Hair Loss in a Doodle?

[Jennifer and Jack]

Jack has had a spot on his back about the size of my fist that apparently lost hair. I don't know when it happen, I don't know how it happen but it is growing back very dark brown, way, way, darker then anything even close to his normal hair or puppy hair coloring. The hair in the area is a dark brown but it is the hair not the skin.. His hair has started to grow back but it is entirely a different texture and color.

I took him to the vet today to have a follow up from an ear infection... (Right side cleared up now he has one in his left side) The vet was so confused. It looked like an injury that was healed up. He never had an injury we are sure of that. The only thing we are not sure of is if Molly took a mouth of his hair and ripped it out.

Of course I am leaving for Cleveland Clinic next week. We are on antibiotics for his ear. He had blood work and chemistry today. all normal. Of note his heart rate was lower then it should be for his size dog. It was only in the 60s.

My vet wants to do another full work up on Jack and by full work up, I mean full work up. I have insurance but I have to put the money out first.. I know I should not complain.

Since he was borderline Addison's disease last time.. They want to re test him for that, They took blood work for Lymes disease. Tomorrow I have to go there and bring urine, and of course I agreed to the ACTH test because I am about to leave him again with my mom.

I researched online common causes of hair loss and Thyroid was one of them where he has a lot of the symptoms, low heart rate,, hyperpigmantation etc.

I didn't know if any of you have ever experienced this with your dog.. It is only in one spot. The skin is in tact, not red or inflamed. He is just missing a big wad of hair there, and has a tiny bit of very dark brown hair regrowth.

Ideas anyone?

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

That is strange Jennifer, a fist size spot and no injury.

One thing I can tell you is that when Daisy was bitten on her back at doggy daycare the new hair is black where it grew back, a very distinct spot, but it's very small, like the size of a nickle.  Because I knew what happened there and there was actually an injury I can tell you exactly where. Maybe when they lose their fur completely in a spot it just grows back differently?!?!?!?

[Jennifer and Jack]

I know. There is no sign what so ever of damage past or present to his skin which makes it weird.  Jack did go to daycare at my moms and was with Molly. I just wonder if he got into a scuffle with another dog. My mom had him for almost eight weeks.

My mom slept with him every night though and she swears she didn't see any evidence of anything. It is non tender to the touch, even a firm touch. It just looks like a bald spot is growing back. The only thing is the size of my fist is big for a dog that is only 12 pounds.

I would be really comfortable leaving it at that except that the Vet always scares me, His low heart rate is off but it could just be a fluke. It is right on his spine line.

So weird...

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

hmmm, that hair loss and thyroid in disconcerting.

keep us posted, and also don't forget to call if you stay longer, I would really love to see you.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I so want to see you.... That would be great, We are leaving Thursday morning and getting in Thursday night. I have appointments all day Friday. If they can get me in with everyone they say in one day, We will leave on Saturday. We could meet for breakfast maybe on Saturday... How far are you from there. Susan, as in Susan and Sasha is going with me. It could be fun.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I am about 1/2 an hour away...easy freeway driving. I will PM you with my cell number again just in case.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I sent you my cell number, We are staying at the Wyndham Cleveland at the Playhouses Square hotel.  They said they are across the street from the hospital.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Jenn, I don't know if you use drops for flea control on Jack. but we did have something strange like this with Kona after applying flea drops. There was a change in hair color and texture. It is normal now. The area was smaller than what you are describing though.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I put Frontline plus on the nape of his neck, this is closer to his very cute hiney!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The spot you are describing sounds very different from the kind of "hair loss" that is a symptom of thyroid disease or other hormonal problems, such as Cushings.  I don't know what it might be, but it doesn't sound like something serious. Can you post a photo?

Thyroid disease in dogs, when caught early, is very easily managed and not at all life threatening, so even if that's what it is (and I strongly doubt it), try not to worry.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I will try to post a picture now. I actually for once am not worried to much. He is doing great, eating well, pooping well. I am more aggravated with my vet because I feel like they may be over reacting to the situation given the amount of prior testing he has had. I know I should be grateful they are so careful but I feel like it is getting a bit much with the full work ups every time something is wrong.

They wanted to give him antibiotics for a urine track infection without even testing his urine because he has had some accidents in the house. i didn't let them do that...we are at least going to test his urine first.

I will try to take pictures now. I have a hard time downloading them on here.. but I will try.

Thanks Karen.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree.

[Gail and Bailey]

I used to have Bedlington terriers and if they got any sort of injury the hair would grow back in coarse black hairs in the injured area.  In time these would fall out and the normal hair would grow back in.  My one Bedlington used to love to go under the coffee table and his back would rub the table as he went under.  He wound up with black hairs in a streak down his back where it would rub.  The constant rubbing "injured" the skin enough for the hair to grow in black...even though his skin never showed any sign of trauma.    Hope Jack is okay!