skin blackening on belly?

[Kristi]

I've noticed more and more over the past 7-8 months Laurel has been getting blacker/darker skin on her belly and any fur she had there is gone. She also is just a smelly dog -- no matter how much I bathe her. I figured she was just older and it wasn't a big deal but now I am starting to wonder if it's a thyroid issue? I was reading that issue onset age is often middle-age, which she is considered, and a lot of the symptoms sound like her... marvistavet.com/html/body_hypothyroidism.html

Has anyone else had any thyroid stuff done? She also has been way way way worse barking and attitude wise lately.

It would also explain why she eats barely anything and still I have to watch her weight like a hawk.

Wondering how much its gonna cost to have her tested and how much the pills will cost...and also can't take her to the vet myself, hubby has to do it as she absolutely freaks...and I'm not sure he will be too keen on the idea either ahhhh if its not one thing, its another.

Are there any other potential causes of blackening of the skin on their underside? I'll try to get a pic tomorrow but lmao I don't wanna get bit so we'll see how that goes.

[Sarah]

Oh gosh Kristi I have no experience with thyroids in dogs! I assume it would be a blood test.

Kelp is naturally high in iodine and is meant to help with thyroid issues I briefly read up
On it when I was looking for how to help coats stay put LOL

If it is thyroid it would explain her grumpiness too as I'm sure she feels like shit!! I would expect it would just be a blood test and hopefully just medication!!

[london12]

Sounds like the symptons for hypothyroidism - how old is she?
Reckon it would be a blood test and tablets for treatment ..............hope you find the cause and sort her out soon. That's the problem when you have a few there is always something going on.....statistics stack up eh?

[Sarah]

Shhhh Pauline you'll put me off hahaha

Kristi is she insured?? Idk how much the meds would be over time if it's not much it's not worth it but if it is then I'd insure her

[The3DChis]

Our Husky River has a thyroid problem.
The vet took blood and now River is on medication for the rest of his life, each day he gets a syringe of liquid put into his mouth.
It is totally managable honestly.
He was losing his double coat and wasnt himself at all, but now he is totally back to normal.

The vet takes blood quite often too to make sure his dosage is correct.


Hope you get to the bottom of it anyhow Kristi. xxx

[Kristi]

Shes not insured, Miles didn't want her to be. He said if anything major went wrong he wouldnt've fixed it if I wasn't around so yeah. I don't think it is something where insurance would really help anyway, the initial vet visit plus a few blood tests a year would be such a hassle to send off for reimbursement.

I just figured it was all cuz she's getting older, she's 7 or so, but who knows. Like Sarah mentioned she is soo grumpy and just lethargic and barely moves or does anything but try to steal food lol and she gains weight super easy. So I'll have to get her an apt and have hubby get her in b'c no way will I ever take her to a vet again after her debacle the last few times.

[Sarah]

If it is her thyroid I know how she feels I'm v snappy too poor laurel tell her don't look at food it makes youfat

[Kristi]

Haha Sarah...shes ridiculous. Like its doing my head in. So...if there is a problem to explain her bad behavior would be nice. I have never known such a crotchety persnickety dog. She's so high strung too, but I think that's just her personality.