Vitiligo, a condition known for causing pale patches on human skin, also affects animals, as seen in the remarkable transformation of Buster, a four-year-old dog from Oklahoma.
Due to this rare condition, Buster, once completely black, has turned entirely white over two-and-a-half years.
Buster’s owner, Matt Smith, shared the incredible journey through photos on Reddit, which quickly gained attention.
Vitiligo occurs when the pigment-producing cells in the skin, hair, or fur are destroyed, leading to depigmentation.
While the exact cause remains unknown, it’s thought to be linked to disruptions in melanin production—the pigment responsible for skin and hair color.
Smith’s post has gone viral since sharing Buster’s story on Reddit. “My boy Buster has completely changed from black to white over the last 2.5 years,” Smith explained. “He has vitiligo, which causes depigmentation in his skin and fur.”
Reddit users expressed their amazement, with some comparing Buster’s transformation to Michael Jackson, the world’s most famous vitiligo sufferer.
One commenter remarked, “This is the most fascinating thing I’ve seen on Reddit in ages.” Others were similarly stunned, with one adding, “If you hadn’t shown the transition, I never would’ve believed it.”
Smith shared photos documenting Buster’s transformation, explaining that it started with small white patches near his mouth and chin.
Over time, Buster’s black fur gradually disappeared, replaced by new white fur. “There was a point where he was balding in spots until his fluffy white fur grew back,” Smith said.
Thankfully, vitiligo in pets is painless, and Buster isn’t experiencing any discomfort. The condition is rare in dogs, affecting less than one percent, according to Rover.com.
Certain breeds, like Rottweilers, Old English Sheepdogs, and German Shepherds, are more prone to developing vitiligo. However, it can manifest differently in each dog—sometimes affecting the entire body and in others, showing up as patches.
Vitiligo generally appears in dogs during young adulthood and typically starts on the face. While there’s no treatment to restore pigmentation, PetMD assures pet owners that vitiligo doesn’t cause any harm or discomfort to affected animals.
Buster’s story isn’t the only example of pets experiencing vitiligo. Reddit users have shared similar stories, including one about a black cat whose extremities gradually turned white.
Another well-known case is Rowdy, a black Labrador with distinctive white patches around his eyes.
The uniqueness of Buster’s transformation continues to fascinate pet lovers, and his story stands as a testament to the beauty of nature’s unexpected changes.
Read more Dogs News.