Subject: 🐾 Non-Itching Flank Baldness in My Frenchie, Mocha 🐾
Dear Dr. Kraemer, Mocha, has recently been experiencing some unusual dark baldness on her flanks. The strange part is that she doesn’t seem itchy or bothered by it at all. 🤔
I’ve heard you’re the go-to expert for bulldogs🩺🏥, and I’m hoping you can shed some light on this. Could this be a common issue with bulldogs? 🐶 I googled it and found “flank alopecia.” Is that the same? Is there something we should be doing to help Mocha💉💊?
Thank you so much in advance! 🙏 #BulldogHealth #NonItchingBaldness #flankAlopecia
Bulldog-Flank Alopecia Seasonal baldness is often associated with a shorter period of sunlight due to the changing of the season.
Bulldog Flank Alopecia Seasonal Baldness / CAUSE:
The seasonal effect on your bulldog’s coat, particularly changes in hair growth, is believed to be influenced by the production of melatonin and prolactin hormones. These hormones may interact with follicular hormone receptors that are found in the flank area of your bulldog.
Reduced exposure to sunlight during certain times of the year can affect your bulldog’s hair follicles, leading to a slowdown or complete cessation of hair growth. This phenomenon underscores the intricate relationship between hormonal activity and environmental factors in managing your bulldog’s coat health.
Bulldog Seasonal Flank Alopecia 5 X MUST KNOW
- Flank alopecia is unique to bulldogs; it’s painless, sterile, and non-itchy.
- The seasonal effect is likely due to sunlight and its effect on melatonin.
- Melatonin supplementation is often recommended but is not likely to help.
- Management includes sunlight and supplements, but some dogs do not improve.
- Skin Health Prevention & Care includes Dr. Kraemer’s Affordable Skin & Coat Bundles
Welcome to Our “Prevention Over RX” Bulldog Commmunity
Flank Alopecia Seasonal Baldness in Bulldogs / AGE FACTOR
Bulldog flank non-itchy hair loss is not common to the young; the condition is usually seen as your bulldog matures, during adulthood and mid-age.
Bulldog puppies are rarely affected by flank alopecia.
Flank Alopecia Seasonal Baldness in Bulldogs / Appearance:
Most bulldog seasonal baldness results in hyperpigmented, black, or dark coat color, and patchy pigmented baldness is usually irregular in appearance.
Often the patterns present on both flanks with a similar balding appearances.
Bulldog Non-Itchy Flank Baldness / SEASONAL:
Some bulldogs will stay bald indefinitely, regardless of the season, despite light exposure, and/or melatonin supplementation.
Other bulldogs may regrow their hair; others might only have partial regrowth.
Not every bulldog flank baldness is seasonal or cyclical.
Flank Alopecia Seasonal Baldness in Bulldogs / DIAGNOSIS
In most cases, bulldog flank alopecia is diagnosed based on:
- BREED PREDISPOSITION
- APPEARANCE
- HISTORY (indoors, winter non-sunny season)
Other diagnostics:
- BLOOD TEST
- SKIN CRAPE
- DTM (fungal culture)
- SKIN CYTOLOGY
In contrast to bulldog allergies and bulldog pyoderma, bulldog flank alopecia is usually NOT ITCHY.
Flank Alopecia Seasonal Baldness in Bulldogs / PREVENTION
It is considered a cosmetic skin condition and is not generally associated with a medical problem, thus Rx is not required.
Bulldog Flank Hair Loss LIGHT & SUNLIGHT:
Exposure to sun and light can often reverse the condition, hair will grow back, and often the skin discoloration will also resolve
Bulldog and French bulldog flank alopecia seasonal baldness often improves with light exposure
Flank Alopecia in Bulldogs and French bulldogs MELATONIN
If you are compelled to do something, you can try a melatonin supplement.
Bulldog Flank Alopecia THERAPEUTIC TOPICALS:
Topical skin care treatment includes:
- Therapeutic Bully waterless gels & lotions
- Soothing and antiseptic therapeutic shampoo baths
- Therapeutic Bully Skin Spray
- Therapeutic Bully Skin Conditioners.
Bulldog Flank Baldness THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS:
Skin Care Therapeutic Supplements include:
- Bully Fish oil Omega EFA Skin-Immune-Joint Chews.
- Bully Immune Boosting & Support
- Bully Skin & Coat Derma Care
Bulldog Flank Alopecia Seasonal Baldness TIPS & WARNINGS
Below are selective flank alopecia tips and warnings courtesy of Dr. Kraemer
BULLDOG FLANK APLOECIA MELATONIN TIP:
Melatonin is a hormone that affects photoperiodic functions and can sometimes be effective in preventing bulldog seasonal baldness.
Oral melatonin is safe and inexpensive; 6 mg twice daily is advised for an average-sized bulldog, usually until the hair grows back.
BULLDOG BALDING SEASONAL TIP:
Even with sunlight and melatonin, hair growth may take a few months.
BULLDOG SEASONAL BALDING AND SUNLIGHT TIP:
In most bulldogs, the hair will regrow with sunlight exposure.
However, in some bulldogs and French bulldogs, the hair regrowth might skip a year, and sometimes the hair never completely regrows.
BULLDOG FLANK ALOPECIA AND OTHER SKIN DISEASES:
Some other non- or minimal itching, bilateral, or symmetrical alopecia can mimic bulldog flank alopecia seasonal baldness. There are other common causes of seasonal and non-seasonal hair baldness and darkening of the skin in bulldogs that might include the flanks.
Examples of other medical conditions associated with baldness and skin darkening are:
- Bulldog demodicosis red mite
- Bulldog food allergies
- Bulldog atopic allergic dermatitis
- Bulldog skin yeast infection.
Skin scraping, cytology, and cultures can help with a definitive diagnosis when needed.
Flank Alopecia in Bulldogs Dr. Kraemer’s FINAL ADVICE:
It is worthwhile and safe to initiate a topical skincare treatment and administer therapeutic supplements until you can see your veterinarian and establish a definitive diagnosis.
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