Ask the Veterinarian/Beagles Skin

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Expert: - 3/4/2010


Question
Hello! Recently my 2 year old beagles stomach has been changing color. It went from a pink color to a purplish/pink color. It goes from his privates up to his armpits. It doesnt cause him pain when i touch or push on it, and his demeanor hasent changed at all. He does have dry skin so sometimes he chews down there, but thats it. Just wondering if this is normal. Thanks!

TIFFANY

(Ive tried to inclue a picture, i hope it come up)

[IMG]http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y372/tiffanyjhogue/101_0040.jpg[/IMG]

Answer
While this coloration isn't unusual at all, it can certainly be caused by the licking. A lot of dogs lick their groin and since the tongue (and front teeth) can do so much damage to skin after time, it will discolor the skin.

I wouldn't worry about this unless your dog is chewing all the time. If he is, then he needs to see a vet and get on board with some good flea control.  

Skin will also change color if the skin is being assaulted by itching, dryness, and/ bacterias and fungus. This is another good reason for a trip to the vets.

So look him over and watch him when he chews to see if that is the case- if he is chewing a lot or licking a lot.
If so, call the vet.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

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Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

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Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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