Your World of Legal Intelligence
 United Kingdom | +44 (0) 20 7284 8080

Dog's bald patch worry

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date14 April 2024
Publication titlePeople, The
My son's border collie/poodle cross has developed bald patches on either side of his body. Blood tests were normal but we are worried as we don't know the cause, or whether it could be a symptom of a wider problem. Could you advise

A

There are several possible causes for bald (alopecia) patches, and some of these have underlying systemic causes. Your vet was probably seeking to rule out hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) with the blood tests.

Assuming your dog is otherwise well, these diseases are lower down the differential diagnosis list as nothing suggestive has emerged from the screening tests.

Hypothyroidism is mainly seen in older dogs and, apart from alopecia, is often associated with lethargy, poor exercise tolerance and weight increase.

Dogs with Cushing's disease usually drink more, become pot-bellied, and the alopecia can extend over most of the trunk. Other causes of alopecia in this area include demodicosis (an infection with demodex mite), bacterial infection and rare hormonal problems, perhaps requiring a specialist opinion.

Another skin condition, canine cyclic flank alopecia, is confined to the flanks and could be worth discussing with your vet. In the northern hemisphere dogs lose hair on both flanks from November to March.

Over the summer the hair grows back. In many cases alopecia returns the following winter. An unlicensed hormonal treatment has been suggested in papers but a recent article found it no better than placebo.

Q

My rag doll/Persian cat has started to pull his fur out and now has a bald patch on his side. We can't see any soreness. Any ideas?

A

This common problem can require some patience and detective work. It's helpful that you have recognised that the cat is...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT