Definition:
Follicular dysplasia is a genetic disease in dogs that results in hair loss (alopecia). This disease has several types, some affecting only a single breed, others affecting all canine. Common breeds affected by follicular dysplasia include Chinese Crested dogs and Mexican hairless dogs.
Structural follicular dysplasia affects the Curly Coated Retriever, Portuguese Water dog and Irish Water Spaniel. It usually affects dogs between ages 2 to 4.
Atrophic follicular dysplasia is the counterpart of male human baldness since this type of disease is breed-dependent and sex-dependent. It affects Chihuahuas, miniature pinschers and dachshunds.
Cyclic follicular dysplasia, commonly known as seasonal alopecia, starts during early spring or late fall, but regrow after six months. It is common in bulldogs, boxers, Airedale terriers, Staffordshire terriers, Affenpinscher and Wirehaired pointing griffons.
Follicular lipidosis occurs only in Rottweilers, which are nine months old.
Color dilution alopecia is an inherited disease affecting fawn or blue coats.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is made through biopsy.
Treatment:
Melatonin can used to encourage fast hair growth. Some types of follicular dysplasia are treated by etretinate.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of structural follicular dysplasia vary from one breed to the next, but all involve weakened hair and hair loss. The hair loss is typically seen in areas of trauma and repeated grooming.
Symptoms of atrophic follicular dysplasia depend on breed type. Greyhounds are usually affected in the thigh area, abdomen and chest, while miniature and toy dogs suffer from hair loss on the neck, inner thighs, ventral abdomen and ventral chest.
Symptoms of cyclic follicular dysplasia include hyperpigmentation of flanks and bilateral hair loss, while color dilution alopecia has symptoms ranging from extreme hair loss to recurrent skin infections on the back or whole body.
Causes:
Most types of follicular dysplasia are caused by malfunctioning hair follicles due to abnormal structures. Follicular lipidosis, however, is caused by invasion of lipids on hair follicle cells.
