Alopecia is defined as any deficiency of the normal hair coat. It does not necessarily refer only to hair “loss.” Alopecia includes a hair deficiency due to either to failure of the hair to grow or loss of all or part of the hair shaft after growth has occurred.Alopecia is one of the more common complaints of dog owners. How alopecia affects a dog depends upon the underlying cause of the condition. Hair loss
Alopecia is defined as a complete or partial lack of hair in areas where hair normally is present. It is quite common in dogs as either a primary problem or as a secondary result of another underlying condition. There are distinct differences between cases of alopecia in which grown hair fibers are lost, those in which stumps of hair fibers remain, and those in which the hair root itself is shed from the hair follicle.
While hair loss in dogs is usually caused by some underlying disorder, there are a number of steps that owners can take to prevent or at least manage this condition. Responsible breeding, yearly veterinary examinations, regular parasite control, good nutrition, moderate exercise and stress management can all contribute to a healthy canine hair coat.Certain breeds or family lines of dogs have an increased risk of developing alopecia. For example, small-breed dogs with plush coats and
Alopecia is quite common in dogs as either a primary problem or as a secondary result of some other condition. The hallmark of alopecia is the definition of the disorder itself: the complete or partial lack of hair in areas where hair normally is present. Alopecia may, or may not, be accompanied by additional clinical signs.One of the most baffling things about alopecia is the vast number of ways that it can present. It can
Treatment options for alopecia in dogs depend upon what is causing the hair loss. Most cases of alopecia are treatable, once the cause of the condition is diagnosed.Alopecia is usually a sign of an underlying disorder, which must be diagnosed accurately in order for effective treatment to begin. If the hair loss is accompanied by scratching, pustules, hot spots or other lesions, it may be appropriate to apply topical medications to manage and hopefully alleviate