Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 5/12/2006

Question
We have a 3 year old golden retriever.  She has developed black skin on her belly.  It also looks a little scaley.  Also the hair around this area is becoming kind of a purple color.  

What could this be?

Thanks for your help  

Answer
In a Golden retriever, the first thing I would rule out is low thyroid hormones.  Ask your vet to test your dog for that.  Blocked sebaceous glands can cause the skin to darken (comedones) and hypothyroidism causes blockage of the glands.  Some allergic dogs will also have dark skin as a result of hormones secreted during periods of stress.