Approach to Alopecia

The phase of hair growth where the hair follicle is fully functional and the hair shaft grows.

The transitional phase of hair growth where the follicle begins to shrink and the hair shaft stops growing.

The resting phase of hair growth where the follicle is atrophied and the hair is shed.

A type of hair loss characterized by a lack of hair follicles, often resulting in various degrees of hairlessness.

A group of alopecia disorders where the hair follicles are structurally abnormal, leading to hair loss.

This type of alopecia occurs when the hair follicle is unable to produce hair due to a lack of proper function.

A type of alopecia that affects the hair shaft's structure. It is often associated with certain coat colors.

This type of alopecia specifically affects black hair follicles, leading to hair loss in those areas.

A systematic approach to identify the cause of skin problems in animals, starting with basic information and progressing to specific tests.

The age, breed, color, and sex of an animal, which can provide clues about potential skin conditions.

The pattern of hair loss, whether localized or widespread, symmetrical or asymmetrical, and the specific areas affected.

The appearance of the skin, including any bumps, pus, scales, or crusts. This can help determine the nature of the skin problem.

Observing whether all hair has been lost or only broken hairs remain, which can indicate different types of conditions.

A skin condition characterized by hair loss and/or skin damage caused by excessive grooming in response to stress. This behavior is often triggered by emotional, environmental, or even physical factors.

A diagnostic approach where the diagnosis is made after ruling out other medical conditions that could cause hair loss.

The process of gradually exposing an animal to a feared stimulus, while simultaneously providing positive reinforcement, to modify their behavior.

A technique used to change the emotional response to a stimulus by associating it with a positive experience.

Medications used to treat mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, in animals.

A class of antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation.

A class of antidepressants that work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that affect mood and energy levels.

A comprehensive approach that involves addressing both environmental and psychological factors to manage stress and improve the cat's well-being.

Hair loss resulting from the presence of microscopic fungi, often characterized by broken hair shafts and the presence of hyphae and spores.

Examination of hairs plucked from the skin to identify abnormalities, such as broken hair shafts, increased telogen hairs, and the presence of Demodex mites.

A common cause of hair loss characterized by a sudden shedding of hair during the resting phase, often due to stress or hormonal changes.

A condition in which hair follicles are abnormally developed, resulting in hair loss or irregular hair growth.

Skin condition characterized by excessive oil production, possibly associated with thyroid problems or other underlying health conditions.

Hair loss associated with the presence of a tumor, especially in the pancreas.

Hair loss due to excessive production of adrenal hormones, often caused by a condition known as hyperadrenocorticism.

An abnormal hair growth cycle can lead to alopecia (hair loss).

Alopecia can be caused by various factors, including drugs, stress, and endocrine disorders. These triggers should be identified and managed to treat hair loss.

The prognosis of alopecia depends on its underlying cause. Some cases can be reversed, while others may be permanent.

Damage to hair follicles, often caused by infections, immune disorders, or even trauma, can lead to alopecia.

If the damage to hair follicles is severe, permanent alopecia might occur, meaning the hair won't grow back.

Alopecia can be caused by the loss of existing hair, often due to allergies, infections, poor husbandry, or psychological factors.

To treat alopecia caused by allergies, identify the allergens and then either avoid them or undergo immunotherapy.

When dealing with alopecia caused by infections, treating the underlying infection is key, whether caused by bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens.

A condition characterized by hair loss primarily on the flanks of dogs, often occurring in autumn or spring. It's believed to be linked to changes in melatonin levels, impacting the hair growth cycle.

A condition in which hair follicles develop abnormally, causing weak hairs that break easily, leading to hair loss. It often affects young to middle-aged dogs and can spread from the lumbar area to the trunk.

A rare condition specifically in black haired areas of dogs. It involves defective pigmentation and hair formation, resulting in hair loss that starts around 1 month of age. It shares similarities with color dilution alopecia.

A disorder that affects the hair follicles, leading to miniaturization and a reduction in hair thickness. This is often seen in short-coated breeds and can result in pattern baldness in areas like the ears, abdomen, or thighs. As it progresses, the skin may become darker.

A specific baldness condition observed in Greyhounds and other sighthounds. It involves structural defects in the hair shaft due to downregulation of genes critical for hair formation. Unlike follicular pattern baldness, it doesn't exhibit hyperpigmentation.

An abnormal hair cycle marked by the shrinking of hair shafts, a persistence of telogen follicles (resting phase), and an increase in hairless telogen follicles. This can be triggered by various factors, including endocrine diseases, Alopecia X, systemic diseases, drug therapies, stress, or after clipping.

A variety of conditions that can affect hair growth due to disruptions in hormone balance. These include hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), hyperoestrogenism/testosterone excess, and pituitary dwarfism.

A condition characterized by hair cycle arrest, primarily affecting primary hairs while leaving secondary hairs intact. It causes gradual hair loss on the trunk and thighs, with head and limbs usually spared. The cause is likely an imbalance of adrenal sex hormones.

Various systemic diseases can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss. Examples include liver disease, kidney failure, pancreatic disease, and cancer, often due to the paraneoplastic syndrome.

A delay in hair regrowth after clipping. This can be breed-related, with heavily coated breeds often experiencing prolonged telogen phases. It may take months for hair to return to its normal length.

Various infections can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss. These include bacterial infections like Dermatophilus congolensis (mud fever), fungal infections like ringworm, and mite infestations like demodecosis.

An autoimmune condition targeting sebaceous glands within hair follicles. It often affects dogs, although it can be seen in rare cases in other mammals. It leads to varying hair loss patterns depending on the breed. Secondary infections are common.

Hair loss can occur due to reactions to topical medications or injections. The hair loss might be immediate or delayed, and regrowth might not occur. It's crucial to avoid using the triggering product.

A condition involving benign, but often hidden, tumors in horses that can lead to hair loss. These tumors can be found in various locations.

A condition in dogs linked to zinc deficiency. It can be genetic or due to a diet low in zinc. Symptoms include hair loss, skin problems, and possibly digestive issues.