Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Labrador Retriever's Paws Changing Colors - part II

Subject: Labrador Retriever's Paws Changing Colors - part II

From: Doug (England)

Labrador Retriever name: Mollie

Reader's E-mail - Doug's Response:

Mollie's mouth area beteen her nose and mouth has also become pink, looks like she is losing pigmentation. Her feeding bowl and water bowl are ceramic. We also have a golden retriever bitch (Shelley) that seems perfectly normal. Mollie has grey or maybe even white hairs between her nose and mouth (seems her pigmentation is fading in that area, but no issues elsewhere in her coat. She's gorgeous.

Thanks for your help and ideas.
Doug

All About Labradors Answer:

Hi Doug,

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

In regards to the color changes, Labrador Retrievers that have spent too much time in the sun may occasionally get a little pink on their faces and the tips of their ears.

Another cause, and the one I believe you are dealing with is a condition called Vitiligo. Vitiligo - is a hereditary lack of pigment in the skin in which the dogs develop somewhat symmetrical depigmentation especially of the nose, lips, muzzle, inside of mouth and footpads. There may be whitening or graying of the hair.

In some cases the pigment returns and in other cases the changes are permanent. It does not appear to have consequences other than cosmetic. There are no medical treatments known for Vetiligo.

You can have your veterinarian perform a biopsy of the affected areas to confirm this is the condition with Mollie.

Hope this helps you Doug. Please keep me updated on Mollie's condition, and if you do take her to your veterinarian, please let me know the outcome.

Take care of yourself and Mollie,

Fay

References:

The Genetic Connection:. A Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs. Lowell Ackerman 1999 Paperback, 244 pages.

To read the first part of this e-mail visit: Labrador Retriever's Paws Changing Colors - part I

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