Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 6/10/2007

Question
My 14 year old, neutered (as a puppy) Keeshond has developed black skin around his neck & shoulders and on his rear end, accompanied by hair loss in these areas.  The condition does not appear to bother him in the least.  He's been tested for many things, including Cushing's (sp?) disease, and nothing has been found.  He's been on Soloxine for several years due to high cholesterol, but that's the only medication he takes.  The only thing I could come up with searching the web is growth-hormone responsive dermatosis (sounds exactly like what he has), but this seems not to mean anything to my vet.  Any ideas?  

Answer
Has your dog's thyroid level been tested to see if the Soloxine is correcting the low thyroid condition.  There are many endocrine (hormone) related alopecia (hair loss) conditions.  Testing for the levels of many of the hormones, including growth hormone, is poissible, but very expensive.  If it is found that one hormone is out of normal range, then it can be supplied or inhibited in some cases.  You may need a specialist for that kid of testing and treatment.