Hair loss

So Knox has always had a thinning of the hair from the middle of his shoulder blades down to his tail. It goes wider at the bottom of his back. Normally it happens around October time and it starts to grow back about now and although it never is full and thick like the rest of his fur it does get a lot better. However, this year it's not growing back.

His skin, at the bottom of his back is always itchy for him and it's gone a darkish colour. He's up to date with fleaing, worming and his jabs.

It doesn't seem to have any affect on his health, that I can see. He's eating, running, pooing, generally being a staffy but I'm starting to worry.

Does anyone know what it could possibly be? or has anyone had this issue before?

Has he ever been to the vets for it?

A few members have had this, Logan had it but it was from his harness rubbing. The vet can test the area by doing a sample which can really help

It sounds a lot like Alopecia? hair loss and darkening of the skin.. Have you asked your vet about this?

Could you maybe post a photo of it?

When I've been the vets, on other occassions, I've asked about it but they said that it could possibly be stress hair loss and as it happened around bonfire and firework season I put it down to that, especially as it seemed to grow back.

Although - they are setting off a lot of pigeon scarers by me at the moment and as they are similar sounding to fireworks Knox is petrified - to the point he doesn't enjoy his walks when he hears them and just wants to go home. Perhaps this could be delaying his hair regrowth?

I think I will take him to the vets though and see what they say.

I can't at the moment - I'm at work but I'll try get a pic and post it up

VikkiGT4 wrote:I think I will take him to the vets though and see what they say.

I think that's a good idea. Logan was scratching at his ears very badly at a time and I had no idea why. Took him to the vets, they took a sample and examined it. Phoned me later that day and gave me medicine. 7 days later it was all gone and has never came back

In these cases it's always best to ask a vet IMO.

I am no expert but as you said it used to change with the season, it could very well be seasonal alopecia.. I will try to find a pic of it to upload

Thanks guys

Alopecia (mild seasonal)

Difficult to say as that skin is really really dark. Knox's isn't that dark but it is getting darker.

I'll try and get a picture and I'll post it

Probably not a good example showing you on a red dog, sorry. Does this look a bit more like it?? Not the same area or probably not as large though.

Yes possibly although not as big. It's like a skunk stripe down his back. When we first got him we thought it was just a white strip of hair.

No hair loss anywhere else except down the middle of his back - oh and a tiny patch in the middle of his tail. He has a bald belly that's pink but he's always been like that

Unfortunatley many dilution colour (blue/fawn) dogs suffer from Alopecia.. Here is a link that may help you understand it..

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t17716-colour-dilution-alopecia

Brilliant - thank you

Does sound like an alopecia of some kind.

There are things you can do to 'help' keep his skin in tip top condition and encourage hair growth.

Certain vitamins and minerals, such as vit e, starflower oil. Complex vitamin b.
Zinc, and the omega oils.
Garlic and Fenugreek tablets help to strengthen the immune system too which will help keep him in good condition inside and out.

A few members here have had good results using dermacton spray (myself included when Tank lost a lot of hair thru foliculitis)

Hair loss can be thyroid related too - so if anything it's worth getting the vet to take a blood sample.

There's a lot of research available via google on canine alopecia and the things owners have used to help, or at least prevent it from worsening.

Definatley agree, you should see the vet, there are a lot of things that can help the condition if it is Alopecia

Excellent - thank you so much x

Ahhh poor Knox, I hope you can get to the cause of it and get some medication to help, if that is the solution.

It really looks like what Kylie was describing Vikki.

A trip to the vets would help and it be be worth looking at a different diet. Possibly adding supplement and foods that Jackieb mentionned.

Ella has a great topic that certainly helped me and others too. Have a look through it. I'd especially advise the apple cider vinegar she mentions.

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t21698p25-natural-dog-remedies-and-doggy-first-aid#492840

hi, poor knox! i would advise a trip to the vets for them to do a skin tests on him. theres some fab advise and i have never really had to deal woth hair loss.

please keep us updated

Yeah it looks like it may be Alopecia, but if it is seasonal, it is light responsive, so sunlight can improve the condition.. Also injections of Melatonin can be administered by the vet.. Go and visit the vet and ask them.. Hope you get it sorted soon

Yeah I definitely think I need to pop him into the vets to see if they can do a skin test.

He has previously had a skin scrape done to see if he had mites, this was when we first had him and noticed the skin problem - but it came back completely clear so we've since put it down to stress.

Didn't know it was possible for seasonal alopecia but since looking it up it does look as though that could be what it is.

Trip to see Aunty Sarah the vet and will keep you all updated

Ok so I spoke to the vet on Friday, when I went to pick up Knox's flea and worming stuff.

Explained symptoms and she agrees that it sounds like seasonal alopecia. She said they could do a skin biopsy but if I'm feeling brave to leave it until the spring/summer actually arrives and see if it starts to grow back again. Basiaclly she said she doesn't think it's worth putting Knox through anaesthetic and skin biopsies plus it isn't cheap (really nice of her as she's doing the practice out of money but I love my vet she's great ).

Sooooooo......just keeping an eye on him. Been told to get some evening primrose oil and give him an adult dose so we'll see how that goes

That's good that they have an idea of what it is. I sort of agree with avoiding the anaesthetic when possible tbh. It can be managed, a change in diet combined with supplements could really help.

Have a good look through that link I sent above of Ella's natural remedy topic, there is quite a bit of useful info in there that would benefit you.

Cheers Mat