Skin Discoloration

I have a 1 yr old Bichon that is pure white except for the testicles which turned black several months ago.  He is not allowed to run free and has not been injured.  He is not sensitive to touch and has no deformities.He is very active and healthy.  He is fed a raw diet.  Should I be worried?   Thanks

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

This is unusual.  Is he itchy down there?  Has he scraped his testicles?  I guess he has not been neutered.  I do not have a definitive answer for you.  For a definitive answer you would have to take your dog to your veterinarian and have a skin biopsy of the effected skin.  

If your dog is not itchy and not rubbing his testicles, or licking them, and the skin is not scabbed, and not oozing, than I do no not think that you have to worry that much.  Dog's skin can change pigment over time.  Their hairless skin can even tan.  There are dermatological disorders that do cause diseases like hyperpigmentation, but there are other skin changes accompanying this problem, such as thickening of the skin, and a bad odor from the skin.   It sounds as if he is healthy otherwise.  However, if it does start to have an odor, or the hyperpigmentation begins to spread or there are any other changes, see your veterinarian immediately.  Melanoma, a skin cancer can appear as black patches on the skin, but is usually not as wide spread as to include all of the skin on both testicles.  I would also call your dog

[James Bland]

Hello,

I have a 4 year old gray/black cairn terrier who has a history of allergies.  She has been seen regularly by our vet and is currently on a regimen of prednisone.  She takes one pill a day to control itching.  During the summer months, she also receives injections as needed as this time of year is worse for her allergies.  She has recently developed dark (not quite black) blotches on her chest, stomach, and inside her hind legs.  It does not seem to bother her, but I'm concerned because this condition does not look very healthy.  Any ideas about what this might be?  Thanks

James