GSD with skin color changes

[mountaindog]

I'm writing here out of frustration and impatience I guess. I thought I'd try it, maybe as many dogs as you al have seen over the years, maybe this would sound familiar. We've begun veterinary testing, but the results are taking a very long time to return.

My German Shepherd mix started having incontinence problems about a year ago. She'd "puddle" in her sleep, no other time, and maybe once a month. About one month ago, I noticed "puddles" when she'd wake up about once a week. I also started to notice the skin on her outer belly area (near the inside of her hind legs) was turning black. Last week I noticed the color change spreading rapidly towards the inside of her belly area; the color "line" (where the black meets the pink) is irritated and red today. The black parts look leathery. Her appetite has decreased, and her thirst increased.

her vet is stumped. I'm stumped. Has anyone ever seen anything like this?

[nuk]

our gsd had the skin issue and both my mothers westies have had it (our aussie never did though) she said it was a food allergy on the gsd (per the vet) and on one of the westies it was caused by a type of mange (per the vet). i think the condition was called 'elephant skin' or smth. both westies also have thyroid issues. btw my mom lives in central fl where it's very hot and humid and her home is only lightly a/c'd. i think it's a bit of a regional condition for her also.

good luck!

[pawznclawz]

skin change

Hi, yes we see this at our clinic on a weekly basis. There is a drug called Proin that we put them on for the wetting problem it tightens up the bladder muscles so they don't leak, this problem is often seen in older spayed females.You would need your vet to decide on what medicine to give her. As for her skin turning black and leathery, we see that also on many breeds and both sexes. It can be caused by trauma normally self induced, licking etc at the site, then a yeast infection can set in, some times a steroid injection can relieve the itching depending on cause, it can be systemic also. An e collar would also help if she is licking profusley at the area. Any drugs creams sprays should always be the decision of a licenced vet though. Over time it can pinken back up. I am sure someone here can give you all the technical terms, good luck Jane

[Helly]

Have you tested her thyroid levels? A full panel, not just the quicky T4? That would be my first step. Urinary incontinence and hyperpigmentation can be signs of hypothyroidism.

Also test the urine for low specific gravity and a liver panel for signs that would indicate Cushing's disease. Also rule out Addisons.

And if you haven't already done a full blood panel, rule out diabetes mellitus. Rule out diabetes insipidus, too, which is rare but possible, and has nothing to do with blood sugar. It's a disease where the kidneys cannot concentrate the urine, so they pee a LOT, and as a result, drink a LOT. And it's important NOT to restrict their water intake with this condition.

And also, hypothyroidism often goes hand in hand with diabetes and Cushing's. I've seen dogs with all three conditions.

[Doggone]

Just a nasty reminder;cushings is horrific,don't wanna go there,don't want anyone elce either!So sorry,still mad,not going there; or that vet will being going home in a bag!