Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 4/3/2006

Question
Dear Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf,

Recently, I noticed that my 1-year-old Dachshund is getting a dark pigment on his entire stomach. It starts just below his head on his neck, and goes all the way down to his feet. He hasn't had this before; it's always been a light color. The color is splotchy on his stomach between his arms. There is also little to none hair on his belly. I don't know if this is normal in Dachshunds. Also, he is itching more than usual. He scratches all the time. Maybe this is an inflammation of the skin? There are also a few little bumps on his back. His fur is raised up just a bit at each bump. Thank you for all of your help!  Sincerely,
             Heather Mueller

Answer
Heather;

You should take the dog to the vet for an exam.  Several things can cause this pigmentation.  It could be an allergy, mange, a fungal infection, or in Dachshunds, they get a thing called "acanthosis nigricans."  Sometimes the thyroid hormones or other hormonal tests may need to be tested.

If there is an allergy or an infection, it needs to  be treated.

Dr. Gotthelf