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                          VITILIGO

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Vitiligo is a disorder in which progressive patches of skin, hair and mucous membranes lose color due to a decrease in the number of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes.  Affected animals develop somewhat symmetric macular depigmentation of the skin, particularly of the facial area,  that occasionally also affects the hair coat and claws.  The onset is usually in young adulthood. Most lesions are on the face, especially the muzzle or around the eyes. Depigmentation may wax and wane.

It is thought that the immune system attacks the cells that produce pigment.  The condition is said to be inherited.  However it can occur as a result of injury but does not affect the dogs general wellbeing.

A skin biopsy is needed to confirm the disease and whether it is associated with any other problems.  Once diagnosis is made there is nothing that can be done to prevent further loss or indeed re-pigment affected areas.  Complete remission may occur but is rare. There is no accompanying systemic or cutaneous pathology. No treatment is available.  Also called "leukoderma", "leucoderma", "piebald skin". Humans also get this skin disease.

Some cases can be helped with high doses of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and a B complex. Digestive enzymes with the food seem to help too. Additionally, supplementing the dog's diet with Omega 3 fatty acids (such as flax seed oil and salmon oil) may also help, as these acids assist in regulating the immune system. Depending on the severity of the condition, if caught early enough, it can be managed from getting worse.

Breeds most commonly affected
Dobermans, German Shepherd Dogs, Labradors, Old English Sheepdogs, Rottweiller, Dachshunds, German Shorthaired Pointers and Newfoundlands


What is Vitiligo
Fred Lanting


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What is vitiligo?


http://www.upei.ca/cidd
With this condition there is patchy loss of pigment in the skin (leukoderma), particularly in the facial area. There may be whitening (leukotrichia) or graying (poliosis) of the hair. It may be that the immune system targets the melanocytes - the cells that produce pigment.

Vitiligo may be inherited or it may be acquired, secondary to an injury for example.

How is vitiligo inherited?
unknown.

What breeds are affected by vitiligo?
Vitiligo is thought to be inherited in the Belgian Tervuren, dachshund, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, German short-haired pointer, Labrador retriever, Newfoundland, old English sheepdog, and rottweiler.

For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.

What does vitiligo mean to your dog & you?
This condition does not affect your dog's general health.

How is vitiligo diagnosed?
A skin biopsy can help to rule out acquired causes of vitiligo such as inflammation. Taking a biopsy is a simple procedure, done with local anesthetic, in which your veterinarian removes a small sample of your dog's skin for examination by a veterinary pathologist.

How is vitiligo treated?
Nutritional supplements may help to restore pigment but there have been too few cases to draw conclusions.

Breeding advice
It is recommended that affected dogs not be bred.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.

Resources
Ackerman, L. 1999. The Genetic Connection. A Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs. p. 62.  AAHA Press. Lakewood, Colorado.
Copyright © 1998 Canine Inherited Disorders Database. All rights reserved.
Revised: October 30, 2001.
This database is funded jointly by the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
Permission to reprint is granted by
Alice Crook, DVM Coordinator, Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre
Atlantic Veterinary College University of Prince Edward Island

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From Fred Lanting about Snow Nose


A paragraph from Fred Lanting's new edition, "The Total German Shepherd Dog": Snow nose and other pigment problems - A condition frequently found in white dogs is a somewhat temporary loss of black pigment from the bulb of the nose, usually in a center strip. It has been blamed on mild frostbite, but I am convinced this is not the cause. I suspect that this so-called snow nose may be a hormone-related reaction to sunlight, similar to the way length of days affects a female's estrus cycle. But it is something that only happens in dogs that are genetically predisposed to vitiligo (lack of pigmentation). I have seen it mostly in lighter-colored dogs, dogs with liver genes whether heterozygous or homozygous, in white Shepherds, and in other breeds. It has even been reported linked to allergic reaction to certain plastic food dishes. Dogs will frequently develop vitiligo in skin or hair where they have been bitten, burned, vaccinated, or otherwise traumatized. In these instances, the ability of the dermal tissue to multiply melanocytes that produce melanin pigment has been compromised.

You can get notice of the publication date of this important and even necessary addition to your library, by connecting with www.hoflin.com  where an announcement will be made soon. The book has extensive and fair treatment of the white Shepherd Dog.

Fred Lanting, Canine Consulting. Mr.GSD@juno.com Seminars: Canine HD & Other Orthopedic Disorders;
Gait & Structure (Analytical Approach); more

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Vitiligo


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The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.