If depigmentation of the dog’s nose is the current concern of yours, then you are not alone, as the vets get several complaints about their dog developing nasal pigmentation. There are many health conditions in dogs which can change the nose, from simple to even benign. Some diseases limit to the nose area while others can involve the entire body. The depigmentation of the nose represents itself as a symptom of the illness. The nose responds in a limited way when it comes to a disease. Lesions can comprise loss of pigments, pus, scaling, crusting, thickening, redness, swelling, ulceration, and at last bleeding. Pain may or may not persist.
Signs
The onset of changes usually takes a slow progression, in most of the cases, the patient will dispose of signs all of a sudden. All the races can develop the condition, though few tendencies are there in existence.
So, which are the conditions that may act as a catalyst in developing the condition?
Illnesses under consideration are mainly idiopathic, which means the exact reasons are unknown for their occurrence. Dudley nose, seasonal hyperpigmentation, commonly called as snow nose is the waxing and waning of pigmented cells with the change of seasons. Less pigmentation will occur during winters and more during the hot summer climates.
Intervention of Microorganisms & some other Factors
Infections with fungi, parasites or bacterias can cause nasal disorders, thus can create depigmentation. Sudden- injuries, hormonal changes, burns, and side effects to drugs can act as catalysts in changing the appearance. A dog can be intolerant to particular food types where allergens through food and inhalation can cause inflammatory lesions and loss of pigments.
Excessive exposure to the sun can cause burning and bleaching of the nose, especially in dogs that have a reduction in color and pigments in their nose, already.
Deficiencies of needed nutrients can affect the coat and nose too. Localised and systematic disorders like vitiligo and diseases of lupus can often involve the nose. When an animal suffers from these conditions, the immune system wrongly targets the right cells, the attachments of cells and pigments. Early detection can prevent long-term side effects for the patient.
Diagnosis
One cannot determine the real cause of a sudden change in the nose, particularly the color. It should come under the primary responsibility of the owner, to consult an experienced vet dermatologist. But before visiting one an initial visit to the general vet doctor is imperative. The vet will not be able to give locate the real cause of the condition.
Further tests include blood tests, a view of the scrapes, smears of the affected tissue under the microscope, cultures of the bacterias or the fungi, biopsy, and last but not the least, test for the existence of allergies.
Treatment
It includes a special diet, dietary supplements, topical medications, antibiotics, reduction of sun exposure with use of sunscreen, and eliminating probable allergens.
Is it Serious?
The answer is No. Though in serious cases, immunosuppressives, chemotherapy sessions, and surgery will help the patient. In a significant number of cases, treatments are at all not needed.
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