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.
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.
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.
Nutritional supplements may help to restore pigment but there have been too few cases to draw conclusions.
It is recommended that affected dogs not be bred.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
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.