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My Yorkie mix is gaining weight, losing hair, and has dark skin. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 7 years and 4 months old | 12 lbs

Yorkie mix. She about 8 yrs. Overweight but not obese to extreme. Is groomed every 4-6 weeks. Bald spots about half dollar size but oblong. Right over kidney area. Left side area is bald , right side area is thinning with hair turning darker and skin under area noticeably darker. Skin on bald side is very dark.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 6th, 2017

It could be that Lacy is suffering from Cushing's disease, which is when the dog's body makes too much of the hormone called cortisol. This would cause her to gain weight, lose hair, and have darkening of the skin. I would have her seen by a vet today or first thing on Monday for a series of blood tests to determine if her body is making an excess of cortisol causing her to have Cushing's. If she does have Cushing's disease, then the vet can prescribe medication to lower the cortisol levels and control her symptoms.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Symmetrical hair loss and pigment changes is classically associated with hormonal issues such as hypothyroidism and cushings disese - blood tests are recommended to identify underlying causes and guide appropriate treatment

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