Lentigo on a daschund.

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi Kraig...thanks for the great photos. Howie looks like a real sweetheart.

Acanthosis nigricans is usually much "uglier" than this. It can definitely affect daschunds, but usually it is in the armpits and causes the skin to be very thickened, almost like elephant skin. It is possible that this is the early formation of acanthosis nigricans, but my guess would be that it isn't.


Some dogs can get raised black dots called comedomes, but these don't sound like they're raised at all.

Sometimes I can see little black dots when an infection is starting...but again, this doesn't look likely from the pictures.

Most likely though, this is something called lentigo. Lentigo is kind of like "age spots" in people. They are nothing to worry about.

My general rule of thumb for things like these is that if they are not bothersome then I wouldn't be worried. If you start noticing that they are raised or itchy then I would have your vet look at them.

Keep in mind though, that I can't make a diagnosis over the internet. So, if you are concerned or if your "gut" is telling you that something is wrong then have your vet check Howie out!


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Dr. Marie replied:

You're very welcome! If anything changes, feel free to reply!

Dr. Marie.