Unexplained hair loss--hypothyroidism, autoimmune problem, or something else--Help!
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I'm writing on behalf of my neighbor's Akita. What a wonderful, mild-tempered companion he is, which is why it pains me all the more to see his condition deteriorating. In Sept. 2005 he was diagnosed with and treated for hypothyroidism. Then in March 2007 he began itching. His hair began falling out arbitrarily all over his body and never grew back. There are no skin lesions, no flaking, no ulcers, no wounds of any kind. Once the hair falls out the skin turns from pink to black. Additionally, bloodwork drawn at the time revealed a low white blood cell count, a low red blood cell count and a low protein level. Of course he was put on Prednisone and only now, 7 months later, is he being weaned off. The owner, who is a microbiologist, has read extensively on Akitas and their health problems and has attempted to do everything within her power (i.e. diet and other possible allergens). She and I both think this may still be a more complicated thyroid problem, but the last 3 vets she's been to don't seem very motivated to solve this problem. Has anyone out there had similar experiences? Can anyone shed light on this condition? Can anyone recommend a vet in the Rochester/Buffalo, NY area? A million thank-yous....
