Alopecia Treatments
for Pets
Alopecia (hair loss) is common in dogs and cats and has many different causes. If your pet has bald spots or thinning fur and is itchy it may be due to parasites or allergies. However, many causes of alopecia are not related to itchiness and may be due to a different set of parasites, hormonal diseases or problems affecting the hair itself or associated skin structures.
Alopecia (fur loss) may be more distressing for pet owners than their pets. Certain conditions may not be distressing to pets at all, they may merely look bad. Many conditions can be treated, but a number can be permanent. Our aim is to get a definitive diagnosis, then we can talk you through treatment options.
What to Expect at
YOUR CONSULTATION
What to Expect at
Your Consultation
1
HISTORY REVIEW
Detailed history and review of past treatments
2
EXAMINATION
Full dermatological and ear examination
3
TESTING
Diagnostic testing including video-otoscopy
4
TREATMENT PLAN
Provided with a tailored treatment plan based on your individual pet’s needs
WHAT WE
TREAT
WHAT WE
TREAT
We start with a detailed history and dermatological examination of your pet, this may include:
Skin scrapings and microscopy can be used to look for mites. This is because a mite called Demodex can cause non-itchy hair loss and is treatable in most circumstances.
Examining your pet’s hair can help us find hair shaft disorders that are causing the hair loss.
Blood and urine tests may be required to look for hormonal disorders.
Fungal culture may be used if we suspect fungal skin disease (dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm).
A skin biopsy as many causes of alopecia are only discoverable via this method. For a skin biopsy your pet will need a sedative or possibly an anaesthetic.
Once a definitive diagnosis is reached we can talk about possible treatment options, though not all causes of alopecia are treatable.
If your pet has alopecia with itchy skin then we would focus more on treating the parasites such as fleas or Sarcoptic mange (fox mange). Your pet’s hair loss may be due to allergic skin disease and overgrooming in cats can cause symmetrical alopecia. This could be due to flea allergy, food allergy or atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies).
WHAT WE
TREAT
WHAT WE
We treat a wide range of skin conditions. Below is a list of different conditions, which gives an idea of the range of conditions we see.
Allergic Skin Diseases
Atopic dermatitis
(environmental allergies)
Flea allergy dermatitis
Food allergies/intolerances
Infections (Chronic/Recurrent)
Bacterial skin infections (pyoderma)
Yeast infections
Ringworm (especially in cats)
Autoimmune & Immune-Mediated Conditions
Pemphigus complex
Lupus diseases
Ulcerative diseases
Erythema multiforme
Vasculitis
Nodules and lumps with or without draining sinus tracts
Scaling disorders
Sebaceous adenitis
Epitheliotropic lymphoma
Crusting disorders
Zinc-responsive dermatosis
Metabolic epidermal necrosis
Chronic Skin Issues
Itchy or inflamed paws (pododermatitis)
Hair loss (alopecia) - Alopecia X, Colour dilution alopecia
Anal furunculosis
Pigmentary skin disorders
Hypopigmentation - Vitiligo, Uveodermatological syndrome
Hyperpigmentation - Post-inflammatory, Hypothyroidism
TREAT
WHAT WE
TREAT
WHAT WE
TREAT
We treat a wide range of skin conditions. Below is a list of different conditions, which gives an idea of the range of conditions we see.
Allergic Skin Diseases
-
Atopic dermatitis
-
(environmental allergies)
-
Flea allergy dermatitis
-
Food allergies/intolerances
Infections (Chronic/Recurrent)
-
Bacterial skin infections (pyoderma)
-
Yeast infections
-
Ringworm (especially in cats)
Autoimmune & Immune-Mediated Conditions
-
Pemphigus complex
-
Lupus diseases
Ulcerative diseases
-
Erythema multiforme
-
Vasculitis
Nodules and lumps with or without draining sinus tracts
Scaling disorders
-
Sebaceous adenitis
-
Epitheliotropic lymphoma
Crusting disorders
-
Zinc-responsive dermatosis
-
Metabolic epidermal necrosis
Chronic Skin Issues
-
Itchy or inflamed paws (pododermatitis)
-
Hair loss (alopecia) - Alopecia X, Colour dilution alopecia
-
Anal furunculosis
Pigmentary skin disorders
-
Hypopigmentation - Vitiligo, Uveodermatological syndrome
-
Hyperpigmentation - Post-inflammatory, Hypothyroidism
WHO DO WE Care For
We care for all dogs and cats with alopecia. We have three decades of experience in diagnosing and treating animals with this complex set of hair loss conditions.
FREQUENTLY
AskeD Questions
rELATED
Services
EAR DISEASE
ALLERGY TESTING
OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS
ALLERGY TESTING
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
"Simon has been our vet for over 10 years, so when we’ve encountered skin issues with our dogs we’ve been lucky to benefit from his in-depth, and enthusiastic expertise! A poorly pet is always a worry, but it’s easy to trust Simon as he bothers to take time to talk us through the problem, and importantly, the treatment options. Being part of that decision is really important to us.”
Genevieve Klasinski
Owner of Woody the Golden Retriever
"Henry has had severe allergies for many years now, and finding someone who truly understands and can manage his problems has made all the difference. Simon is kind, patient, and incredibly thorough. He takes time to explain everything and has worked with us to find a treatment plan that has finally brought Henry some relief. With Simon’s knowledge it gives us confidence and peace of mind that Henry is getting the best treatment”
Anna Green
Owner of Henry the Cockerpoo
"We feel really lucky to have found Simon. He successfully diagnosed our little dog (Candy) with multiple allergies - lots of other vets we had seen didn’t have the expertise to do this. This meant he was able to tailor her treatment to her allergies and all her symptoms have been well controlled for years now. Simon is always up to date with advances in veterinary science and involves us in decisions about Candy’s treatment. He has helped us manage her occasional flare-ups at home and to know when she needs professional help. He is just amazing and I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
Sheila Holland
Owner of Candy the Cavachon