Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hair loss and dark skin patches in male Pomeranians with inherited
By Mausberg, E M et al.Ā·Published in DTW. Deutsche tierarztliche WochenschriftĀ·2007Ā·Institut füĀ·View original on PubMed ā
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research ā every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work ā
Original publication title: [Inherited alopecia X in Pomeranians].
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Four male Pomeranians, ranging in age from five months to eight years, were brought in for hair loss, specifically bald patches on their tails, backs, limbs, and abdomens. The skin in these areas was darker than normal, but no other health issues were noted. After thorough examinations and skin biopsies, three of the dogs were diagnosed with alopecia X, a hereditary condition that causes hair loss. The fourth dog showed similar symptoms and may also have the same condition, though it had slightly low thyroid hormone levels. Treatment options for alopecia X are limited, but managing the dog's skin health can help.
People also search for: Pomeranian hair loss treatment Ā· alopecia X in dogs Ā· dog skin problems bald patches
Abstract
Four male Pomeranians that showed alopecia with an age of onset between five months and eight years were investigated. The aim of the investigation was to clarify whether the affected dogs had alopecia X and whether their symptoms might be due to a hereditary defect. The four affected dogs showed hairless patches at the root of the tail, at the back, at the limbs from the thigh to the tarsus and at the abdomen. Within the hairless patches some islets with sparse hair were present. In hairless patches the skin was dark pigmented. Besides the alopecia and hyperpigmentation no other symptoms were found according to anamnestic and clinical examination. History, clinical examinations, laboratory diagnostics, and histopathology of skin biopsies allowed the diagnosis of alopecia X in three affected male dogs. The last one of the affected dogs additionally had slightly reduced thyroid hormone levels. Based on identical symptoms and the close relatedness of all four animals, it was assumed that the fourth affected dog also had alopecia X. The available data possibly indicate a monogenic autosomal dominant inheritance, however a recessive inheritance can not be excluded at this time.
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Search related cases āOriginal publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17484499/