I picked up a Doberman from a rescue organization yesterday. I was told he had a skin infection and with meds he would be good as new. I have already fallen in love with this dog and don’t care about his hair but…..
I am trying to get input on what I can expect….now that I have done some research on the net, I think he may have Color diluted alopecia….He is a 2yr old fawn dobie and only has normal hair on his feet…….the rest of his body has VERY thin hair.
The rescue organization found him as a stray emaciated and with this “skin infection”. Which also means he had no/poor nutrition which could have also caused the hair loss??
If anyone has any experience with dobermans and skin issues, please let me know what you think, and what I should do next?
Omega 3 supplements? If so how much? He weighs 65 lbs.
The rescues vet diagnosed him with “Alopecia w/crusting”
My vet will be looking at him next week…but advice now would be great!
THANKS in advance
Color Diluted Alopecia is not indicative of any health issue, it is caused by a gene linked to the dilution gene, it is not caused by bad nutrition or other health issues. It is simply hair loss and does not require major treatment; just keep the skin clean and free of anything that may block the follicles or cause skin irratation. If the dog has any scabbing, crusting, irritation, etc., then there is likely an accompanying infection. If any infection or possible mange has been treated and the hair remains thin, then you know he has CDA. Dogs that have CDA will not regain their coat, but they can live out perfectly healthy lives otherwise. Omega 3′s and 6′s can help just by keeping the skin healthy, usually a dog that size can get about 1-2 tsp. of good quality fish oil a day.
Just like hair loss in people, it does not mean they are unhealthy nor is there much you can do to regrow the hair other than to keep the dog in good health and keep the coat clean.
Oh, and if the coat gets really thin, be careful about sunburn. Sunscreen is a must on sunny days if the dog doesn’t have a coat to keep the sun away.
There is a Yahoo support group for owners of blue and fawn Dobies that may be of help to you.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bluedobes/
Thank you for looking into Dobe rescue! Depending how bad it is, you will probably have your work cut out for you. Some cases are more severe than others, but I would follow the advise from your Vet and your rescue mentors, to the tee. They will be able to help you the most with special diet, baths, supplements, etc. Once you get him on all the proper treatments, hopefully things will get easier for you. Blues and fawns usually have alot more coat issues than blacks and reds. Follow all the Vets advice and I wish you the best. Dobes are a wonderful breed.
HI!
Thank you for rescuing another Doberman in need. There are so many out there that desperately need homes.
I have a fawn female (pic on my 360 page), who has a thin coat. If you want a REAL diagnosis on whether or not he actually has alopecia you need to see a veterinary dermatologist. Lots of vets are quick to say alopecia on dogs who sometimes just have a skin infection and/or demodectic mange. Both of which are easily treatable conditions.
CDA is harder to deal with. Basically, if the dog has CDA the hair doesn’t come back. He will be partially bald but it is cosmetic ONLY and will not affect his health in any way. They’re still lovable goobers just like any other dobie.
There is a WONDERFUL group on yahoo that is for dilute doberman owners. Some but not all of us have dogs with coat problems. Many of the group have been in dobermans for DECADES and have a special love for the dilutes. I HIGHLY recommend anyone that has a dilute to join up.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bluedobes/
There are things you can do to promote a better coat if you’re willing to take the time. Even a thin or BALD dobe is just as healthy and 100% doberman.
Good luck with your new baby and again, thank you for taking in a homeless dog and trying to do the best for him!
go to Doberman Health in Yahoo Groups. You will find plenty of folks with firsthand experience. You might also check the blue dobes group since they seem to have the biggest problem with alopecia. Also…in all seriousness…don’t forget to put sunscreen on your guy when outside (even on overcast days) since he doesn’t have much coat to protect his skin from burning. Best of luck!