Growth Hormone-Responsive Alopecia in Dogs

May 2005 in “ Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association ”

Linda A. Frank

growth hormone-responsive alopecia alopecia X growth hormone deficiency melatonin mitotane hormonal imbalances hair regrowth local inhibition of hair growth

Studysummary The exact cause of growth hormone-responsive alopecia in dogs is unclear.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document reviewed growth hormone-responsive alopecia in dogs, particularly in breeds like Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows, and Poodles. Initially linked to adult-onset growth hormone deficiency, this hypothesis was questioned as many affected dogs had normal growth hormone levels. Other hormonal imbalances were also investigated but did not consistently explain the condition. Treatments like melatonin and mitotane showed partial success, but the exact mechanism remained unclear. The condition, also known as alopecia X, appeared complex with no single definitive cause identified. Hair regrowth often occurred at trauma sites, suggesting local rather than systemic inhibition of hair growth.

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