Skin condition...

Question
My seven year-old maltese has begun to develop an unusual skin condition.  She appears to have dark spots all over her stomach and chest area.  They don't seem to bother her, but they appear almost scale like, and worry me.  Is this something that I should take her to the vet for?  

Answer
Often as a white dog ages, there will be dark spots of pigmentation of the normally pink skin.  If that's what you are seeing, it is nothing to worry about.  If it is crusty and if it irritates the dog, I would certainly let the vet look at these to see what they might be.