You just noticed that your pet has some spotting on their body, and your veterinarian informed you that it's from vitiligo. But what is vitiligo in dogs and cats? Read on below around what you need to know.
What Is Vitiligo in Dogs & Cats?
Vitiligo is a rare skin condition that some humans may develop, but so can cats and dogs. A human or animal with this condition experiences depigmentation, which occurs when the skin loses its natural pigments. The skin will turn white (or light pink) in patches and hair in those spots can also turn white.
Vitiligo in animals occurs because of a lack of pigment and white spot on dogs’ nose is often a sign off this with typical symptoms occurring around the face and nose.
What Causes Vitiligo in animals?
Is vitiligo something that can be "caught" from another animal with the condition? Simply stated, no.Vitiligo in cats and dogs is not contagious. However, this condition is often hereditary, so if a previous generation experienced depigmentation, your cat or dog is more likely to develop this uncommon skin condition. It's not clear why vitiligo occurs, but it's believed that it happens when something interferes with the body's melanin-producing cells.
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Are Some Cats and Dogs More Likely to Get It?
If you're worried that your dog or cat might develop vitiligo, don't be too concerned, especially if you haven't noticed any white skin or hair spots. This skin condition is quite rare, though there are some breeds that are more likely to get it than others.
PetMD suggests that vitiligo is more common in some dog breeds than others. “Most cases of vitiligo in pets are hereditary. Certain dog breeds are at a higher genetic risk of developing this condition.”
These breeds are:
- Rottweilers
- Dachshunds
- Siberian Huskies
- Belgian Tervuren
- Golden Retrievers
- Yellow Labradors
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinscher
- Old English Sheepdogs
- German Shorthaired Pointer
Should You Be Worried About Depigmentation?
If you know your pet's bloodline and there haven't been any other cases of vitiligo in previous generations, you don't need to worry. However, pet parents who don't know their animal's family history of skin conditions might want to point out any of their pet's skin changes to their vet.
Since most cases of vitiligo in dogs and cats occur when they're young, depigmentation at an older age may require a visit to the vet. It may be easy to confuse going gray (a natural sign of aging) with losing skin pigmentation due to a medical condition. Hypothyroidism, stress, and kidney and liver disease may be the culprit behind depigmentation, according to AVES.
Vitiligo in cats and dogs is nothing to fear. Vitiligo in animals is painless and they do not act any different as a result. Your pet will still live a happy life with some special spotting. Just make sure to discuss any skin changes with your vet if you are concerned in any other way!
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.