Alopecia is medical term for baldness. A particular type of baldness has been described in the Nordic or double-coated breeds whereby the dog develops symmetrical coat loss on the trunk as well darkly pigmented skin in the bald areas. This pattern of baldness is commonly called "endocrine alopecia" as it is common in several types of hormone imbalances (in particular, Cushing's Syndrome, Hypothyroidism.)
The condition we call "Alopecia X," however, is not associated with the hormone imbalances that normally create endocrine alopecia. Its causes remain mysterious hence the name "Alopecia X." Given that there are numerous therapies that work for some cases and not for others, and that many of these therapies seem to be in complete opposition, it may be that Alopecia X is not one disease but several and we simply do not know how to distinguish them.
Alopecia X goes by many names:
THE TYPICAL PATIENT
American Eskimo
Chow Chow
Pomeranian
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Standard
Poodle
The typical Alopecia X patient is a Spitz or Nordic breed such as a Chow Chow, Pomeranian, Alaskan Malamute, Elkhound, or similar. Poodles have also been over-represented. Hair loss begins in early adulthood, usually by age 3 years. First the long primary hairs go leaving a fuzzy puppy-like coat but eventually that goes, too. The bald skin pigments is not itchy, and usually does not get infected.
Part of the problem is that all hormone-based hair losses can look exactly like this so some testing is needed to determine which of several conditions is present. Expect your veterinarian to begin with:
STEP TWO: STERILIZATION
This is the same dog as above, after being neutered.
Alopecia X seems to be a sex hormone imbalance in at least some cases and did not earn the name "castration responsive alopecia" for nothing. For this reason, the first step in treatment is to sterilize the patient; unspayed females should be spayed, intact males should be neutered. There are health benefits to sterilization regardless of whether or not there is a hair loss issue and many animals will grow their hair back (though possibly not permanently) so this is where we start rather than investing in complex and confusing diagnostics.
STEP TWO FOR ANIMALS ALREADY STERILIZED
What if the pet is already neutered or if several months have gone by after one has followed the above recommendation and no hair has regrown? The next simple therapy to try is oral melatonin.
Melatonin can be obtained in 3 mg tablets at most health food stores or vitamin retail outlets. Approximately 50% of dogs will show some response within 6 to 8 weeks. One gives the medication for at least 2 or 3 months before giving up but if hair regrowth occurs, one continues the medication until hair growth seems to have plateaued. After maximal hair regrowth has been achieved, the dose is gradually tapered down to a weekly dose over several months. Some dogs can ultimately discontinue medication though one should know that if one discontinues the medication and the hair falls out again the condition may not be melatonin responsive a second time.
Alopecia X is a cosmetic condition.
It may make the dog look funny, but it does not cause harm
Information sourced from www.marvistavet.com
The condition we call "Alopecia X," however, is not associated with the hormone imbalances that normally create endocrine alopecia. Its causes remain mysterious hence the name "Alopecia X." Given that there are numerous therapies that work for some cases and not for others, and that many of these therapies seem to be in complete opposition, it may be that Alopecia X is not one disease but several and we simply do not know how to distinguish them.
Alopecia X goes by many names:
- Black skin disease
- Growth hormone responsive alopecia
- Castration responsive alopecia
- The coat funk
- Pseudo-Cushing syndrome
- Biopsy responsive alopecia
- Follicular dysplasia of the Siberian husky
- Post-clipping alopecia
- Adrenal sex hormone alopecia
- Hair cycle arrest
THE TYPICAL PATIENT
American Eskimo
Chow Chow
Pomeranian
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Standard
Poodle
The typical Alopecia X patient is a Spitz or Nordic breed such as a Chow Chow, Pomeranian, Alaskan Malamute, Elkhound, or similar. Poodles have also been over-represented. Hair loss begins in early adulthood, usually by age 3 years. First the long primary hairs go leaving a fuzzy puppy-like coat but eventually that goes, too. The bald skin pigments is not itchy, and usually does not get infected.
Part of the problem is that all hormone-based hair losses can look exactly like this so some testing is needed to determine which of several conditions is present. Expect your veterinarian to begin with:
- A blood panel
- A urinalysis
- Some kind of thyroid testing
- Some kind of adrenal hormone testing
- A skin biopsy
STEP TWO: STERILIZATION
This is the same dog as above, after being neutered.
Alopecia X seems to be a sex hormone imbalance in at least some cases and did not earn the name "castration responsive alopecia" for nothing. For this reason, the first step in treatment is to sterilize the patient; unspayed females should be spayed, intact males should be neutered. There are health benefits to sterilization regardless of whether or not there is a hair loss issue and many animals will grow their hair back (though possibly not permanently) so this is where we start rather than investing in complex and confusing diagnostics.
STEP TWO FOR ANIMALS ALREADY STERILIZED
What if the pet is already neutered or if several months have gone by after one has followed the above recommendation and no hair has regrown? The next simple therapy to try is oral melatonin.
Melatonin can be obtained in 3 mg tablets at most health food stores or vitamin retail outlets. Approximately 50% of dogs will show some response within 6 to 8 weeks. One gives the medication for at least 2 or 3 months before giving up but if hair regrowth occurs, one continues the medication until hair growth seems to have plateaued. After maximal hair regrowth has been achieved, the dose is gradually tapered down to a weekly dose over several months. Some dogs can ultimately discontinue medication though one should know that if one discontinues the medication and the hair falls out again the condition may not be melatonin responsive a second time.
- Melatonin has been used as a sleep aide. Some owners find the sedating side effect to be unacceptable.
- Since melatonin is a nutritional supplement, rather than a prescription medication, the FDA does not insist on the same quality control it does for drugs. There may be tremendous differences in the amount of melatonin contained in pills between brands. At the present time a specific brand has not been recommended.
Alopecia X is a cosmetic condition.
It may make the dog look funny, but it does not cause harm
Information sourced from www.marvistavet.com