Hair loss

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william morrissey

Forums Novice
Two months ago the vet tech shaved some of my dogs chest. Some hair seems to be growing back but the problem is that the hair around the edges of this area keeps falling out and the bald patch keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger. It doesn’t seem to itch her very much as she only scratches it occasionally. There are no scabs or lesions. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
william morrissey said:
Two months ago the vet tech shaved some of my dogs chest. Some hair seems to be growing back but the problem is that the hair around the edges of this area keeps falling out and the bald patch keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger. It doesn’t seem to itch her very much as she only scratches it occasionally. There are no scabs or lesions. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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I would ask your vet to do a skin scraping/s (typically a vet will scrape at least 2 to 3 locations) in the problem area which should give you an answer if this is an infection or if some other issue going on. That way you will know what treatment is needed. The sooner you get an answer and a treatment plan the easier it will be to get whatever is going on under control and her fur growing back normally. Hope all goes well.
Trini
 
I agree with Trini. I have a dog with allergy skin problems and I know what a trial it can be to find the cause. I would start with your vet for some testing, but if you don't get a definitive answer there and she keeps losing hair, I'd consult a canine dermatologist. It took me more than a year to do that for my girl while my vet, although well meaning, treated the symptoms without being able to find the cause. The canine derm doc pinpointed her problem in one visit and treated the cause. Good luck and please let us know how she does.
 
I agree with the recommendation - does the vet have any ideas?

How old is your Sheltie? My old girl hasn't grown back a lot of her fur that's been shaved. But there is a patch on the back that was shaved for an aneasthetic that only grew patchily - the specialist said that often happens with the aneasthetic she had.
 
You might inquire about a thyroid test. If hypothyroidism is not severe a dog will not actually lose hair, but it will not grow back well if shaved. I had a dog 2 weeks ago who had had the abdomen shaved for an ultrasound in March and the hair had not grown back , turned out to be hypothyroid.
Also, since you mentioned it and it is a good point, in general skin problems fall into two categories- itchy and non itchy , (pruritic and non- pruritic). Itchy includes allergies, fleas, mange etc., non itchy tend to be hormonal or nutritional. So the fact that it doesnt itch is a good hint.
 
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