Dog has orange tongue - Answered by Dr. Slome

[9john1]

I have a Shiba Inu, born 12-19-05, and suddenly he has an orange tongue. Yes it was pink before. I noticed about 4 days ago it seemed odd colored but now it appears orange. Sunday, 09-03-06 he didn't eat at all. He finally ate around noonish on Monday. What could this be? Should I be worried? Are these events related? Could it be our really bad water that failed testing? Help!

[Maya]

I would be worried. The only way to find out what's wrong is to have the vet look at him. Please take him to a vet if you haven't already, and let us know how it goes! Hope it's not serious.

[raingirl]

My first thought would be Jaundice. Look at the whites of her eyes. Are they yellowish?

Jaundice means there are liver problems. I would take her to the vet asap just in case.

[petdr]

Almost sounds as though he ate something like sherbert. An orange tongue is a little strange. A grey tongue or blue or very red one, or one that may have pigment spots is more common. It may also just be the light that you were looking at it that gave it that colour. Cannot say for sure. If it is something that disappears in a few hours, it may have been one of the above and as long as he is clinically fine, then no problem and no worries.

If it remains a concern, then have your vet look at it to make sure. The only other thing I can think or suggest is if he is jaundiced, but then there is usually a yellow discolouration of the tongue, gums, cheeks, insider ears and the white around the eyes also are discoloured.

Martin Slome DVM

Centre Street Animal Hospital
7700 Bathurst Street Units 40-42
Thornhill, Ont.
L4J 7Y3
Tel. (905) 771-9855