Acquired aurotrichia is a change in coat colour in which some of a dog’s hair turns golden. It has been described mainly in Miniature Schnauzers [1]. “Acquired” means it appears later in life, not at birth. Vets who reported a group of these dogs also called it “gilding syndrome” [1].
Have your vet check any change in your dog’s coat, especially if you also see changes in the skin or in your dog’s health.
What you may notice
In the best-known report, 18 Miniature Schnauzers had part of their normal grey coat change to a golden shade [1]. The change began, on average, when the dogs were about two and a half years old, and males and females were affected alike [1].
In those dogs, the golden colour was not linked to a hormone problem or to any other illness [1]. A coat change on its own can still have other causes, which is why a vet check matters.
Which dogs get it
The report came from Miniature Schnauzers, and close to half of the dogs (8 of 18) were related through shared ancestors [1]. That points to a family link, though the exact cause has not been worked out.
How vets look at it
There is no single test for this change. Your vet will look at your dog’s coat and skin and may check for other causes of a coat colour change or hair loss. For a different kind of colour change, where skin and hair turn white, see vitiligo in dogs and cats.
Treatment
The published report does not describe a treatment for this change. Your vet will advise on care for your dog.
At home, as directed by a vet:
- do not put human or leftover products on your dog’s coat or skin unless your vet says so;
- tell your vet about any other change in your dog’s skin, coat or health;
- go back for any recheck your vet books.
Outlook
In the reported group, a little over half of the dogs (55%) grew their grey coat back within two years [1]. In the rest, the golden hair stayed longer.
These are statements about groups of dogs. They cannot predict how one dog will do. Your vet can explain what this means for your dog.
When to see your vet
See your vet if your dog has:
- a change in coat colour or thinning hair together with other signs, such as skin changes or signs of illness, or any coat change you are unsure about.
The bottom line
Acquired aurotrichia turns part of the coat of some Miniature Schnauzers golden, usually in young adults, and in many dogs the normal colour comes back. Only a vet can rule out other causes of a coat change.
This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog’s coat or skin is changing, see your vet.
Sources
- White SD, Rosychuk RAW, Scott KV, Schultheiss P, Vroom M. Acquired Aurotrichia (“Gilding Syndrome”) of Miniature Schnauzers. Vet Dermatol. 1992;3(1):37-42. Abstract via PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. PMID 34644825. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34644825/