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Hi there, I have two long haired chihuahua sisters

Sent to Pet Experts May 09 08:16 PM

Hi there,

I have two long haired chihuahua sisters Ethel & Lucy who are 7 years old. The both of them have started a pattern of hair loss beginning on the belly and working up the sides of the body.
They also have a lot of pigmentation on their skin. Both were tested for thyroid problems and one does have low thyroid. However it's not likely the source of the hair l loss since the other one's thyroid is completely normal. I had a skin biopsy done on Lucy who has lost the most hair and it came back completely normal.
They are not scratching or itching or licking and the skin looks completely normal ( a little roughish but not much). Two vets so far have been stumped.

 

Optional Information:
Age: 7; Female; Breed: long haired chihuahuas

Already Tried:
2 vets

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Info Request
May 9 10:13 PM (1 hour and 56 minutes and 55 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
What meds have the vets prescribed so far to help?
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Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
May 9 11:19 PM (1 hour and 6 minutes and 43 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: None besides a fish oil supplement that I use on their once a day food
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 9 11:35 PM (15 minutes and 48 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

I think that what you are seeing is probably what's referred to as "black skin disease" or Alopecia X.

It's usually not itchy and is just a skin issue. Sometimes the dog will develop a smell. Sometimes they won't.

I want you to take a look at this site which tells you a lot more about it:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_alopecia_x.html

Then let me know if you still have specific questions.

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Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
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