An analysis of factors underlying hypotrichosis and alopecia in Irish Water Spaniels in the United Kingdom |
| |
| Authors: | Rosario Cerundolo David H Lloyd Pauline E Mcneil & Helen Evans |
| |
| Institution: | Dermatology Unit, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK,;Present address: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Naples, 80137, Naples, Italy,;Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK,;SCL, Bioscience Services Ltd., 211 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 4ZA, UK,;Present address: 1st Floor, Unit C, Peek House Business Centre, Dales Manor Business Park, Grove Road, Sawston, Cambridge CB2 4TJ, UK |
| |
| Abstract: | A survey on the occurrence of dermatoses in the Irish Water spaniel (IWS) was carried out in the United Kingdom. A group of 20 dogs was selected and examined clinically. All dogs had a nonpruritic, noninflammatory, regionalized hair loss affecting the same areas of the body in males and females, although an initial cyclical pattern associated with the oestrus cycle was identified. Hormonal investigations showed features suggestive of an abnormality of steroidogenesis. Histopathology revealed features similar to canine recurrent flank alopecia (CRFA) and follicular dysplasia associated with abnormal melanization, as in colour dilution alopecia, although the clinical features did not correlate with those conditions. Dietary changes improved coat and skin quality in most of the cases in this series but the role of the diet was not investigated further. This study suggests that hair loss in IWS is influenced by dietary factors and sexual hormones. Abnormalities of the steroidogenic pathways may contribute to the severity of the condition. |
| |
| Keywords: | alopecia skin dog |
|
|
