Expert: Jannie Balliett - 9/28/2010

Question
QUESTION: Whats going on with our boxer? These black spots are driving me crazy and I have taken him to the vet and the only thing we have come home with is a large bill. Can someone tell me what this could be? He is about 6mo old.

ANSWER: There is a possibility of Melanomas which are malignant neoplasms that can develop in a pre-existing mole. It is dark in color. If the mole spreads out, bleeds, or becomes elevated above the skin surface, suspect melanoma.

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/cancer1.html

Are the black patches rough? Are they raised? Does he scratch at the patches? It could be an infection of the mange mite that could be another possibility.

How old is he?

Do they look like "liver spots?"

Black skin disease called Alopecia. Alopecia is defined as a complete or partial lack of hair in areas where hair normally is present. It is quite common in dogs as either a primary problem or as a secondary result of another underlying condition. There are distinct differences between cases of alopecia in which grown hair fibers are lost, those in which stumps of hair fibers remain, and those in which the hair root itself is shed from the hair follicle.

While hair loss in dogs is usually caused by some underlying disorder, there are a number of steps that owners can take to prevent or at least manage this condition. Responsible breeding, yearly veterinary examinations, regular parasite control, good nutrition, moderate exercise and stress management can all contribute to a healthy canine hair coat.Certain breeds or family lines of dogs have an increased risk of developing Alopecia.

Treatment options for Alopecia in dogs depend upon what is causing the hair loss. Most cases,it is treatable, once the cause of the condition is diagnosed.Alopecia is usually a sign of an underlying disorder, which must be diagnosed accurately in order for effective treatment to begin. If the hair loss is accompanied by scratching, pustules, hot spots or other lesions, it may be appropriate to apply topical medications to manage and hopefully alleviate it.

The veterinarian may prescribe ointments, creams, lotions, shampoos or other soothing treatments to calm any inflammation associated with alopecia. The vet may also recommend oral or topical antibiotics, antihistamines and/or anti-inflammatories as part of an initial treatment regimen.

There are a number of topical medications to treat Alopecia caused by external parasites. Flea and tick control, and shampoos or other products that kill mites, lice or fungi, are generally quite effective in resolving parasitic Alopecia, although it can take weeks to months for the hair to grow back completely.

Parasitic Alopecia
There are a number of topical medications to treat alopecia caused by external parasites. Flea and tick control, and shampoos or other products that kill mites, lice or fungi, are generally quite effective in resolving parasitic alopecia, although it can take weeks to months for the hair to grow back completely.

Alopecia Due to Endocrine Disorders or Hormonal Imbalance
Alopecia caused by endocrine or hormonal abnormalities is managed by treating the underlying disorders. For example, alopecia associated with hyperthyroidism or pituitary dwarfism can be treated with lifelong hormone replacement medication. Spaying and neutering can be successful treatments for hair loss caused by certain other hormonal imbalances, or even stress.

Allergic Alopecia
There are a number of treatment options for alopecia caused by immune-mediated reactions. These include medicated shampoos, topical and oral anti-inflammatories and antihistamines, and corticosteroid therapy. Of course, if a veterinarian can identify the cause of the reaction and remove the allergen from the dog’s environment, allergic alopecia should resolve in short order.

Other Treatments
Essential fatty-acids, Vitamin D, and oral melatonin supplementation have been found to be safe and variably effective in stimulating hair regrowth and improving overall coat condition in dogs.

Prognosis
The prognosis for recovery from alopecia is good in most cases, if the underlying cause of hair loss is identified and treated. If the skin has suffered extensive scarring, hair regrowth will be more limited.

http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Health-Center/Skin-Disorders/Alopecia.aspx


If your vet has not diagnosed it and treated it properly with good results, I highly recommend changing vets. Permanently.

Ask friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, church members, what vet they use. Ask other Boxer owners what  vet they use. Call your local Boxer rescue or Boxer association and even your no-kill shelter(s) and ask about locating a Boxer-savvy vet.

Select one (or two, or three, etc,) and call them and talk to a vet technician about your problem and what you've been though with your current "vet."  A vet tech works closely with the vet(s) in the clinic, and knows how many Boxer patients they have, and knows if they can treat (and are aware of, Alopecia and causes).... then pick a vet and get an appointment ASAP.

Ask the vet to do a thyroid test (they draw blood, usually from the artery in the neck) and test it. If he has a thyroid disorder, medication can control it and the vet will recheck him in 6 months to be certain the dosage is correct and working. Then, the Alopecia will clear up if that is the underlying problem. The vet might run other tests like glucose tests for diabetes, check his fecal matter for other parasites and problems, do a skin scraping on a spot to check it under a microscope, etc.

Please do this and get back to me with the diagnosis and treatment your NEW vet performed and the update on your Boxer-boy.

Good luck! Well wishes and thoughts (and prayers) go to you and your boy in getting this resolved.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: In answer to your questions....They first appeared as whelps, then to dry and scaly spots and then the hair was just gone. They don't seam to itch him. They are somewhat smooth (kind-of feels like chicken skin..lol) The vet ruled out mites. At first he said it was an allergic reaction to the flea & tick spray.They did a skin scraping, did a Woods Lamp exam, gave him a Methylprednisolone inj. and Clavamox 250mg twice a day for five days. That did help the some but more spots came up.I took him back and they said to wash him three times a week in Ketochlor shampoo...no help there. Now he said he just has no idea what it is. I have now called another vet and am taking Dewey to be seen on Monday! Thanks for all the help!!! Dewey is 6mo old.

Answer
Be sure to have the new vet get a faxed copy of Dewey's vet records from the old vet.

And, be sure to discuss thyroid and diabetes testing as any underlying problem causing it.

Feed him lamb and rice, or sweet potato dog food for awhile and see if they dissipate too.

Be sure to keep a record of this. This can rule out food allergies.