Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treating Alopecia X hair loss in German Spitz dogs with melatonin
By Amado Martins, Flaviana et al.·Published in PloS one·2024·Biophotonics Medicine, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Comparison between melatonin versus melatonin and photobiomodulation versus photobiomodulation in the treatment of Alopecia X in German Spitz dogs: Clinical, randomized, double-blind, parallel, non-inferiority protocol.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of German Spitz dogs with hair loss, known as Alopecia X, were treated to see if melatonin or a laser therapy called photobiomodulation (PBM) could help regrow their fur. The dogs were divided into three groups: one received melatonin, another had PBM, and the last group got both treatments. The study aimed to measure hair growth over 90 days using special imaging techniques. While the results are still pending, melatonin is known to be safe for dogs and may help with hair regrowth.
People also search for: German Spitz hair loss treatment · melatonin for dog alopecia · photobiomodulation for dog fur growth
Abstract
Canine Alopecia X is a non-inflammatory hair loss disorder of unknown etiology that predominantly affects German Spitz dogs. Treatment modalities include hormone and/or melatonin supplementation and low trauma microneedling. Melatonin influences hair growth and pigmentation in several species and presents a low risk of adverse effects when used in dogs with Alopecia X. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is frequently used in human androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata; despite this, PBM remains unexplored in canine Alopecia X. To address this knowledge gap, sixty dogs of both sexes will be randomly assigned to three groups: (i) melatonin only group (3 mg/Kg, n = 20); (ii) PBM only group (diode laser, wavelength 660nm, 100mw power, with 3 J/point, 2 sessions/week for 3 months, n = 20); (ii) PBM + melatonin group (n = 20). The objective is to determine the potential of PBM alone or in conjunction with melatonin supplementation in promoting hair regrowth (hair density and diameter) by means of dermatoscopy and planimetry over a period of 90 days.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38861499/