Acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin symptom of dogs characterized by axillary and inguinal hyperpigmentation, lichenification, and alopecia.
Primary acanthosis nigricans is rare, occurs almost exclusively in Dachshunds, and has no sex predilection; it is considered a genodermatosis.
This condition is frequently observed secondary to a number of other diseases such as:
- Hypothyroidism[2]
- Hyperadrenocorticism[3]
- Diabetes mellitus
- Pruritus associated with atopy, food allergy, contact dermatitis and skin infections (e.g., staphylococcal pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis).
Clinical signs typically consist of bilaterally symmetric axillary or inguinal hyperpigmentation and lichenification. The edges of these lesions are often erythematous; this is a sign of secondary bacterial and/or yeast pyoderma. With time, lesions may spread to the ventral neck, groin, abdomen, perineum, hocks, periocular area, and pinnae[4].
Primary acanthosis nigricans is not usually responsive to therapy, although topical glucocorticoids may alleviate symptoms. in more aggressive cases, use of parenteral prednisolone and melatonin maybenefit some dogs[5].
Antiseborrheic shampoos are assist in removing excess oil and odor.
References
- ↑ Dog info
- ↑ Gosselin SJ et al (1980) Biochemical and immunological investigations on hypothyroidism in dogs. Can J Comp Med 44(2):158-168
- ↑ Bilzer T (1991) Tumors of the hypophysis as the cause of both Cushing's syndrome and diabetes insipidus in dogs. Tierarztl Prax 19(3):276-281
- ↑ Merck veterinary manual
- ↑ Kirk RW (1979) Acanthosis nigricans. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 9(1):49-56
