Hair Loss?

[Mary-Caroline]

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Hi all

I'm almost certain that I'm worrying about nothing but nonetheless a bit of reassurance would be more than welcome.

Cashie's 15 months now (can't believe it!) and he's never had an awful lot of hair on his abdomen, over his sternum or on the insides of his hind legs. It's never concerned me as I realise that whippets aren't very hairy at the best of times. However over the last few weeks several people have commented on how little hair he has. I didn't pay much attention as none of them were whippet owners and they're not common dogs around here, but today a nurse I work with who has known Cashie for most of his life and sees him on a regular basis commented upon it and said she thinks he's balder than he used to be. I'm now a little anxious that perhaps I haven't noticed the loss as it's been so gradual.

I've tried to have an objective look but I must admit that he doesn't really look any different to me. He's not exhibiting any other signs that would indicate skin disease, i.e. no pruritis, lesions, redness, swelling, exudate etc.

Sorry, I know this is a bit vague but I'm hoping that other whippet people can put my mind at rest. Of course, if anyone does indeed suspect a problem please let me know. He is my first whippet so more experienced owners will have far more knowledge about breed-specific problems.

I have a hazy memory of a piece of veterinary literature which mentioned that whippets are prone to hereditary alopecia (I think that was the term used). When I read that I mentioned it to a vet friend as I was under the impression that whippets didn't suffer any breed-specific hereditary defects. He said that he'd never heard of this problem and not to worry about it, and he's been qualified for many years now so I ignored the article. Annoyingly, I can't quite recall where I saw the piece, I'll have a look tomorrow.

Anyway, it's not desperately urgent and I'm probably being overcautious but I'd be grateful for your comments all the same.

Thanks in advance

Mary-Caroline (and Cashie)

 

[Strike Whippets]

Some Whippet's are naturally a tad "bald" ........while other's it can be an indication of a problem .........Thyroid, Alopecia are easy enough to check for, so if your worried have a word with your vet ........but if Cashie is well in himself then I really wouldn't worry

 

[OEH]

Some dogs have seasonal baldness, they lose hair in the Autumn and it grows back in the Spring. I think its called seasonal alopecia, but doesn't distress them in any way.

 

[jezza]

Hi Mary-Caroline and Cashie. Molly has the exact same problem so I think there could be some truth in that article you read (for those who don't know, Molly is Cashies sister :huggles:

I have also asked just about every vet I know and none of them could come up with a definate answer. I thought it may have been because she has been spayed. Did Cashies hair loss become worse after neutering? Hormones can have funny effects :unsure:

If you look back on my previous posts you will find one when I asked about this (called Coat Condition). I took all the advice given and their coats improved a lot but Mollys fur never grew back. Have you got any photos you can post? I will take some photos of Molly tonight and email them to you.

Lucy

 

[ILoveKettleChips]

To be honest, there could be any one of a number of things going on here - an obscure genetic condition, an endocrine or hormone problem, or some other problem, or no problem at all!

If you decide to get it looked into, it will probably involve several blood tests, skin tests and biopsies, often best done by a dermatologist. And it's probable that even if they do find an abnormality, it's highly unlikely to cause him any problems, other than perhaps getting a bit chilly! From what you've said it's causing him no problems and the skin is not unhealthy, so personally I would leave well alone. But if you do investigate, let us know what happens! :luck:

 

[Mary-Caroline]

Hi all

Many thanks for your responses. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to reply to me.

Lucy, it's interesting that Molly displays similar signs. I wonder if Lenny or Tipsy (other littermates) show the same signs? I'm not sure whether or not Cashie's baldness coincided with his castration. Now that I think about it that may well be the case. I've never managed to successfully post pictures on this website but I'll e-mail you some tonight.

ILKC, hypothyroidism had obviously crossed my mind but he isn't gaining weight and he's most definitely not lethargic in the slightest! Perhaps I'll run some bloods anyway just in case.

I managed to find the article today. It's just a note in Vade Mecum which says that whippets may suffer congenital alopecia. I spoke to another vet friend today who says that although it's rare he's seen a couple of cases. There's not an awful lot one can do about it but it's self-limiting and the dogs he saw weren't bothered by it in the slightest.

Anyway, thanks again for the reassurance. Just as I'm typing this, Cashie has sneaked past the door with an avocado (still in the skin!) in his mouth! If he's stealing things then I shouldn't think he's feeling too poorly. Honestly, considering the amount of food that dog manages to pinch by rights he ought to be the size of a house! This afternoon he almost got a McDonalds which belonged to a drunk guy asleep on the bus. Cashie's now looking very annoyed about being deprived of "his" avocado!

I'll keep you posted.

M-C

 

[Mary-Caroline]

Sorry Lucy, I should have made it clear that the Lenny I was referring to isn't your Lenny but the other dog pup from Cashie and Molly's litter! I'm only just in from work and my brain isn't working properly!