End (or edge)of dogs tongue is black

[lilbud]

My Shi Tzu's tongue was dark red, later that day dark burgundy. Next day the end of his tongue (or edge) is black. Was like this all day. Tonight the black discoloration is not as far up on his tongue. Anyone have any idea why? His behavior and eating habits have not changed. Thanks.

[Melinda]

my only suggestion is Vet!! sorry but hopefully you can get your pup in today

[Kai'smom]

I looked through old research intially downloaded for my own dogs health problems and remembered seeing something about black tongue.
I found two items :
1, Niacin deficiency - check for mouth ulcers or dental/oral infections.
2, Apparently when eating antacids (such as peto bismol or Tums) can do this. Any chance of that? Apparently it is a reaction and is not very harmful and will go away.
Just passing on what i read, I am definitely no expert, and i would have her checked out definitely.

[bendyfoot]

Black anything would make me extremely worried. The only time I've ever seen black tissue was when there was a serious infection, loss of blood supply, or necrosis (dying/dead tissue). VET NOW.

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by bendyfoot

Black anything would make me extremely worried. The only time I've ever seen black tissue was when there was a serious infection, loss of blood supply, or necrosis (dying/dead tissue). VET NOW.

My exact thoughts. Please go to the vet.

[satchelp]

Could be bruising too. Perhaps he injured his tongue and this is the resulting bruise, but having the vet check it out is best in this situation.

[dbiles]

The tip of my boxer's tongue had the same color progression: red, dark red, almost black. Did you figure out what caused it? The vet has no idea...

Thanks,
Darren

[Longblades]

Are these puppies? And how big are the black spots? I'd Vet for the whole tongue turning black so quickly. But it's normal for any breed to have a few black spots develop. I didn't know but Chow Chow puppies, that's the breed with dark blue tongues, are born with pink tongues. Around about 12 weeks old their tongues start to turn black and go all blotchy till they are solid black. There is a breeder of these dogs around the corner from me and I visited when they were 12 weeks old and learned this. Interestingly their coats also start to change colour at about this same age, if they are going to be red, which his were. The coats come in black and turn red. It's like their little tongues and coats trade colour.

[MaxaLisa]

If it's not a puppy thing....

If your vet doesn't know, seek a referral to an internal medicine vet and get this checked out: http://www.vetinfo.com/causes-dog-to...oloration.html
I wouldn't rule out heart issues, weird tick disease issue, etc. At minimum, I would want a full blood panel and urinalysis run - your vet should have done this?