Hair loss and black skin

[starrlamia]

Have you done a skin scraping? I dont know about the black skin but hairloss could be demodex mange. Im not sure if it is common in the breed.
Does she seem overly itchy? Biting at paws? Could be an allergen as well.

[tanza]

I think I would "opt" for further investigation…. Obviously this is not normal. Maybe a referral to a skin specialist?

And have you talked to her breeder about this and if there is something that he/she might know?

[Dentate]

@starrlamia:

Have you done a skin scraping? I dont know about the black skin but hairloss could be demodex mange. Im not sure if it is common in the breed.
Does she seem overly itchy? Biting at paws? Could be an allergen as well.

I think a skin scraping will likely be the next step, but I wanted to get some opinions first. She may need additional blood work as well to test for endocrine disorders. After the initial treatments I was using the assumption that this was allergic dermatitis, although she doesn't appear to have itching or irritation in the slightest, which does not support that conclusion.

@tanza:

I think I would "opt" for further investigation…. Obviously this is not normal. Maybe a referral to a skin specialist?

And have you talked to her breeder about this and if there is something that he/she might know?

I agree that a veterinary dermatologist would be very helpful, although the nearest one is several hours away. The breeder has been contacted and she isn't aware of any similar conditions in her lines.

Thank you all very much for the assistance… It looks as if a third veterinary visit may be in order.

[Quercus]

Has she had a full thyroid panel? Blackened, thickened skin is a symptom of thyroid disorders, I do believe…

[Dentate]

@Quercus:

Has she had a full thyroid panel? Blackened, thickened skin is a symptom of thyroid disorders, I do believe…

Thanks, Quercus. Both hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease can cause hair loss and blackening of the skin, so blood work is certainly a good idea, although I haven't gone that route as of yet. She doesn't have any of the other associated symptoms, which reduces my index of suspicion, but I agree that an endocrine workup may be necessary in the not too distant future. Thanks again!

[804hehe]

I have a 6 year old female, Lucy. I have been fighting the black skin & hair loss on her ears for years! She also has red scaly skin on her throat & her belly. & She is stinky… not a normal thing for a Basenji. It appears to stem from a yeast infection, that becomes a bacterial infection. We are in the process of checking for a food allergy, using an Ultra-Allergen Free dog food for 3 months.
She is on meds for yeast & bacteria & her blood tests just came back...she has a Low Thyroid count. From what I have read it could be the cause of her problems. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[MacPack]

Getting her on thyroid meds may help with her other problems, hopefully she will be better soon, sounds miserable.

[804hehe]

Thanks! I will update with what I hope is great news.

[BART]

Jeepers! Two things….are you some sort of doctor, research or otherwise, (just from your posts) and also you have almost exactly described my same issue with my fuzzy fellow. I have blood tests pending in regard to thyroid.

[804hehe]

Hi, No I am not a doctor, just a head over heels in love with my basenji lady.
She is my walking buddy & my lap warmer I am going to the Vet today for her thyroid meds…I will keep you'all posted on the results. I so hope those ears turn pink, the rash on her tummy goes away & the eges for her ears stop bleeding. ss