Hair loss is the complete or partial loss of hair in areas where it normally grows. Alopecia is the medical term to define this hair loss. This condition can be defined as any deficiency in the normal hair coat of the dog. Alopecia is a common disorder in dogs. This disorder may involve entire coat or affect certain parts of the hair coat, causing thinning of fur or complete baldness.
Most people acquire a dog on its physical appearance. When the dog suffers from alopecia, it is a frustrating situation for the dog owner.
Alopecia is not a disease on its own, rather it is almost invariably a symptom of an underlying disease condition. Alopecia may be a result of self-trauma by scratching or chewing, hair follicle diseases, or failure of hair to grow after normal shedding.
Alopecia is characterized by either complete or partial loss of hair coat. Hair loss (or failure to grow) can occur anywhere on the body of a dog of any age, breed or gender, including on the face, around the eyes, on the back, near the base of the tail or on the flank. The hair loss can be varied or symmetrical. It can occur acutely or be slowly progressive. It can happen in isolation or with localized or generalized hair loss but no other clinical signs. It may also be seen as bald circles, accompanied by crusting and inflammation around the area. Some dogs suffering from alopecia have scaling of the skin.
