Endocrine alopecia in a miniature poodle

Authors: Purdie EC, Jones BR, Allan FJ
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 43, Issue 3, pp 110-113, Jun 1995
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog
Subject Terms: Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Endocrine/autocrine/paracrine, Research/development, Thyroid
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: Hypothyroidism and concurrent sex hormone imbalance associated with alopecia was diagnosed in a 5 year-old entire male Miniature Poodle. The dog had a 3-year history of alopecia, seborrhoea and recurrent superficial pyoderma. Abnormal thyrotropin releasing hormone stimulation test results supported a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Partial hair regrowth occurred after interstitial cell tumours, which were present in both testicles, were removed by castration. Complete hair regrowth, however, occurred only after thyroid hormone supplementation. This case highlighted difficulties which may be encountered when interpreting serum hormone concentrations and endocrine function tests.

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