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Why does my dog have black scaly scabs and fur loss? Is it Cushing's?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 14 years and 11 months old | 65 lbs

What are these blotches of missing fur and black-ish scaley scabs on my dog? I have been told she is borderline cushnoid abs she is on prescription food strictly adhered to for food allergies. I wash her with chlorhexidine shampoo as recommended by vet about once a week. This has happened before but very rarely and usually only on stomach. This time it’s all over. I was told Cushing disease can cause skin issue but unsure what that looks like.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 25th, 2020

Cushings can definitely cause changes to the skin such as symmetric hair loss and black/dirty patches or other color changes. If home care hasn't helped such as the wipes or adhering to diet, it would be a good idea to bring Trixy into your vet for a full exam and bloodwork to see if her condition has progressed and requires additional treatment.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 21st, 2019

    Skin changes often take 6-12weeks before improvement is noticeable. You should check with your vet for any signs of infection which would benefit from additional treatment and medicated shampoo. Omega fatty acids can be very helpful for skin repair also as can specialist skin diets

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