Vitiligo

What is ... ?: 

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 ... inherited?: 

unknown.

What does ... mean to your dog & you?: 

This condition does not affect your dog's general health.

How is ... 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 ... 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.


What breeds are affected by ... ?
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