Boxer skin issue

Question
Hi - my sweet little girl is just over three years old and is 85% red/brown with
a white chest and black face. In the last couple of weeks she's developed a
couple of black spots close to her hips and she's loosing more hair in those
spots. I've also noticed that this black is moving to her underbelly as well.
Any idea what this could be or should we just take her to the vet?
Any suggestions would be appreciated - thanks.

Answer
Follow up

Hi Patty,
If the problem is caused by allergies, then a human grade fish and potato is a good start for food.  Try Solid Gold brand.  In place of the steroids, try baby Benedryl.

Good luck,
Shelley

Hi Patty,

Thank you for writing to me about your Boxers's black spots slose to her hips and moving to her underbelly.

The condition your dog has is loosely referred to as Black Skin Disease.  The causes are varied.  It is important that you work with your vet to find the underlying cause.


Here is a website that you can check out for information:

http://www.pcoc.net/black-skin-disease.htm

Some research points to an over production of testosterone.  It is generally found in cream colored males.  If this is the cause then your dog should be nuetered and bathed once a week with dawn dish soap..... Add an Vitamin E supplement to his food, but continue to research.  It takes time and you will probably notice that the hair will be a stiff texture with an odor,if you don't bathe weekly and dry throughly.  It's not life threatening, but it is genetic, so they should not be allowed to breed.

This is often considered to be a genetic disorder which was first noticed in a Pomeranian in the 1930's. It is very common in Poms.  It doesn't show up until they are several years old, so it is constantly being passed on through continued breeding.

Here are some GREAT websites that discuss Black Skin Disease (also known as Alopecia X):

http://www.akcchf.org/research/grants/disease/a.htm
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_alopecia_x.html
http://www.pcoc.net/black-skin-disease.htm
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/

Before concluding that your dog has Black Skin Disease, you must first rule out:

a) thyroid deficiency
b) allergies - could be food, environment, flea bites, etc.
c) bacterial infection (those black patches could be bacterial infection)

If none of the above, then your dog may have black skin disease.  Not much is known about this condition (people started noticing it in the 80's) and research is still going on.  Some dermatologists believe that the skin infection is easier to treat but the hair loss much harder.  Sometimes melatonin is useful if your animal has suffered hair loss (alopecia??) but the hair follicle is still alive.  A skin biopsy is necessary. As to dosage, each animal is different.  So don't play doctor, consult your vet.  As for treating the skin infections, which can happen if left untreated at an early stage, (the scabs, the swellings), a medicated shampoo and antibiotics must be used.  In addition, examine your dog's diet and environment.  Try to eliminate possible sources of allergens. (For some dogs, it can be food allergy, Advantage or fleas.)

Some people have great success treating their dogs with Homoepathic medicine. Other treatments, such as birth control pills work well for Black Skin Disease.

There is also a condition in which an adrenal enzyme deficiency has been documented. The condition causes  the symptoms you describe and is treated with a drug called Lysodren.

If the condition is caused by a fungus, you can use "Miconazole" spray on him.

Here is a short explanation of a condition called Seborrhea and what to do.  http://www.thepettribune.com/1998/101198/5.html

A vet may tell you that Black Skin Disease can be caused by everything from a poor immune system, or possible cushing's disease even though all tests can be negative. That would mean it could fall into "borderline" cushings.

Some dogs have food allergies which can lead to a systemic yeast infection.  This means there is a build up or over abundance of yeast in the dog's body.  If this is the case you may have to change your dog's food and give him supplements.  For whatever reason most Vets do not tell you this can be a problem.  Most dogs who have skin and/or ear and paw problems with a funky smell are for sure to have systemic yeast infection...this is very common.  www.nzymes.com
is a specific treatment for dogs with yeast/candida problems.  

If your dog truely has Black Skin Disease, it can a growth hormone deficiency.   The thyroid could be involved so have that checked with a blood test.

Often BSD is a growth hormone deficiency and shows up in light fur dogs of northern breeds which there are 5 common. Males more often than females get this disease.

One canine dermatologist cited all the reasons for "Alopecia X", "Black-Skin-Disease","Sudden Skin Loss Syndrome" related to genetics: the X gene, testosterone production, etc., as possible causes. She also gave a treatment recommendation and it can work well if you will take the time to do it!

. Wash your dog with SELSUN BLUE SHAMPOO. Scrub lightly and massage into skin several minutes. Rinse.

. Apply an ANTI-BACTERIAL DISH DETERGENT. Massage well. Rinse.

4. Apply a canine conditioner. Massage gently. Rinse.

5. Towel dry, rubbing skin softly.Blow dry.

This can be done 2-3 times a week.

Also recommended is OxyDex Canine Shampoo. OxyDex opens the pores of the skin which helps the leathery, scaly, black skin. With that you apply shampoo, have dog sit for 5-10 minutes with OxyDex, then condition.

IF IT IS ALOPECIA X
.the usual areas the dog can get it are the back,hind legs,chest,rump,and tail
. the disease usualy begins in dogs from 9 months to 3 years
. also loss of the hair may cause a drop in temperature in the area that adversely affects the blood supply to the area
. also this may not only be one disease but many diseases
. possible treatments are NZYMES and OX-E-DROPS.

You can also try maximum strength hydrocortisone cream 1% with aloe.  Use every other day. Try Kirkland brand from Costco.  

Some have found Melatonin to be effective., The dosage is .02 micrograms per pound, and it can make them sleepy, just like humans. It should be well tolerated given at bedtime. You can have your pharmacy compound a liquid Melatonin with a chicken flavor. Give it every other night for 3 weeks, then every third night for a month, and then once a week for about 2 months.

FYI:   http://www.nzymes.com/Testimonials/blizzard_cotton_itchy_skin_rash_chewing_feet_...

If your dog is on Frontline, just try one of the others and see if the condition gets better (remember it takes a very long time to go away after the last dose of Frontline).

I wish you the best of luck with this condition.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis