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Rose

MH
Posts:362

04/04/2012 3:42 PM
We've been noticing lighter patches on Casey's liver patches, upon closer inspection the hair is clearly thinning in these areas. It was not like this before. Other than that, his coat appears healthy and shiny. He has little hair loss overall, and does not appear to be shedding more than what he normally does. I'm wondering if this is normal? Or it could be caused by the dry weather? Or from his neutering last year (he does seem to be laying around a little bit more.) Any thoughts?

revlistless User is Offline

Illinois

MH
Posts:284

04/04/2012 4:29 PM
Check with your vet. Our boy has some bald spots and our vet attributed it to allergies.

Hummingbird Hill Manor's Adelaide Hummingbird Hill Manor's Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds Hummingbird Hill Manor's Fritz

pixie bee

MH
Posts:4448

04/04/2012 4:59 PM
I would also consider tape or whip worm. Most likely diet tho.

"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle

kpwlee

Raleigh, NC

MH
Posts:992

04/04/2012 5:18 PM
could also be hypothyroid - very easy and cheap to supplement and can contribute to hair loss and lightening of color AND loss of energy (that you may be attributing to the neuter)

It's Bugsy's world... http://dailyzoomie.blogspot.com/

everbell

Kanata, ON

MH
Posts:3164

04/05/2012 3:50 AM
My girlfriend's 8yo GSP has the same thing (in the same spot). They have checked her for everything and changed her diet and no change. Hopefully you can sort this out for Casey.

Joce and Rich Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs) Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats) The Everbell Adventures

Rose

MH
Posts:362

04/05/2012 10:02 AM
Now that I think of it, we did move from a red meat to chicken dog food just before the post appearing. We will switch back and see if it does anything. Also if there's any dog that would get worms, this would be the one. While at the acreage he fills his belly with chunks of horse and cow poop. And digs with his mouth, using it to rip clumps of grassy dirt up. Thank you for the thoughts.

MelB

MH
Posts:1217

04/05/2012 6:02 PM
my GSP has had the same thing for two years running. The vet diagnosed Seasonal Alopecia. It happens in the winter months due to lack of sunlight and production of Vit D. Sunlight stimulates the pineal gland which is located at the base of the brain, it is responsible for productin of Vit D in the body. When the winter months hit and the sun is not as strong this gland is not stimulated enough in some dogs, therefore less Vit D is stimulated in the brain and dispursed to the body. Vit D is directly related to hair growth. His recommendation was more time outside in the sun, and to try melatonin. Also add fish oil, or flaxseed oil, to her diet. I have done all of thee above and it is most definitely helping. Common spots to lose the hair, or find thinning hair is the flanks, the top of the nose, and often the ears and legs. Xara's is her nose, ears and flanks. She does get a small spot on her one hindquarter too. It is not recommended to add Vit D to the diet due to the odds of over doing it. The sun exposure, fish/flax oil, and melatonin do work. I use one 1200 mg flax oil 2x's a day in her food, and 5 mg melatonin 2 x's a day in her food. I have been trying to keep her outside on nice days in the sun also. Once the summer sun is out and the dog is outside more the syptoms go away, but do not be surprised if they return next winter. Unfortunately some dogs just have this seasonal issue.

MelB

MH
Posts:1217

04/05/2012 6:10 PM
pics of Xara last year

MelB

MH
Posts:1217

04/05/2012 6:24 PM
her ears are affected too (this was taken just a few weeks ago)

MelB

MH
Posts:1217

04/05/2012 6:31 PM
http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=53802 the article my vet gave me. It is still worth it to have a thyroid panel ran, just to rule it out, but it looks very very similiar to what Xara is experiencing.

everbell

Kanata, ON

MH
Posts:3164

04/06/2012 5:25 AM
Mel, that looks exactly like what my friend's dog has. I'm going to send her a link to this thread.

Joce and Rich Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs) Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats) The Everbell Adventures

weerubbertummy User is Offline

Ayrshire, Scotland

MH
Posts:726

04/06/2012 5:40 AM
I cant believe it. Kintra went through random periods where the fur on her ears went very similar to the last pic of Xara. I've gone back and looked in photos and would say that it seems thicker on the photos taken late summer/early autumn. I just assumed her random alopecia was down to her skin problems in general but it certainly does seem to follow a seasonal pattern in hindsight.

Miss you forever Kintra baby xxx

Rose

MH
Posts:362

04/06/2012 12:27 PM
Mel, yes that does just like Casey's spots. Yes, he has had less direct sunlight exposure. With the longer days now, we should have no problem increasing sunlight. Will see if that helps. Thank you for the info. LOL, does this mean to keep MY hair from falling out I need more sun???

MelB

MH
Posts:1217

04/06/2012 2:39 PM
Yep, it affects you too !LOL

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