Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

114 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Hormone-Related Diseases with Hair Loss
Cortisone excess: Symmetric hair loss over trunk and body. Abdomen is pot-bellied
and pendulous. Seen with Cushing’s syndrome. In some cases, the dog is taking
steroids.
Growth hormone-responsive alopecia: Bilaterally symmetric hair loss, mainly in
male dogs. Begins around puberty. More prevalent in certain breeds, including Chow
Chows, Keeshonds, Pomeranians, Miniature Poodles, Airedales, and Boxers.
Hyperestrogenism (estrogen excess): Occurs in females and males. Bilateral symmetric
hair loss in perineum and around genitals. Enlarged vulva and clitoris; in males,
pendulous prepuce.
Hypoestrogenism (estrogen deficiency): Occurs in older spayed females. Scanty hair
growth and thinning coat, initially around vulva and later over entire body. Skin is
smooth and soft, like a baby’s.
Hypothyroidism: Most common cause of bilaterally symmetric hair loss without
itching. Coat is thin, scanty, and falls out easily. Involves the neck beneath the chin
to the brisket, sides of body, backs of thighs, and top of tail.
Other Diseases with Hair Loss
Acanthosis nigrans: Mainly in Dachshunds. Hair loss begins in armpit folds and on
ears. Black, thick, greasy, rancid-smelling skin.
Color mutant alopecia (blue Doberman syndrome): Loss of hair over the body, giving
a moth-eaten look. Papules and pustules may appear in areas of hair loss. Also
affects other breeds.
Demodectic mange: Localized—Occurs in puppies. Hair loss around eyelids, lips,
and corners of mouth, occasionally on the legs or trunk, giving a moth-eaten look.
Fewer than five patches, up to 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter. Generalized—Numerous
patches that enlarge and coalesce. Severe skin problem complicated by pyoderma.
Primarily affects young adults. Generalized form is associated with immune deficiencies.
Nasal solar dermatitis (Collie nose): Loss of hair at junction of nose and muzzle.
Can lead to severe ulceration. Affects dogs with lightly pigmented noses. May be
part of an autoimmune problem.
Pressure sore (Callus): Gray, hairless, thickened pad of wrinkled skin, usually over
elbows but may involve other pressure points. Caused by lying on hard surfaces.
Mostly seen in large and giant breeds.
Ringworm: A fungal infection. Scaly, crusty circular patches 1 ⁄2 to 2 inches (12 to
50 mm) across. Patches show central hair loss with a red ring at the periphery. Some
cases show widespread involvement.
Sebaceous adenitis: Seen mainly in Standard Poodles, but does occur in other
breeds, including Akitas. Symmetrical loss of hair over face, head, neck, and back.
Dandrufflike scales and hair follicle infection can develop.