FC-10 Adult-Onset Hair Loss in Chesapeake Bay Retrievers: A Clinical and Histological Study

The study investigated adult-onset hair loss in Chesapeake Bay retrievers, involving 10 dogs aged 1.5 to 10 years, including seven females and three males. All dogs exhibited mild to severe hair loss on specific body areas but were otherwise clinically healthy. Hormonal tests showed normal thyroid and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels, but six dogs had slightly or moderately increased adrenal hormone levels, suggesting an abnormal production of adrenal sex hormones. Histopathological findings indicated changes similar to canine flank alopecia and follicular dysplasia. The study concluded that the hair loss was likely related to adrenal hormone abnormalities, and further research was needed to explore potential heritable factors and treatment options.