Sally Posted October 28, 2007 Share Posted October 28, 2007 Hi all, Recently I noticed my dog's tummy skin which is normally pink, had turned a dark, kind of grey colour. Now it's on most of her body, and has progressed to a dark grey/black colour. She has spent time sun baking lately. She is a white Maltese cross, and has recently had her hair cut short. Could it be from the sun???? The only other health issue she has had recently is a tumor at the top of her tail, which was benign, and went away on it's own. Has anyone else had this happen to their dog? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sally Posted October 28, 2007 Author Share Posted October 28, 2007 I've done some research. Apparently this can be caused by Alopecia x (also known as Black Skin Disease) which eventually results in hair loss, or hypothyroidism. I guess I'll be taking her to the vet. I think the vet must have jinxed us when he said that Maltese crosses are really healthy dogs, it seems to be one thing after another at the moment. Oh well, we love her, so we'll do our best for her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted October 28, 2007 Share Posted October 28, 2007 Hi Sally, my little Maltese cross has the same thing. And so do a lot of little Malts I groom. I wouldnt worry too much about it, it could just be a pigment change as they mature... hormones after desexing perhaps etc. Although certainly mention it to your vet but it is quite common. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tashnchief Posted October 28, 2007 Share Posted October 28, 2007 Someone will correct me if I am wrong but the skin colour change is quite normal in a Maltese. In fact, in the show ring they should have the dark pigmentation down their topline where the coat is parted. The pigmentation change is also casued by the sun, I know of Maltese showie's who purposely let the dogs sunbake to encourage the change in skin tone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sally Posted October 28, 2007 Author Share Posted October 28, 2007 Wow, what a relief. Maybe she's not sick after all. I'll keep an eye on her, and if she seems well and everything, I might just get the vet to have a look when we go there next. I may get her groomed there, and ask them to have a peek . Thanks for your reassurance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanglen Posted October 28, 2007 Share Posted October 28, 2007 Whilst it can be normal, it can also be the first sign of many endocrinological problems like cushings disease which is very common in malt's. Trip to the vets and if all clear then forget about it for a while! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now