Alopecia X refers unknown hair loss, with 'Alopecia' meaning 'hair loss' and the ‘X’ standing for ‘unknown’. Since this term was coined, studies have now seen a possible link to abnormal hormone levels (estrogen or testosterone) in some cases, as well as a link to low melatonin production.
This type of coat loss can be seen in some breeds more often than others including Pomeranians, Chow Chows, Siberian Huskies, and Keeshonds, though no breed is immune including Pug dogs. It can develop at any age.
Symptoms:
- Fur texture becomes poor, hair shafts break, and patches of thinness or baldness appear which may be in circular patterns.
- This may be on just certain spots on the body or be a full-body balding (though the face is not often affected).
- Scabs and scaling may be seen.
- Skin in the balding areas may darken.
Diagnosis:
All other possible causes of coat loss need to be ruled out. Testing should include a blood panel, a urinalysis, thyroid testing, adrenal hormone testing, and a skin biopsy.
Treatment: Veterinary
1. Spay/neuter. For intact dogs, veterinarians often recommend spaying or neutering, as it is thought that Alopecia X may be related to an imbalance of estrogen or testosterone. This said, while doing so may trigger regrowth, it is sometimes just temporary. Keep in mind that there are health benefits to sterilization regardless of whether or not there is a coat loss issue.
2. Melatonin. In many cases, when a dog is spayed or neutered, regular doses of melatonin are also given (details ahead in Treatment: Home Remedies).
3. Prescribed medications. There are some options, but all involve risk of side effects and do not produce results for all dogs.
Cortisol, a medication that suppresses adrenal gland function, is sometimes given, but can have serious adverse side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, depressed mood, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, collapse, severe electrolyte imbalance, and rapid destruction of the adrenal gland which may result in death. Continuous monitoring must be done and results can vary.
There has been some testing done with hormone therapy, like Deslorelin which affects the production of both estrogen and testosterone that showed some hair growth only for intact male dogs.