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. 🤔 Is 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
Seasonal Baldness Flank Alopecia In Bulldogs INTRODUCTION:
Bulldog and Fr. Bulldog Flank Alopecia is unique to the breed, it is a form of seasonal hair loss often linked to reduced sunlight exposure during shorter days. This condition typically presents as patchy hair loss on both sides of the back and flanks, accompanied by dark skin discoloration of the bald area. In many cases, the hair regrows naturally during the sunnier months, reflecting its seasonal nature.
However, for some bulldogs the flank alopecia is permanent and while the condition is usually benign, monitoring for other symptoms is advisable to rule out other underlying causes of hair loss.
What Causes Flank Alopecia Seasonal Baldness in Bulldogs and Fr. Bulldogs?
The seasonal changes in your bulldog’s coat, especially variations in hair growth, are thought to be influenced by the hormone
- melatonin
- prolactin.
-These hormones may interact with hormone receptors in the hair follicles at the flank area.
During periods of reduced sunlight exposure, such as in the winter months, the activity of these hormones can impact the hair follicles, leading to a slowdown or even a complete halt in hair growth.
This illustrates the complex connection between hormonal balance and environmental factors in maintaining 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 impact 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.
What are the Symptoms of Flank Alopecia Seasonal Baldness?
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.
Is Bulldog Non-Itchy Flank Baldness Seasonal or Yearly?:
Most cases of nonpruritic flank alopecia in bulldogs are seasonal. However, some bulldogs may remain bald indefinitely, regardless of the season, light exposure, or melatonin supplementation.
While some bulldogs might experience complete hair regrowth, others may only see partial regrowth. It’s also important to note that not all instances of bulldog flank baldness follow a seasonal or cyclical pattern.
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.
How to Prevent Flank Alopecia Seasonal Baldness in Bulldogs?
Flank alopcia is considered a cosmetic skin condition and is not generally associated with a medical problem, thus Rx is not required.
1. TREATING FLANK HAIR LOSS WITH LIGHT & SUNLIGHT:
Exposure to sunlight and increased light can often reverse bulldog and French bulldog flank alopecia, leading to hair regrowth and the resolution of skin discoloration. Seasonal baldness in these breeds frequently improves with adequate light exposure.
2. MELATONIN TREATMENT FOR BULLDOG FLANK HAIR LOSS
If you feel compelled to take action, you might consider trying a melatonin supplement, though it is not likely to be highly effective.
3. THERAPEUTIC TOPICALS FOR FLANK ALOPCIA:
Topical skin care treatment can help if there are other underlying conditions, such as allergies, yeast, and bacteria
- Therapeutic Bully waterless gels & lotions
- Soothing and antiseptic therapeutic shampoo baths
- Therapeutic Bully Skin Spray
- Therapeutic Bully Skin Conditioners.
4. THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS FOR BULLDOG FLANK BALDING:
Skin Care Therapeutic Supplements can help if there are other underlying conditions.
- Bully Fish oil Omega EFA Skin-Immune-Joint Chews.
- Bully Immune Boosting & Support
- Bully Skin & Coat Derma Care
- Bully ItchLess & Allergies Formla
Bulldog Flank Alopecia Seasonal Baldness TIPS
Below are selective flank alopecia tips and warnings courtesy of Dr. Kraemer
#1 🩺BULLDOG FLANK APLOECIA MELATONIN TIP:
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates photoperiodic functions and can sometimes help prevent bulldog seasonal baldness. Administering oral melatonin is generally safe and cost-effective; a dosage of 6 mg twice daily is recommended for an average-sized bulldog, typically continued until the hair regrows.
#2🩺 BULLDOG BALDING SEASONAL TIP:
Even with sunlight and melatonin, hair growth may take a few months.
#3 🩺 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.
Are All Flank Hair Loss Seasonal Alopecia?
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.
To help with a definitive diagnosis basic diagnostic testing might be required, examples are
- Skin scraping: to help rule out skin mites
- Skin cytology: help rule out bacteria, yeast, and abnormal cells
- Skin cultures: to help rule out bacteria type
- Skin fungal culture: to help rule out ringworm
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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