Diagnosis of Black Skin Disease in Dogs
Diagnosis of black skin disease is challenging because there are no specific tests that can diagnose the disease. Instead, the veterinarian has to rule out other causes and perform a physical exam to make a diagnosis. If the symptoms are consistent with black skin disease, the veterinarian may order blood tests, a biochemistry panel, urinalysis, and a fecal examination. A skin scraping may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis. If the symptoms persist, a biopsy may be taken.
Causes
Black skin disease in dogs can be caused by a number of factors, including hormone imbalances. Dogs that have this condition will lose a lot of hair, particularly in their hind quarters, around the genitals, and on the belly. The affected areas may also be inflamed and prone to infection and sunburn. However, the disease itself does not cause itchiness in dogs.
This condition is most prevalent in certain breeds of dogs. Some of these breeds have a tendency to have black skin, including Pomeranians, keeshonds, miniature poodles, and American water spaniels. This condition can affect any breed of dog, however, and it can develop at any age.
Fortunately, many of these conditions can be treated. Typically, the discoloration is temporary and will disappear after the underlying problem has been treated. Several veterinarians recommend medicated shampoos and antibiotics to treat these skin problems. Many affected dogs respond well to treatment with these medications. However, it may take months to see your dog’s skin return to its original color.
If you notice patches of black skin on your dog, you should see your veterinarian right away. There are several different types of black skin disease that can affect your dog. In some cases, the patches are asymptomatic. In others, they can be accompanied by other symptoms. The primary treatment for black skin disease in dogs is to identify the underlying cause and administer appropriate treatment.
In some cases, the underlying cause of hyperpigmentation may be a secondary infection or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In these cases, the primary disease should be treated while monitoring the secondary causes. The treatment of the underlying disease is the only way to prevent hyperpigmentation in dogs.
Environmental factors may also contribute to a dog’s skin problems. Some dogs are allergic to dust, mold, or tree pollen. These irritants can lead to a variety of problems, including rhinitis and secondary bacterial and fungal infections. In most cases, however, these conditions can be treated.
While there is no single reason why your dog is developing black skin disease, some dogs may be genetically predisposed to it. Certain immunosuppressive drugs can also cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms include red, itchy, and flaky skin. Your vet can prescribe oral drugs and medicated sprays and baths to cure the infection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of black skin disease in dogs can be tricky, because the symptoms can resemble other diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome and hypothyroidism. A veterinarian will conduct a physical exam and order blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Your vet may also conduct a blood panel, urinalysis, and a thyroid and adrenal hormone test.
The most important step in treatment is to diagnose the problem. Usually, the dog’s skin problem will respond to treatment when it is correctly diagnosed. Look for excessive scratching or licking, and change in the coat. Once the cause has been identified, treatment can begin. For example, your veterinarian can prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce the symptoms.
Another option is to biopsy the affected area to determine whether the disease is autoimmune in nature. This procedure can be done using a local anesthetic or sedation. It is often performed using a punch biopsy technique, which removes a small circular block of skin. This sample is then sent to a veterinary pathologist for further analysis.
In some cases, the symptoms of black skin disease are a result of physical trauma or intense heat. When this occurs, the area is usually red and inflamed. Blackened lesions usually clear up with time. Occasionally, permanent scarring develops. Ultimately, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying problem.
Besides clinical findings, a veterinarian must also confirm the presence of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (SP), which is a common cause of black skin disease in dogs. A veterinary dermatologist will likely recommend an antifungal medication if you suspect this condition.
Besides the appearance of the disease, frequent bathing is essential in the treatment. The goal is to remove excessive keratin from the affected areas. The frequency of bathing may eventually decrease to every two to three days, or it may even remain at this level. Another necessary step is cleaning the dog’s ears with medicated ear cleaner. Regular rechecks will be necessary to monitor the disease.
Skin tumors in dogs can be caused by a number of different factors. Some of these factors are genetic, while others are caused by certain types of viruses. Skin cancer is a highly treatable condition when diagnosed early. Treatment will depend on the type of tumor and the stage. For instance, if it is in the early stages, a simple procedure may be all that is needed to prevent the disease from spreading.
