Evaluation of Phenotypic Risk Indicators for the Development of Alopecia X in Pomeranian Dogs in the Netherlands and Belgium

January 2025 in “ Veterinary Dermatology ”

Ilse van Hensbergen, J. van den Broek, Kelly van Amersfort, Annette van der Lee

alopecia X hair cycle arrest Pomeranian dogs phenotypic risk indicators Cox proportional-hazard model

Studysummary This study found that Pomeranian dogs with a woolly coat type and male dogs had a higher risk of developing Alopecia X in the Netherlands and Belgian regions studied.

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This study investigated phenotypic risk indicators for the development of alopecia X (AX) in Pomeranian dogs in the Netherlands and Belgium. Conducted between March 2022 and August 2023, the research involved a retrospective epidemiological study using an online survey completed by 234 Pomeranian owners, with 211 surveys eligible for analysis. The study found that a woolly coat type and male sex were significant risk indicators for developing AX. Statistical analysis using a Cox proportional-hazard model supported these findings, highlighting the increased risk associated with these factors.

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