Black Skin Disease and Pomeranians - Info Needed

[SunDuster]

Hi, I have a 7 year old male Cream Pomeranian who we suspect has Black Skin disease. This type of disease is characterized by a black tint to the skin followed by hair loss. There is very limited information on the net concerning this condition.

When this condition first reared it's ugly head 6 years ago - which first started out as dime to quarter sized patches of hair falling out in clumps - we immediately took him to the vet, clueless as to the cause. Several tests were run from skin biopsies to thyroid tests - all which came back negative. The conclusion from the first vet was that he was allergic to fleas. One problem with this diagnosis, our Pom doesn't come into contact with fleas.

We purchased all of the creams, ointments, medicines and sprays that the vet had to offer to no avail. Then we went to another vet, then another. The same battery of tests were done over and over again - all negative. After 1,000's of dollars in vet fees and assorted "cures", our Pom is still losing his hair sporadically and none of the vets we've been to have ever heard of Black Skin Disease.

From reading up on this I discovered that this also happens to Alaskan Malamute, Cocker Spaniel and Keeshound breeds.

Any information you can offer as to this condition and what measures that were taken to reduce the outbreaks of this would be greatly appreciated.

[linnie]

Did your vet do a skin scraping for dermadectic mange?
this turns the skin black and also causes hair loss

[SunDuster]

Originally Posted by linnie

Did your vet do a skin scraping for dermadectic mange?
this turns the skin black and also causes hair loss

Yes, this has been done several times within the last 6 years - all results were negative/normal - he still has this problem.

I've viewed a few forums discussing this, none of which were as active or organized as this one, hence I brought the discussion here. Some seem to think this is a genetic disorder with no cure. Some say that it is a testosterone problem that neutering can cure - my Pom was neutered at 18 weeks as we had no intentions of breeding him - although his purchase price would dictate otherwise.

Here are a few random links that I've Googled:

While my Pom doesn't have such a severe case - his are random dime/quarter sized spots around his back, neck and hind legs - this does show a few photos of Black Skin disease:
http://www.mbfonline.com/bsdauction/rocky.htm
http://www.mbfonline.com/bsdauction/photos.htm

Forum discussion on faq.org concerning Black Skin disease: http://www.faqs.org/qa/qa-1677.html

While not a site devoted to black disease, I think this could be helpful to other dog owners that have pets with skin abnormalites: http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dskin.html

I will take some pictures of my Pom and post them here for review.

[pomlady]

I recently found a site http://home.carolina.rr.com/rojan/BSD.html My pom has been loosing hair too and I've been searching for something that will help him. I did the veterinary tests, scraping and tried all the creams and lotions too. Maybe that site can help you. I wrote her an email and she is very nice. She gave me some suggestions that I have started on my pom. But it hasn't been long enough yet to see if it will help him. Good luck.
Pomlady

Originally Posted by SunDuster

Hi, I have a 7 year old male Cream Pomeranian who we suspect has Black Skin disease. This type of disease is characterized by a black tint to the skin followed by hair loss. There is very limited information on the net concerning this condition.

When this condition first reared it's ugly head 6 years ago - which first started out as dime to quarter sized patches of hair falling out in clumps - we immediately took him to the vet, clueless as to the cause. Several tests were run from skin biopsies to thyroid tests - all which came back negative. The conclusion from the first vet was that he was allergic to fleas. One problem with this diagnosis, our Pom doesn't come into contact with fleas.

We purchased all of the creams, ointments, medicines and sprays that the vet had to offer to no avail. Then we went to another vet, then another. The same battery of tests were done over and over again - all negative. After 1,000's of dollars in vet fees and assorted "cures", our Pom is still losing his hair sporadically and none of the vets we've been to have ever heard of Black Skin Disease.

From reading up on this I discovered that this also happens to Alaskan Malamute, Cocker Spaniel and Keeshound breeds.

Any information you can offer as to this condition and what measures that were taken to reduce the outbreaks of this would be greatly appreciated.

[rmci]

Article at http://www.pomeranian-as-pet.com/pom...n-disease.html mentions using pure olive oil and a natural ointment called "Lucas' Papaw Ointment". (http://www.lucaspapaw.com.au/)

[TribalRats]

Unfortunatly I have no good suggestions for you but I sure do wish you well.