Alopecia of genetic origin
Request by Jade Jacob Vernay on May 5, 2020
Total alopecia and red skin on the back and side of a pomeranian.
General observations
Pomeranians are predisposed to a dermatosis responding to growth hormone, one of the many facets of dermatosis now grouped under the Alopecia X category. This dermatosis manifests itself in adulthood.
Symptoms to manage here and factors to consider:
In the photo provided, we can observe total alopecia on the upper half of the body. Some scattered hair but in very small quantities does not allow us to deduce that even partial regrowth would be initiated.
The genetic cause has been determined, so it is not, a priori, an allergic problem or due to short clipping. Since the causes of alopecia are always exceedingly difficult to determine, this factor could very well be changed in the future by a new veterinary diagnosis.
In symptomatic genetic alopecia, the groomer has little room for maneuver. However, he will be able to set up a protocol to help the body and try to facilitate regrowth without guarantee of results. The chances of regaining a healthy, fully regrown coat are slim.
Here the dog presented is groomed by his owner; professional breeder, therefore the chances of improvement are greater because care can be provided on a regular basis and as often as necessary.
Recommended DAATA grooming protocol:
Here the skin is completely bare, so access to care is easier. The skin needs constant hydration and conditioning. It is therefore recommended to groom the dog at least once a week and to apply a moisturizer every day while massaging the skin in order to facilitate the absorption of water and oil by the skin and to promote vascularity.
Complete grooming:
IN CASE OF ABSENCE OF SKIN IRRITATION
1. Place the dog in the bath directly (no prior brushing), use 32 to 35 ° C water for the bath. Wet the dog abundantly and especially the bare skin. Once the hair is completely saturated with water, stay a few minutes on the parts where the alopecia is most noticeable.
2. Do not hesitate to massage the dog for the duration of the bath.
3. Apply a mild shampoo if possible, containing an emollient oil such as tucuma for example.
4. Thoroughly massage areas of alopecia while shampooing. Be sure to respect the dilution rate of the shampoo to avoid any damage to the skin and promote shampoos as natural as possible. On the bare parts, you may prefer a solid soap to clean the skin (unless it is dry) based on an emollient oil such as olive oil for example. If the skin is dry, grate a few shavings of soap into a separate bowl of water and mix to make a dilution that will be less aggressive on dry skin. Be careful, oily skin can also be dry.
5. Rinse thoroughly and insist on the areas with alopecia. Alopecia areas will not need a second shampoo (if a second shampoo is needed on hairy areas, do not re-shampoo the alopecia areas).
6. Once the dog has been meticulously cleaned, prepare a bath (for immersion of the dog) in a small basin at 30 to 32 ° for dry skin or 32 to 35 ° for normal skin. If possible, use distilled or demineralized water. Massage the dog in the water for 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Take the dog out of the bath and, if you have used water at 34/35 ° C, rinse it with water at a temperature between 30 and 32 ° C.
8. Condition the whole dog with conditioner (dose according to the hairy parts and not the alopecia parts).
9. Dry the dog if possible, without an appliance (towel and ambient air only). If the use of a blow dryer or blaster is necessary, protect the areas with alopecia.
10. Once the dog is dry, apply the moisturizer and massage the areas with alopecia. The moisturizer can be applied every day, every 2 days, or every three days depending on the skin's needs. Prefer a moisturizing and emollient cream at the same time: it can be based on shea butter, coconut oil, etc.
11. Repeat the bath once a week for now.
12. Do not hesitate to add a small knob of coconut oil to the daily ration as well as a few drops of salmon oil.
Other grooming if certain problems appear
In case of the presence of irritation
If the areas in alopecia show painless irritation, lower the working temperatures:
The bath will be done at 27 ° C to 29 ° C for a healthy adult dog, from 29 ° C to 32 ° C for an elderly dog, young or with joint or breathing difficulties due to his physique or pathology.
Avoid shampooing the irritated areas (use only water without pressure) except using a medical shampoo prescribed by the veterinarian for the irritation (to be used only on the irritated area).
Drying should be done as a priority in ambient air or with an absorbent towel (without rubbing the irritated areas).
If the alopecia areas present painful irritation or inflammation:
Perhaps recommend a visit to the vet before grooming.
The bath will be done at 27 ° C to 29 ° C for a healthy adult dog, from 29 ° C to 32 ° C for an elderly dog, young or with joint or breathing difficulties due to his physique or pathology.
Do not apply any conventional cosmetics to the inflamed or painful areas (if the veterinarian has prescribed a medical shampoo for the inflamed or painful areas, apply this shampoo only to the affected areas).
Drying should be done as a priority in ambient air or with an absorbent towel (without rubbing the irritated areas).
