Ben is our male goldie, very nearly 15 years old now.

There is a patch on his lower lip, his right hand side, which is very pink. This is on the lower lip just under where the top 'fang' engages with the lower lip. The rest of his lips are the normal black colour.

The same area on the left side has only a small area of pink - the pink area on the right must be about an inch long and extends a little under the lip where it overlaps.

I'm assuming that this is simply a pigmentation issue as he has presumably simply lost the pigmentation more in that area than the same area on the other side. There is no appreciable thickening or signs of infection, although there are a couple of very tiny, pinhead-sized 'scabs' where I assume the lip has been caught by the fang while he's eating.

This area has been pink for at least a year, it's only over the past few months that it's got more noticeable as the pink area has 'spread'.

So, my question is this: is this loss of pigmentation 'normal' in older goldies? I don't want to subject him to a vet visit unless it's necessary as he doesn't travel well due to his arthritis, but I will if it's the best option.

Thanks.

I'm so sorry Ben has this and I have no idea how to help you. I'll be interested in any responses you get.

Is it possible to take Ben for a vet examination?

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I could take him in, but on examining it closer I'm now pretty certain it's just a pigmentation issue. On chatting about it with my better half, she too acknowledged that it's been there for ages but the pink area has simply got larger over the years.

Could you post a picture?

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our arnie had the same thing also dirextly under his fang and my guess was it was pigmentation issue also was there for yers

Interesting, many thanks for the feedback.

Claire's friend - sorry, no picture possible right now as the camera isn't good enough (close-ups are lousy!).

My Beau had one too. The vet said it was a pigment issue. Not saying for sure that is what Ben has but just letting you know.

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Thanks very much.

Sage is discolored in that area too (well his is more left sided). As long as it's not swollen or tender, it should be nothing to worry about.

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Sarah

Ruby: Topbrass Ravishing Ruby CDX, RAE, JH, AX, OAJ, XF, WCX, CCA, VC, CGC, TT (8/1/04)
Piper: Topbrass Pipe Dream WC JH RA OAP NJP CCA (7/19/09)
Sage: Prime Time Sage RN, CGC (10/27/97)