Ask the Veterinarian/dog ears?

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Expert: - 12/26/2007


Question

ear
I have a shiba inu he's 1 year old. Recently I noticed that he  is missing hair in his ears. First it started at the tip of his ear then it gradually started to appear in his other ear along the outer edges of his ears. What could this possibly mean?

Answer
There are several possibilities here.  Hair loss along the ear margin can be from shaking the head, a fungal infection, sarcoptic mange mites, or a vasculitis.  Your vet will need to examine the ear margins to determine what this is and what to do about it.

Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf

Expertise

Dermatology and ear diseases of dogs and cats

Experience

I am the author of "Small Animal Ear Diseases; An Illustrated Guide" published by W.B. Saunders. I have over 25 years of clinical experience with a special interest in dermatologic conditions and ear diseases.

Organizations
American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology

Publications
Veterinary Forum
Veterinary Medicine
Waltham Focus

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