Skin turns black and tough after unusual heat cycle

LoveEcho · 11-05-2012, 08:54 PM

So I'm taking in a retired brood bitch from the kennel I used to work for. Her current owner said that this past heat cycle, a couple of months ago, was odd-- she bled a LOT. Shortly after, all the hair on her belly/thighs fell out and the skin went from white/pink to BLACK. The vet was at a loss and thought it might be hormonal, and assured us that it doesn't hurt or itch. It is not mange. Has anyone else experienced this?

jaggirl47 · 11-05-2012, 09:11 PM

Maybe test the thyroid. I think that is a sign of thyroid issues?

zyppi · 11-05-2012, 09:22 PM

did your vet culture her skin?

sunsets · 11-09-2012, 12:13 AM

Yeah, hair loss and thickened "elephantine" skin are classic signs of thyroid problems. As is bilateral hair loss (on both sides, starting with the belly).

The blood test for free thyroid hormone (T4, I think) is about $150, but if your dog is hypothyroid, the replacement hormones are cheap - around $30/month.

See my history of my rescue GSD in the "rescue stories" thread if you want to see the effects of low thyroid on skin and hair. It's definitely manageable though!

11-05-2012, 08:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
LoveEcho Knighted Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 2,308	Skin turns black and tough after unusual heat cycle So I'm taking in a retired brood bitch from the kennel I used to work for. Her current owner said that this past heat cycle, a couple of months ago, was odd-- she bled a LOT. Shortly after, all the hair on her belly/thighs fell out and the skin went from white/pink to BLACK. The vet was at a loss and thought it might be hormonal, and assured us that it doesn't hurt or itch. It is not mange. Has anyone else experienced this?

11-05-2012, 09:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
jaggirl47 Knighted Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Washington Posts: 3,491	Maybe test the thyroid. I think that is a sign of thyroid issues? __________________ SBD Posejpal's Leyna, HCTs 6/16/2010 SBD Posejpal's Hades, 5/9/12 At the rainbow bridge: Zappa 12/27/00-1/23/12 You are my heart, my soul, and my best friend. You will be with me always. Zeus 5/9/12-8/13/12 You taught me strength. Run free.

11-05-2012, 09:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
zyppi Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Back home to Louisiana! Posts: 5,234	did your vet culture her skin? __________________ Anne Nothing is as simple as it seems or as complicated as we make it~ Attitude is everything -- Pick a good one! Sofie AKA Ussina vom Haus Brezel Jack von Jagenstadt Tatty - Burmese bad cat

11-09-2012, 12:13 AM	#4 (permalink)
sunsets Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 53	Yeah, hair loss and thickened "elephantine" skin are classic signs of thyroid problems. As is bilateral hair loss (on both sides, starting with the belly). The blood test for free thyroid hormone (T4, I think) is about $150, but if your dog is hypothyroid, the replacement hormones are cheap - around $30/month. See my history of my rescue GSD in the "rescue stories" thread if you want to see the effects of low thyroid on skin and hair. It's definitely manageable though!

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