Your Pomeranian has shed his puppy coat and grown his adult coat. Now he's starting to lose hair on the back of both hind legs. His skin is darkening. He may have Black Skin Disease.
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Symptoms
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Pomeranians with Black Skin Disease typically have normal puppy coats. Sometime after they get their adult coats, their owners notice symmetrical hair loss on the back of the thighs. It spreads up over their back and trunk, eventually including everything but the dog's head and front legs. The skin blackens in the bald areas.
Considerations
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Both sexes can be affected, but it's more common in males. It can occur in Pomeranians as young as one year old, or in older adults. It can look like several other diseases, such as hypothyroidism or Cushings disease (a disease of the adrenal glands).
Causes
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Hormone imbalances, mites, fungus, allergies and obesity are possible causes of black skin disease. Sometimes the disease is purely genetic; other times, it's a combination of factors.
Diagnosis
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Your veterinarian will likely recommend a blood chemistry and hormone levels (thyroid and adrenal hormones), a skin scrape, fungal culture and skin biopsy.
Treatment
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In intact animals, neutering can help. Melatonin therapy or hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate. Your veterinarian will choose a treatment plan based on the results of her diagnostics.
Significance
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Black Skin Disease in Pomeranians is a cosmetic condition, generally not affecting your pet's health.
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