Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 9/2/2008

Question
HELLO IM IN DIER NEED OF HELP. I HAVE A MALAMUTE BITCH WHO WAS BITTEN ON THE NOSE ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND SINCE HAS LOST FULL PIGMENT ON HER NOSE LIPS AND EYES. SHE SEEMS TO BE OK BUT I CANT STOP WONDERING AND WORRYING WHAT IT MAY BE. DO YOU HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE ON THIS? AND IS IT CURABLE? THANKYOU FRAN

Answer
Fran -

Sounds as if your dog has post-inflammatory vitiligo.  Vitiligo can be defined as the loss of pigment.  This particular loss of pigment can be due to damage to the deep membrane of the skin, resulting in the decoloration if the skin as it regenerates.

The loss of pigmentation is usually not a problem.  However, there are skin diseases that can cause pigment loss.  Have her examined by your veterinarian to determine if she is healthy.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM