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=====Nutritional/metabolic/debilitation/toxicosis=====
=====Nutritional/metabolic/debilitation/toxicosis=====
Iodism, plant toxicoses, selenium, anhidrosis, starvation, chronic hepatic/renal disease
Iodism, plant toxicoses, selenium, anhidrosis, starvation, chronic hepatic/renal disease
==Clinical signs==
The signs can be '''obvious or subtle''', depending on the disease. Congenital hair loss is often symmetrical and not accompanied by any inflammatory changes.
In acquired alopecia, the clinical signs are influenced by the cause. The alopecia can be '''localised, multifocal, symmetric or generalised'''.
Inflammatory changes such as: '''lichenification, hyperpigmentation, erythema, scaling and pruritus''' are common. Some causes of alopecia predispose animals to developing '''secondary skin diseases''' such as bacterial pyoderma or seborrhoea.
In '''endocrine disorders''', the pattern of loss is symmetrical, often in wear areas first, and pruritus is not generally present.
==Diagnostic tests==
A thorough history and physical examination are very important.
'''Key points in the history''': breed (any congenital predispositions), duration and progression of lesions, presence of pruritus, evidence of contagion, other non-dermatological problems.
On '''physical examination''': the type and distribution of lesions should be noted.
'''Hairs''' should be examined to determine if they are being shed from the follicle or broken off, which suggests pruritus.
Diagnostic tests:
'''Skin scrapings''': for ectoparasites (especially ''Demodex'')
'''Hair brushings''': for fleas, mites, lice
'''Tape strips''' for bacterial or yeast infections
'''Fungal culture''' for evidence of ringworm
'''Skin biopsy''': if the other tests are normal. The hair follicles and structures can be examined and any inflammatory patterns can be noted.
'''Haematology and biochemistry''' are helpful in the diagnosis of endocrinopathies, and specific '''endocrine function tests''' should be performed if such a disease is suspected.
==Treatment==
This will depend on the underlying cause of the alopecia.
==References==
==References==
[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
[[Category:To Do - Review]]
[[Category:Integumentary System - Developmental Pathology]]
[[Category:Integumentary System - Developmental Pathology]]