Thin pink area around dog's eye

by Christina
(Utah)

Our 6 mo old male Siberian husky has had a thin pink area around his eyes for a few months, the left one being the most significantly noticeable. The pink rim stayed about the same size for a few months, but last few weeks he has been loosing more hair around his eye and the bare pink skin area is becoming larger. We have not noticed any real discharge or any injury to the actual eye. We have not used anything in the eye.

We took him to a vet for vomiting and diarrhea about 6 weeks ago and the vet did not say anything about the eye. We were not too concerned with it since it had been staying the same size.

He is mainly an inside dog & is not around other animals that we know of. We have done some research on eye problems for dogs, & for huskys in particular, but have not been able to find anything about the skin surrounding the eye.

Thank you for any advice you can give us.

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Thin pink area around dog's eye

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My Online Vet Response for: Thin pink area around dog's eye
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Christina,
From the photo, and what you have described of your six month old Siberian Husky, I would be most concerned about a Zinc deficiency. Other possible problems would be from ringworm (caused by a fungus) and dog mange (caused by Demodex mites).

These last two conditions are diagnosed with skin scraping (for mites) and a fungus culture (for ringworm).

For now, I would work on correcting the diet. DO NOT FEED all DRY DOG FOOD. Add in some raw meat and check out the choices on our 10 Best Dog Food Options page.

Also, supplement his diet with both Mega C and Missing Link Canine Formula
(both contain Zinc).

If he is to be neutered, I would advise that you DELAY the surgery until he is healthy. And I would not be surprised to learn that this condition started after he received his vaccinations. Disease conditions triggered by vaccinations is called 'Vaccinosis'.

If he is not improving (or getting worse) in 3-6 weeks with the new diet and supplements, seek the help of a holistic veterinarian. A holistic veterinarian can help with vaccinosis, and also test for ringworm or mange.

Click here to find a holistic veterinarian in your area. Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us by clicking the like button at the top of the left margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
- Dog Skin Conditions,
- Dog Skin Rash,
- Dog Skin Allergies,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (including itchy skin and mange) Section

Appreciate your analysis
by: Christina

I will discuss this with the family tonight and make some changes as well as keep a "close eye" on him. Thank you so very much for taking a look at this and for giving your reccomendation.

the maines
by: Anonymous

um may'be he has the maines around that area but it can go from his eye to his whole body cause that's what happened to my dog or may'be fleas and ticks can be eating around that area ask the vet about this

My Online Vet Response for: Thin pink area around dog's eye
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Dear Anonymous,
You wrote,
"may'be he has the maines around that area but it can go from his eye to his whole body cause that's what happened to my dog"

I think you are trying to say, the "Mange". Sorry to hear that your dog had mange. And I did post that in my answer to Christina's original question.

You also mentioned fleas or ticks being a possibility. Fleas will rarely be found on the head or face of a dog. They are more commonly found over the hindquarters and tail. And usually a dog will be very itchy and do a LOT of scratching. Christina's dog is NOT scratching.

Ticks remain attached, and are large enough to be visible, so they can be removed.

Thank you for your comments. You also wrote, "ask the vet about this". I AM a veterinarian.

Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us
by clicking the like button at the top of the left
margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

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