Why is my dog's nose peeling?

Question

My one year old Siberian Husky has a history of nose problems - we thought it was allergies, but it looks to be getting more serious. This symptom has the vet puzzled:

http://skitch.com/meljeans/wt7i/mayanose

She does have a history of trouble breathing and bloody discharge from her nose. But now her nose is peeling and irritated. There hasn't been any trauma. Anyone seen this before?

Answer 1

I found this on the internet which might give your vet something to think about or rule out.

'Collie nose' is used to describe a condition in which breeds with little or no pigment on their face develop lesions, usually on the nose, eyelids, and lips. The lesions are caused by a hypersensitivity to sunlight. Despite the term 'Collie nose,' breeds other than Collies can also be affected, especially Shetland Sheepdogs. Collie nose has an inherited component and is worse in areas with sunny climates.

What are the symptoms?

Usually the lesions appear as pink, raw areas about the nose and occasionally on the eyelids. The hypersensitive areas may actually ulcerate and develop a crusty scab-like covering. The condition may vary from mild irritation to severe ulcerating lesions that hemorrhage.

What are the risks?

Left untreated, severe discomfort can result. As the nasal tissues become deeply irritated, they may crack, bleed, and impair breathing. All cases should begin treatment in the early stages. Advanced stages may develop into a form of cancer, which can be deadly.

What is the management?

Before treatment can begin, this condition must be differentiated from various autoimmune disorders such as lupus erythematosus or skin cancer, which may cause similar lesions. Biopsies are usually warranted to help confirm the diagnosis.

Collie nose can be managed several ways. Exposure to sunlight should be kept to a minimum. Sunscreen lotions help, but have limited effectiveness due to a dog's l*****g behavior. In some cases, the treatment of choice is tattooing. A permanent black ink is tattooed into the affected areas. The black ink serves as a shield against sunlight. It is best if young dogs with lightly pigmented noses, as a preventive, are tattooed before any lesions develop.

Don't know if this is what it could be, but your dog does appear to be on the light side and it could have something to do with the sun.  Good luck and i hope you find out what is causing the problem.

I also saw that plastic bowls will cause this condition also.

Answer 2

It could possibly be discoid lupus, it can be found in GSDs and Huskies as well.

http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/del...

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content...

Answer 3

maybe the paint is old lol.

seriously it probably a diet issue e-mail your vet and describe the situation. you'll get the answer you need without the vet bill.

Good luck.

Answer 4

well my friends husky did this and it was caused from the weather they really hot and blood vessels where breaking. they should only be in cold places its like you going to africa in a snow suit. hot aint it!!!!

Answer 5

yup. its summer and the sun is hot... get some suscreen and put some on her nose. that looks like a really bad sunburn dogs have sensitive skin too.