Cause of Dog Hair Loss

by Nick
(Cape Coral, FL)

Reader Question: Cause of Dog Hair Loss

My dog recently had a large, but one normal wound on his rear end, near the tail. We treated the wound, but he is now losing his hair.

What is going on? im really worried. he is a black lab, at about 8 or 9 years old. Je does have some small lumps on the underside of his chest (under the skin). There are no pimples or anything else.

Suggestions From Our Veterinarian

Hello,

I am afraid I cannot determine exactly why your dog might be losing hair from the area around his wound without the chance to examine him. Is the wound completely healed? If not, it's possible that an infection or other continuing problem is affecting the hair follicles in the area.

Alternatively, the initial trauma t could have damaged the skin's ability to grow hair. That may or may not improve with time. It is also possible that your dog has a generalized condition like hypothyroidism that can delay hair regrowth.

Your veterinarian should be able to narrow down the list of possibilities with a physical examination and possibly some simple diagnostic tests.

Regards,


Jennifer Coates, DVM