Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 5/17/2007

Question
my gsd has an ongoing problem with hair loss it always starts on her back near her tail,then develops into a round patch of baldness is itchy at the moment but has no flees.my vet says it could be an allergy is 85%sure but it is recurring every 6 months or so.this is expensive treatment consists of a steroid injection and anti inflammatory.i am worried it coulds be something like a mite,she tells me it would be expensive to find this out.

Answer
In that location, I would think of flea allergy first.  If the dog gets one flea every month, that can be enough to stimulate the allergic response.  If the steroids hold her from itching, then that is what is needed. To rule out mites, have her dipped or treated with ivermectin.  Ask your vet about that. If you want to know what type of skin reaction there is, a skin biopsy is the way to know.