Nasal Solar Dermatitis

Also known as Collie-nose this condition generally occurs in dogs with little or no pigment in their nose and is not restricted to just Collies. Hypersenstivity to sunlight results in lesions on the nose, and occasionally around the eyelids that range from light pink lesions to ulcerating lesions. The condition is difficult to diagnose at first because there are several other diseases that can cause the same lesions. Once it is diagnosed, treatments can be limited exposure to sunlight, and topical sunscreen lotions although the latter is not highly effective do to licking. The most effective way to manage the condition is to tattoo the dog's nose so the black ink serves as a shield against sunlight.