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A Spreading Black Patch With Thinning Hair on a Young Ridgeback

by A reader


Reader Question
My Rhodesian Ridgeback is almost 2 years old. Six months ago she developed a black patch on her left flank with hair thinning. The patches have spread but don't appear to bother her. She never scratches at them. Blood test for hypthyroidism were negative, as were skin scrapings for mites and fungus. Any ideas as to what this may be?


Answer from Our Team

Darkened skin with thinning hair that spreads but doesn't itch, with negative thyroid, mite and fungal tests, can be caused by a hormone-related or follicle problem such as follicular dysplasia (which can be related to coat color in some breeds), seasonal flank alopecia (bald, dark patches on the flanks that often come and go with the seasons), or old inflammation.

Seasonal flank alopecia fits well: it usually affects both flanks, starts in the darker months and may regrow in spring. A skin biopsy is the best way to confirm what it is.

Most of these are cosmetic and don't affect a dog's health. Ask your vet whether a biopsy makes sense, and take photos monthly to see if it changes with the seasons.

See black skin in dogs and hair loss in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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