Why is dog developing patches?

QMY three-year-old German shepherd has gradually developed white patches on his nose and upper lips. Is this something you have seen before? Should I arrange a trip to the vet?

AASSUMING that your dog is not bothered by this loss of pigment I would suspect a condition called vitiligo.

This is caused by antibodies attacking the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin, which creates the natural colour of skin and the black colour of the nose in dogs.

It isn’t well-understood why this happens but in many cases it is localised to the nose and face.

Vitiligo may also involve some hairs, with patchy whiteness.

Although a biopsy will confirm the problem this is quite invasive and your vet may advise observation as it doesn’t worry the dog. Very rarely will the nose re-pigment.

There are some other conditions that cause loss of pigment.

A more severe autoimmune disease called discoid lupus erythematosus can also cause depigmentation in the nose.

This is quite inflammatory and often

Our vet david grant works his animal magic

accompanied with ulceration, requiring extensive investigation and treatment.

While the problem is most likely not serious, an accurate diagnosis is essential so that you know what you are dealing with and what treatment, if any, will be needed.

It is always worth getting a veterinary opinion as it will put your mind at rest.

David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals. Write to him at Express Yourself, 10 Lower Thames St, London, EC3R 6EN. He is unable to enter into individual correspondence.