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SEASONAL FLANK ALOPECIA Edmund J. Rosser Jr., DVM, Diplomate ACVD Professor of Dermatology Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine Etiology Unknown Change in photoperiod important Role of pineal gland controlled hormones Prolactin Melatonin Localized hair follicle hormone receptor abnormality Sex Predisposition Most frequently reported in spayed females Can occur in intact males or females and neutered males Breed Predisposition Boxers Airedale Terriers Bulldogs Giant and Miniature Schnauzers Bouvier de Flanders Doberman Pinschers Scottish Terriers German Wirehaired Pointers Clinical Features Bilaterally symmetrical alopecia with hyperpigmentation Affects primarily the flank region May extend to the lateral thorax or dorsally Most commonly occurs in fall/early winter and resolves in late spring/early summer. Cyclical pattern may vary Diagnosis History and physical exam Rule out other endocrine skin diseases Hypothyroidism Cushing’s Disease Reproductive hormone imbalances Histopathology Follicular atrophy, keratin plugging, comedone formation “Witches-foot” appearance Hypermelanosis Treatment None established at this time Manipulation of photoperiod Use of exogenous prolactin or melatonin Melatonin – 1-6 mg/dog TID for the duration of the Alopecic cycle. Needs to be started prior to the onset of alopecia.