Buster, a four-year-old dog from Oklahoma, experienced a dramatic colour transformation due to vitiligo, turning from black to completely white over two and a half years.
Vitiligo is a condition that causes pale patches to develop on the skin, famously affected Michael Jackson and can also affect animals.
His owner, Matt Smith, shared photos of Buster’s transformation on Reddit, which quickly went viral.
Vitiligo occurs when pigment cells are destroyed, affecting skin, fur, and hair. The cause is unclear, but it’s believed to involve disruption in melanin production, which gives skin and hair its color. Despite the striking change in appearance, vitiligo is painless for pets, and Buster is not experiencing any discomfort.
Buster’s transformation began with white patches near his mouth and chin, eventually spreading across his entire body.
Although vitiligo is rare, affecting less than one percent of dogs, other pet owners have shared similar experiences on Reddit. Vitiligo typically starts in young adulthood, often appearing first on the face.
There is no treatment to restore pigmentation, but pets with vitiligo live normal, healthy lives. Buster’s story has captivated many, drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson and highlighting the unique beauty of animals with this condition.
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