TLDR The exact cause of growth hormone-responsive alopecia in dogs is unclear.
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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52 citations
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October 2004 in “Veterinary dermatology” Melatonin and mitotane treatment led to hair re-growth in 62% of dogs with Alopecia X, but this was not always linked to normal hormone levels.
277 citations
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June 2003 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings” Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions control hair growth cycles through specific molecular signals.
34 citations
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March 2003 in “Veterinary Dermatology” Most dogs with alopecia had higher than normal levels of certain hormones, but hair loss might not always be linked to these hormone changes.
32 citations
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December 1999 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” 17-β-Estradiol applied to the skin stops hair growth, while ICI 182 780 helps hair grow in mice.
154 citations
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October 1996 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” Estrogen affects hair growth and skin cell multiplication.
