Skin depigmentation can affect humans, but did you know that Micio and Fido can also suffer from this disorder?
In this article we find out everything there is to know about vitiligo in dogs: how it develops, what are the symptoms and how to treat this skin disorder.
Can Dogs Suffer From Vitiligo?
The answer to this question is yes: dogs can suffer from vitiligo, like cats, although this disorder is much rarer in felines.
If you notice a depigmentation in the muzzle or on the coat of the animal, without this showing signs of discomfort, it is possible that Fido suffers from vitiligo.
Symptoms of Vitiligo in Dogs
Vitiligo is one hereditary skin disease characterized by the appearance of white and depigmented patches on the animal’s body.
This pigmentation defect is caused by the destruction of melanocytes (cells present in the epidermis partially responsible for the coloration of the skin through the synthesis of melanin).
Vitiligo can be present all over the animal’s body, but some areas may be more affected than others, such as the nose and the mucocutaneous junctions of the face, i.e. the eyelids, lips and mouth. Gradually, it can progress to more and more discoloration.
Is Vitiligo Dangerous for Dogs?
Vitiligo is completely benign and harmless to Fido. The depigmentation is not accompanied by any inflammation, but is limited to the formation of spots on the skin and hair.
Some dark-coated specimens may develop white spots which give them an original and unique appearance.
Certain dog breeds are predisposed to developing this condition, such as:
In cats, vitiligo is a phenomenon that remains rarer.
Dog with Vitiligo? Here’s what to do
There is currently no truly effective remedy for Vitiligo in dogs.
Even if treatments are available for us humans, their side effects do not justify their use in veterinary medicine to treat a disorder whose only impact is aesthetic.
How to treat my dog from Vitiligo?
As mentioned, a real therapy is not yet available, however studies are underway to evaluate the impact of oral integration with L-phenylalaninea precursor amino acid of melanin (the skin pigment), which would reduce the amount of depigmentation.
This treatment is still in an experimental phase and the only known result so far is a reduction in dark spots.
Before administering any treatment to the animal it is necessary to consult the veterinarian.
Remedies to prevent vitiligo
As a preventive measure and to protect the animal, it is important to apply a protective sunscreen on the depigmented areas to avoid burns; this advice is even more important during the summer!
The ideal is to use a specific sunscreen for dogs, asking your vet for advice. Only in case of real need, even human sunscreen can be right for you.
How is Vitiligo in dogs diagnosed?
The symptoms of Vitiligo in dogs appear, in most cases, between 1 and 3 years of age. It is therefore not visible from birth.
The young age of the animal, the non-inflammatory aspect of the depigmented areas and the absence of repercussions on the general state are indicative signs of the disorder.
If Fido exhibits the symptoms mentioned, do not hesitate to consult your vet who will be able to confirm whether it is indeed Vitiligo.
To identify the disorder, your vet will perform a skin biopsy: will take skin samples of a few millimeters and send them to a laboratory for histological analysis (i.e. microscopic analysis of the tissue taken). This analysis will show the selective destruction of melanocytes and therefore confirm whether or not it is a case of vitiligo.
To conclude
If you notice depigmentation on your pet’s coat or skin, make an appointment with your vet to find out what pathology it may have developed.
If it comes to Vitiligo: Don’t panic! This disease is benign and will not affect his life prognosis, nor his quality of life, but it will make him more unique than he already is!