Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with suspected alopecia X showed coat improvement after nutrient
By Atsuhiro Murayama et al.·Published in Open Veterinary Journal·2025·Eva Veterinary Hospital, LY·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Improvement in coat condition observed in dogs with suspected alopecia X through combined supplementation with nutrients for the coat and skin: A case report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old male Chihuahua was brought to the vet due to significant hair loss, suspected to be alopecia X, a condition that causes non-inflammatory hair loss. The veterinarian recommended a combination of horse placenta extract, taurine, and vitamin B complex as a non-invasive treatment. After 66 days of supplementation, the dog's coat showed marked improvement, with nearly full coverage on his back, sides, and abdomen. The owner reported no hair loss during a follow-up period of 76 weeks after stopping the supplements, indicating a successful outcome.
People also search for: Chihuahua hair loss treatment · alopecia X in dogs · dog coat supplements · non-invasive treatment for dog hair loss
Abstract
Background: Alopecia X is characterized by non-inflammatory hair loss and is commonly observed in dog breeds with double coats and dense undercoats. The exact cause of alopecia X remains unknown, and its complex etiology and diverse responses to treatment make it a challenging condition for veterinarians to manage. Case Description: An 8-year-old Chihuahua (male, unneutered, weight 4.1 kg) with significant hair loss was brought to our clinic. The owner declined to provide a definitive diagnosis; consequently, a diagnosis of suspected alopecia was made based on a physical examination and a series of questions. Horse placenta extract, taurine, and vitamin B complex (B1, B2, B5, and B6) were administered as non-pharmacological therapies. Following a 66-day supplementation regimen, a marked improvement in hair coat coverage was observed, with the back, sides, and abdomen exhibiting near-full-coat coverage. No adverse events were observed during the supplementation period. Following an enhancement in coat condition, supplementation was terminated, and no hair loss was observed during a 76-week follow-up period. Conclusion: The combination of supplements from different categories may be a novel treatment option for owners who wish to pursue non-invasive treatment for alopecia for their dogs. [Open Vet. J. 2025; 15(12.000): 6809-6813]
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.60