Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Canine Hair Loss - It Could Be Alopecia X

Alopecia X is a canine version of hair loss that
is usually the result of hormonal problems. It is
not considered to present a threat to the dog's
life.

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:

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

This disorder is most prevalent in the male
canine, and often manifests by the age of three
years old. The canine coat will have the
appearance of being dry and lifeless. Lengthier
hairs are the first to be shed. There may also be
flaking of the skin.

How is this condition diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will conduct a battery of tests
to rule out other health disorders, such as a
thyroid disorder, hyposomatotrophism, Cushing's
disease, or follicular dysplasia. Testing for
alopecia X include a urine sample, a blood
analysis, and biopsy of skin tissue.

Treatment for canine hair loss:

Alopecia X can be treated by spaying or neutering
your dog if the disorder is found to be of
hormonal origin. In addition, the drugs
methyltestosterone or lysodren can be
administered.

Oral doses of melatonin can be given every twelve
hours as well, and is available as an
over-the-counter supplemental nutrition.

Your vet will determine the appropriate course of
treatment once diagnosis has been determined.

Trilostane, which interferes with the synthesis
of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, has also
been successful in treating alopecia X. It
promoted new hair growth in dogs suffering this
condition with no known side effects being
displayed.

Management:

If your dog is suffering from alopecia X, they
can become more sensitive to extreme
temperatures. Fitting them out in a doggy shirt
can help protect them from the elements when
their hair is unable to do so.

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.

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Jared Wright runs the marketing for Clivir.com, a
community site offering you free learning
resources. Visit the links below to learn more
about other female hair loss related issues such
as female thinning hair:
http://www.clivir.com/classrooms/show/female-thinn
ing-hair-women-and-hair-loss-product-reviews.html
http://www.clivir.com/lessons/show/female-thinning
-hair-women-and-hair-loss.html

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