Healthy Dogs

Pigmentation Problems of the Nose in Dogs

Nasal Depigmentation (Dudley Nose)

Nasal depigmentation, also called Dudley nose, is a syndrome of unknown cause that may be a form of vitiligo. A nose that is solid black at birth gradually fades to a chocolate brown, or in the case of complete depigmentation, to pinkish white. Some dogs experience a remission in which the nose spontaneously becomes darker. Depigmentation primarily affects the skin of the nose where hair is absent. It tends to occur in Afghan Hounds, Samoyeds, white German Shepherd Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Irish Setters, Pointers, and Poodles.

Snow noseisa separate but common condition in which dark pigment on the nose fades during the winter months and darkens again in spring and summer. Complete depigmentation does not occur. Snow nose is seen in Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and other breeds.

Treatment:Lack of pigment on the nose is primarily a cosmetic problem and is considered to be a conformation fault in the show ring. A number of home remedies have been advocated, but their success is questionable. Sunscreen, as described for nasal solar dermatitis, helps prevent ultraviolet injury to dogs who lack pigment.

Plastic Dish Nasal Dermatitis

This is a localized form of depigmentation that affects the nose and lips. It is caused by eating out of plastic and rubber dishes that contain the chemical p-benzylhydroquinone. This chemical is absorbed through the skin and inhibits the synthesis of melanin, the substance that produces dark pigment in the skin. The involved skin may also become irritated and inflamed.

Treatment:The problem can be corrected by switching to glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowls for all the dog’s food and water.

Treatment:Prevent further exposure by keeping your dog indoors as much as possible when the sunlight is the most intense-between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Letting the dog out on cloudy days does not address the problem, because ultraviolet rays penetrate clouds. Sunscreens are of some aid in protecting dogs who spend time outdoors. Use products containing an SPF greater than 15. Apply the sunscreen 30 to 60 minutes before exposure and again later in the day.

Treat an irritated nose with a skin preparation such as Cortaid that contains 0.5 to 1.0 percent hydrocortisone.

Nasal Solar Dermatitis (Collie Nose)

This is a weepy, crusty dermatitis that affects Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and related breeds. It is seen most commonly in sunny regions such as Florida, California, and the mountainous regions of the West. It is caused by lack of pigment on the nose and prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Lack of pigment is hereditary in some dogs, but it can be acquired through skin diseases and scarring.

Initially, the skin appears normal except for the lack of black pigment. With exposure to sunlight, the skin at the border between the muzzle and nose becomes irritated. As the irritation continues, hair falls out and the skin begins to ooze and crust. With continued exposure, the skin breaks down. In advanced cases, the whole surface of the nose becomes ulcerated and the tip itself may disappear, leaving unsightly tissue that bleeds easily. Skin cancer may develop.