Pit Bull Skin Disorders

When a pit bull is born, its skin accounts for nearly 25 percent of its body weight. Skin serves a number of functions. Most importantly, it acts as a protective barrier between the dog and its environment. With many assaults to the skin, it is of little surprise that a significant number of ailments treated and diagnosed by veterinarians are skin disorders. Many of these disorders affect all breeds equally, whereas others affect specific breeds, including pit bulls, more frequently.

  1. Demodicosis

    • The mite Demodex canis is present in small numbers in the skin follicles of most healthy dogs. If a dog's immune system is compromised, these mites can multiply by the thousands, leading to a condition known as demodicosis, or demodectic mange. Pit bulls, particularly purebreds, are at an increased risk of developing this skin disorder. Symptoms include dime-size bald patches with scaly, red skin. These areas often occur above the eyes, at the base of the ears and on the belly or paws. Demodicosis can be either localized -- confined to a specific area -- or generalized. Localized democidosis often resolves itself without treatment. The generalized form is a more severe condition. It can rapidly spread to cover the dog's body, head and legs, and can lead to secondary infections. Dogs with generalized demodicosis should never be used for breeding, as the disorder may be inherited.

    Solar Dermatitis

    • In multi-colored pit bulls, lesions are generally restricted to unpigmented skin.

      Like other short-haired breeds, pit bulls are at a higher risk of developing skin disorders related to sun exposure. This is particularly common for dogs living in sunny and hot climates or at high altitudes. Dogs with darker skin are less susceptible than dogs with lighter skin. Known as solar dermatitis, chronic sun damage results in scaly lesions, particularly in areas where the hair is thin, such as the dog's flank, groin and nose. A skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm solar dermatitis, as symptoms mimic other skin disorders, notably seasonal allergies and demodectic mange. Restricting the dog's sun exposure prevents further damage, which may lead to more serious conditions, including skin cancer.

    Sterile Granuloma and Pyogranuloma Syndrome

    • Pit bulls appear to be predisposed to sterile granuloma and pyogranuloma syndrome, a skin disorder thought to result from a dysfunctional immune system. Affected dogs have multiple firm, hairless masses or nodules, typically on the muzzle, bridge of the nose or around the eyes. Occasionally, lesions appear on the paws, neck or trunk. Larger lesions or those on the paws may ulcerate and become infected. A biopsy and skin cultures may be needed to rule out other disorders, such as multiple mast cell tumors. The syndrome generally responds to treatment with immunosuppressive drugs such as steroids.

    Mast Cell Tumors

    • Pit bulls have a higher than normal risk of developing mast cell tumors. Under normal circumstances, mast cells play an integral role in immune function, particularly in defending the body against parasites. Mast cell tumors arise when these cells join to form an abnormal growth. Most tumors are solitary, but approximately 6 percent of cases involve multiple tumors. In pit bulls, mast cells are often found on the hind limbs. Using a biopsy, tumors are graded from 1 to 3. This grade determines not only the most appropriate treatment but also the risk of recurrence and survival rates. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.