Black Skin Disease

by Dan Kuna
(Edina, MN)

Reader Question: How Does A Canine Get Black Skin Disease?

I have a 14 year old yellow female lab that within the last 8 weeks has developed black skin disease. Is it possible that black skin disease could be tied to a dog eating rabbit feces?

Veterinarian Responds To Reader Question Regarding How Canines Get Black Skin Disease

Hi,

I’m not sure what you mean be black skin disease. A condition called alopecia X that sometimes goes by this name, but it is not typically seen in labs.

Many other diseases can cause hair loss and a darkening of the skin (e.g., hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease) so your best option is to make an appointment with your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Whatever is going on, I doubt eating rabbit feces had anything to do with it.

Regards,

Jennifer Coates, DVM