical lack of pigment in the skin and white hair coat, especially involving the face and nose.”
Is vitiligo something that can be “caught” from another animal with the condition? Simply stated, no. Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (AVES) confirms that vitiligo is not contagious. However, this condition is often hereditary, so if a previous generation experienced depigmentation, your cat or dog is more likely to develop this uncommon skin condition. Its not clear why vitiligo occurs, but its believed that it happens when something interferes with the bodys melanin-producing cells.
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Your veterinarian just informed you that your pet has vitiligo after you noticed some spotting on their body. The fundamentals of canine and feline vitiligo are explained below.
What does vitiligo look like? How to spot it on your dog
Vitiligo makes your dog’s fur look like it’s been bleached. Their skin loses all pigment as a result, resulting in noticeable white spots. Dog noses can be affected by vitiligo and turn white as well.
Vitiligo looks different on various dogs. Many puppies will exhibit it as a small patch of white skin or fur, usually on their faces or noses. Other dogs may develop spots all over their bodies, which occasionally resemble a symmetrical pattern rather than random spots.
You shouldn’t become alarmed if you notice that your dog’s hair is turning white in a few spots. Although a visit to the veterinarian is necessary for a proper diagnosis
FAQ
What does vitiligo look like in dogs?
Patches of the skin will turn white (or light pink), and the hair there may also turn white. According to Wayne, New Jersey’s Tri-County Animal Hospital, vitiligo is a condition marked by a symmetrical lack of skin pigment and a white hair coat, particularly on the face and nose. “.
What age does vitiligo appear in dogs?
The condition usually starts in young adulthood. Initial facial symptoms affect the lips, nose, and surrounding hairs. It can spread to the body’s hair, claws, and paw pads, among other places. Within 3 to 6 months of the initial symptom, the full extent of the symptoms manifests.
Is vitiligo common in dogs?
In dogs, cats, and even humans, vitiligo is a rare, progressive skin condition that results in a harmless lightening of the skin. Affected dogs develop distinct, depigmented or pinkish-white skin patches, frequently on their faces and muzzles. Fortunately, vitiligo is only a cosmetic issue.
What are the starting signs of vitiligo?
- Skin color loss that typically first manifests in patches on the hands, face, and regions near body openings and the genitalia.
- premature graying or whitening of your eyebrows, beard, eyelashes, or scalp hair
- mucous membranes (the tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose) lose color