“Dysplasia” simply means an abnormality of development, such as an abnormality in the size, shape or organization of cells, tissues or organs. The term “follicle” refers to a sac or pouch-like depression or cavity. In this particular disorder, canine follicular dysplasia, the follicle involved is a hair follicle, which is the depression or invagination in the skin that contains the hair root and from which the hair grows.
Follicular dysplasia is a non-inflammatory disorder of a dog’s haircoat. It results in hair loss and an abnormally poor coat quality. Sometimes, the pattern of hair loss is symmetrical; this is called pattern alopecia. “Alopecia” means hair loss. Other times, the hair loss is not symmetrical. Other names for disorders that are classified under this general condition are canine recurrent flank alopecia, cyclic flank alopecia, alopecia X, color dilution alopecia, blue Doberman syndrome and black hair follicular dysplasia. While each of these is a separate condition, they still all fall under the general umbrella category of canine follicular dysplasia.
There is evidence that canine follicular dysplasia – including symmetrical pattern alopecia (symmetrical hair loss), black hair follicular dysplasia, canine recurrent flank alopecia, alopecia X, and color dilution alopecia, among others - has a significant hereditary component, especially in certain breeds. Canine follicular dysplasia is a term that encompasses a number of hair-loss-related disorders. Color dilution alopecia (CDA) is genetically seen in certain breeds with dilute coat colors, such as blue Great Danes, Yorkshire Terriers,
Dogs with follicular dysplasia typically do not suffer any adverse effects from their condition. The only time that they may be itchy or distressed is if their hair loss is significant and they develop secondary infections, sunburn or other irritation of their skin.There are two general forms of canine follicular dysplasia: that which affects the ventrum of the dog (its belly area) and that which affects its ears (pinnae). In most cases, dogs are born
The diagnosis of follicular dysplasia is made primarily based upon the breed, the dog’s history and the veterinarian’s physical examination of the animal. External parasite infestation, such as that caused by the mites that cause demodectic mange, among others, must be ruled out as a cause of hair loss. Hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease), as well as other endocrine disorders, must also be ruled out as a cause of a dog’s hair loss. Of course,
The treatment for canine follicular dysplasia, in whatever form it presents, is largely supportive and involves medical management rather than a “cure”. The goals of treatment are to restore hair growth if possible and to prevent secondary bacterial infections in or around the hair follicles. Some reports suggest that administration of melatonin may stimulate hair regrowth and/or shorten the duration of hair loss, although most of these reports are anecdotal and not supported by definitive