Vitiligo is a condition, which affects the hair and skin. Here, the pigmentation of the skin and hair is lost making it look pale and white in color. This is due to increased destruction or decreased functioning of melanocytes, the cells that are responsible for production of melanin, which in turn imparts pigmentation to the skin and body. This abrupt decrease in the functioning of melanocytes could be due to sudden rejection of these cells within the body.

The body’s immune system treats melanocytes as antigens (foreign article) and automatically stimulates the secretion of antibodies (which fight foreign particles) leading to destruction of these cells on the body. Heredity, stress, decreased immunity and infections are some of the causes for vitiligo in animals.

Although the condition does not cause any physical or mental harm to dogs, many pet owners do not like the occurrence of white patches on the skin, lips, face and foot pads. Some species of dogs like Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, Belgian shepherds, Alaskan malemutes, Rottweiler shepherds, Golden retrievers, Yellow Labrador retrievers and Siberian Huskies are prone to this condition than others.

Lesions also appear around the nose, mouth and genitals. These lesions do not appear scaly or inflamed. Loss of color is generally permanent but the original color might return in rare cases. A biopsy will help diagnose the condition. Irrespective of the cause of the disease, vitiligo will not interfere with the life span of your pet. In order to prevent further spread of this disease, it is advisable to discourage vitiligo dogs from breeding.

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