Re: Magically appearing spots

In Reply to: Magically appearing spots
Category:   Other
Posted by:  Steve Fodor
Posted on:  March 31, 2002 at 11:59:29

: Our JRT "Spike" is approaching his third birthday and he is suddenly developing lots of spots on his coat. From a coat that was mostly white he is starting to look like a little Dalmation (but with mostly brown spots).

: Is it strange for a JRT to have such a change in his coat coloration at his age? Will it stop at some point (they are still developing it seems) or will our "boy" become more brown than white?

: Thanks for any input.

: Regards,

: Steve & Cherry Fodor

Response:

Dear Steve and Cherry,

It sounds like what you are describing is what we call "ticking" which are spots on the fur -- as opposed to spots on the skin. Both are common and normal for the breed. It is also common and normal for our terriers to undergo skin and coat changes throughout their lives.

However, that these spots have SUDDENLY appeared is odd...unless you've recently had him groomed. We just stripped our mostly white, rough-coated terrier and found plenty of brown ticking that we could not see before we removed her "winter coat." If you have not recently had Spike's coat stripped, then I recommend that you have him examined by your vet to make sure there is no medical reason for this development.

Regards,
Leslie