Chihuahua Crossing Forum Closed

Meeker · Kid Chi

Balding?

6Chishere · Adult Chi

Sometimes the hair at the bases of the ears can be a little thin, thats totally normal, but if the hairloss starts getting worse then I would definetly take her to the vet.

ChiMom79 · Administrator

Yes, she is right. My Hershey has bald places right at the base of his ear area. If this just looks really odd to you or it spreads, please do ask a vet about it.

Jess · Senior Chi

What they said!

Gosh, isn't it great having a Vet Tech around the place?! Nice one Crystal!

x

bluebrookchis · Senior Chi

I agree with everyone

mika · Kid Chi

How old is Meeker? What color is Meeker? Could he be shedding his puppy coat? My Roscoe just hit 4 months old and his hair is starting to thin around his ears and on his head as well, and although he's a blue chi (which can sometimes suffer hair loss), I'm thinking it's because he's shedding his coat.

Jessie · Senior Chi

I agree with what has been said

Meeker · Kid Chi

Just to let you guys know...
It ended up that Meeker had a form of mange called demodectic mange... I included info about it at the end of this post... apparently the mites are present on their skin but can activate after stress.� I had alot of complications with meekers spay because the vet offered me no pain meds... My new vet said that the stress of recovery was probably what caused the mange to activate...
Great thing is, that it is totally treatable (and cheap) and it isnt contageous to other dogs...
She is all better now and the baldness is all gone :)
Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex canis, a tiny mite that cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope. This mange strikes puppies from three to 12 months old.

The demodex mite is commonly present in the pores of puppy skin and usually does not cause symptoms, and it not at all certain what causes them to activate. The mites can produce a substance that lowers the dog's resistance to them and make use of an opportunity to multiply.

It's also possible that some lines of purebred dogs carry lowered resistance to the mites, and that stress can trigger an active infestation. In any case, demodectic mange symptoms include thinning of the hair around the eyes and mouth and on the front legs that evolves into patches of hair loss approximately one inch in diameter. This mange may correct itself within three months or may require treatment.

However, demodectic mange can also begin as a localized infestation and develop into a generalized case with multiple hair-loss sites on the dog's head, legs, and body. This is a far more serious condition and requires veterinary attention. The dog's skin is sore, crusty, and oozing; the hair follicles are clogged with mites and debris. Treatment is extended and requires bathing in medicated shampoo and application of an insecticide to kill the mites.

Jess · Senior Chi

Thanks so much for teh update!� It's great she's doing so much better; it's so horrible when such a sweet natured animal is in pain of any kind.�

I had not heard of Dermodectic Mange, so thanks for the info on it!�

�

x

JacobsBunch · Administrator

Question on this....do the dogs with this scratch their head and feet a lot??

bluebrookchis · Senior Chi

� I went thru this with a litter, it can be genetic also. Its was nofun at all. Heather, I don't remember them itching so much on there head and feet, I wouldn't worry unless you start seeing some hair loss. If so get her to the vet. It don't pass unless it dog have contact with eachother. They have to be playing and touching each other to get it. Stress can cause it, even heat cycles.

bluebrookchis · Senior Chi

I wanted to add, it wasn't anything I did for the pups to get the demodectic mange, it passed from there mom to the pups. The mom was fine and never showed signs,but they can pass it along. I no longer have her and never had a problem again.