TLDR Most dogs with alopecia had higher than normal levels of certain hormones, but hair loss might not always be linked to these hormone changes.
The study retrospectively analyzed 783 samples from dogs with alopecia over 7.5 years, with 276 dogs meeting the inclusion criteria. It found that 73% of these dogs had at least one steroid hormone intermediate above the normal range, with progesterone being the most frequently elevated hormone (57.6% of samples). Breed-specific differences were observed, with Keeshonds having higher estradiol levels and Pomeranians and Siberian Huskies having higher progesterone levels. However, not all dogs within these breeds had hormone abnormalities, and some breeds like Chow Chows, Samoyeds, and Malamutes had a higher percentage of normal steroid hormone intermediates. There was a significant correlation between baseline cortisol concentrations and progesterone, 17-OHP, and androstenedione. The study concluded that alopecia in dogs might not always be related to steroid hormone intermediates and emphasized the need for breed-specific hormone ranges.
71 citations,
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154 citations,
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143 citations,
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157 citations,
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77 citations,
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15 citations,
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22 citations,
February 2010 in “The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice/Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice” The cause of atypical Cushing's syndrome in dogs, possibly linked to sex hormones, is not yet proven.
88 citations,
April 2017 in “Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology” The document concludes that early diagnosis and treatment of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia are crucial for preventing serious health issues and improving patient outcomes.
1 citations,
January 2006 in “Elsevier eBooks” The conclusion is that different types of hair loss in dogs and cats can be cosmetic or serious, and affected animals should not be bred.
52 citations,
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.
