Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hair loss and coat lightening in Schipperke dogs explained
By May, Elizabeth R et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2019·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Description and characterization of a hair coat disorder in schipperkes.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Schipperkes developed symmetrical hair loss, starting with lightening of their coat, but showed no other health issues. After thorough testing, including blood work and skin biopsies, it was found that the dogs had increased levels of certain hormones, which may be linked to the hair loss condition similar to Alopecia X. While the exact cause remains unclear, the affected dogs did not have any serious underlying health problems. Treatment options weren't specified, but understanding the hormonal changes could help in managing this hair coat disorder.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Schipperkes develop bilaterally symmetrical alopecia preceded by lightening of the hair coat not associated with systemic clinical signs. The alopecia is presumptively diagnosed as Alopecia X but has never been investigated. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe clinical features, histopathological and laboratory abnormalities associated with symmetrical, noninflammatory alopecia in schipperkes. ANIMALS: Three healthy and eight affected schipperkes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry panel, urinalysis (UA), urine cortisol: creatinine ratio (UCCR), total thyroxine (T), free thyroxine by equilibrium dialysis (fTed), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and pre- and post-stimulation cortisol with sex hormone analyses were performed for all dogs. A minimum of two skin biopsy sites were sampled for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: The CBC, serum chemistry panel, UA, T, fTed, TSH and post-ACTH cortisol concentrations were normal for all dogs. Androstenedione concentrations were increased for all dogs; two of three healthy and five of eight affected dogs had increased post-ACTH androstenedione concentrations. Estradiol concentrations were increased for all healthy and four of eight affected dogs, with post-ACTH estradiol concentrations increased for all healthy and five of eight affected dogs. Progesterone concentrations were increased for two of three healthy and four of eight affected dogs. Post-ACTH progesterone concentrations were increased for one of three healthy and four of eight affected dogs. For one of three healthy and two of eight affected dogs, 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations were increased; post-ACTH 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations were increased in three of eight affected dogs only. Histopathology results from affected dogs were consistent with hair cycle arrest. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This disorder resembles Alopecia X clinically and histologically.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30556622/