Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hair coat problems causing hair loss in curly coated retrievers in UK
By Bond, R et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2016·Department Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinical and pathological features of hair coat abnormalities in curly coated retrievers from UK and Sweden.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of curly-coated retrievers in the UK and Sweden were found to have hair coat problems, including hair loss and frizzy coats, often starting before they turned 18 months old. Many of these dogs showed symmetrical hair loss in areas like their thighs, neck, and back, and some experienced episodes that came and went. Skin samples revealed issues with hair follicles, including abnormal hair growth patterns and some minor skin changes. While the exact genetic cause is still being studied, these findings help identify a specific hair coat condition in curly-coated retrievers.
People also search for: curly-coated retriever hair loss · dog coat problems · treatment for dog alopecia · curly-coated retriever skin issues
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To gain information on hair loss amongst curly coated retrievers by questionnaire and to define the clinical and pathological features of hair coat abnormalities in affected dogs in the United Kingdom and Sweden. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaires were completed by members of the Curly Coated Retriever Clubs. Fourteen dogs (six in the United Kingdom, eight in Sweden) were clinically examined and skin/hair samples collected for microscopy and histopathology. Blood was collected for haematological, biochemical and endocrine assays. RESULTS: Of 90 dogs surveyed, 39 had current or previous episodes of symmetrical, non-pruritic alopecia and or frizzy coat changes, usually affecting caudal thighs, axillae, dorsum and neck before 18 months of age; 23 dogs had a waxing/waning course. Examined dogs generally matched the pattern described in questionnaires. Hair shaft anomalies comprised occasional distorted anagen bulbs (10 dogs) and transverse fractures (8 dogs). Vertical histopathological sections showed infundibular hyperkeratosis (28 of 30 sections) and low-grade pigment clumping (17 of 30). Subtle telogenisation of hair follicles was unequivocally confirmed by transverse histomorphometric analyses. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The follicular dysplasia of curly coated retriever reported here is similar to that of Irish water spaniels and Chesapeake Bay retrievers but distinct from that of Portuguese water dogs. The genetic basis requires further assessment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27925662/