Does Your Dog Suffer From Hair Loss Caused By Alopecia X?

For want of a better name for this canine hair loss, alopecia X is derived from a hormonal disorder that is not considered to be life threatening.

This type of canine hair loss is known by other names, such as black skin disease, the cold funk, castration-responsive dermatosis and growth hormone responsive alopecia. It is characterized by patches of missing hair, and can progress to a total loss of the dog's coat.

The breeds most affected by alopecia X include:

Pomeranian, Chow Chow, Alaskan Malamute, Spitz, Poodle and the Elkhound.

Male dogs seem to have a higher prevalence and the condition usually presents itself at around three years of age. The dog's coat will appear to be lifeless and dry, with lengthier hairs falling out first as well as the possibility of the skin becoming flaky.

How is this condition diagnosed?

There are a range of tests that will be carried out by your vet to rule out other problems such as follicular dysplasia, Cushing's disease, hyposomototrophism or thyroid disease. Testing will involve taking samples of blood, urine and a skin biopsy.

Treatment for canine hair loss:

If your dog's Alopecia X is found to be caused by hormones, it can be treated by neutering your dog. There are also a number of drugs such as lysodren methyltestosterone that can be used to cure the condition.

You can also give your dog oral doses of melatonin every 12 hours plus additional supplement nutrition.

Once your vet has diagnosed the condition they will be able to set you on the right course of action.

Trilostane, which interferes with the synthesis of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, has shown to be every effective in the treatment of alopecia X, which stimulated hair regrowth in dogs diagnosed with canine hair loss. There are no side effects attributed to the use of this medication.

Management:

Dogs diagnosed with alopecia X are prone to extreme temperatures of heat and cold. Getting a doggy shirt of some kind to protect the skin while outdoors will prevent further damage to the skin.

Bathe and comb your dog regularly as this can promote hair growth by increasing circulation to the skin.

There is the possibility that the alopecia x is not a stand alone condition - it could be the result of two or more problems in combination that are causing the hair loss.

If your dog has all the signs of suffering from this condition, book them in for a visit to the vet so the situation can be diagnosed and the treatment prescribed.