Expert: Christine Puetz - 2/22/2009

Question
Hi...I have a 18 month old AKC fawn colored English Bulldog.  We have fed her California Natural Lamb & Rice since she was a puppy (how do you feel about this food?).  My concern is that about a month ago, we noticed a black spot on her side...not on her fur, but underneath on her skin.  Her fur seems to be getting thinner on that spot and now the spot is spreading.  It doesn't seem to bother her and does not have an odor.  I have been researching and found something called Black Skin Disease...what do you know of this and is it curable?  Is it contagious?  Any advice would be great...Thanks!  

Answer
Kristen,

I am not familiar with that dog food, but it is probably fine.  You just don't want to feed bulldogs, or really and dog, cheap dog food.

It is normal for bulldogs to get black spots on their skin.  But it usually doesn't go along with the hair thinning.  It may just be the normal change in skin coloring.

You should see a vet, in case it is not just a normal color change.  If your pup has Black Skin Disease they can test to see if there is a growth hormone deficiency.  If so, it can be treated.

It should not be contagious.

Christine Puetz