In a rare and remarkable transformation, a black dog named Buster turned completely white over a period of two years, astonishing both his owner and the online community. The reason behind Buster’s drastic change is vitiligo, a genetic condition often seen in humans but rarely documented in canines. This condition leads to the loss of pigmentation in the skin and hair, presenting as white patches that can spread over time.
Black Oklahoma dog turns completely white due to vitiligo
Diagnosed with vitiligo in late 2021, at just two years of age, the change in Buster’s fur began subtly. Vitiligo, an autoimmune condition, affects the pigment of dogs’ skin, hair, lips, muzzle, and even the oral and facial mucosa, leading to loss of color. Matt Smith, Buster’s owner, was initially advised by veterinarians to monitor the dog for any signs of skin irritation. Initially, minor white patches appeared around Buster’s eyes, nose, and chin, a typical early sign of vitiligo. However, within just nine months, these patches spread, significantly altering Buster’s appearance.
Fast forward to today, Buster’s transformation is complete; the dog that once had a shiny black coat now sports striking white fur. Smith shared this drastic change on Reddit, showcasing the progression of Buster’s condition over two years. Initially met with skepticism, the comprehensive documentation of Buster’s transformation left the Reddit community in awe, receiving comments of disbelief and fascination.
Smith’s initial post a couple of years ago, shortly after Buster’s diagnosis, had already garnered support and curiosity from the online community — as per The Sun. The latest update, showing Buster’s transition to completely white, confirmed the full extent of the vitiligo’s impact. Comparing the before and after photos side-by-side reveals a dog that would be unrecognizable, were it not for the distinctive eyes that remained the same amidst the change.
