Expert: Kaza - 2/6/2008

Question
My 8 year old female bichon's hair seems to be thinning, however we do not see any evidence of hair loss.  She is being treated for diabetes (insulin shots),eats a high protein diet and is doing very well! Any opinion?  Thanks!!

Answer
I had answered this but it came back to me I dont know why, but here is the answer again.

Hiya Sharon
You say that your little one is being treated for diabetes and receiving insulin, I have to ask a few questions
Did the vet test for
Thyroid disorders
Cushings
as these are commonly associated with thinning hair and alopecia, so I would suggest that you seek clarification from the vet.
Once  all of these have been established and treatment has been regulated and settled the thinning hair should settle.
I would suggest an increase in fatty acids and omegas within the dogs diet to assist follicle strength and strengthen immune system
these can be bought from a health shop.
I would also increase fish within the diet.
Fish protein is better for a dog with these conditions.

These are the symptoms of Cushings
thinning hair - loss of hair in patches with
  no regrowth resulting in spots
* distended belly  
* poldypsia - drinking too much
* polyuria - frequent urination
* polyphagia - eating large quantities
* enlarged adbomen ( due to enlarged  
  liver)
* thinning of the skin  
* muscle weakness
* increased panting
As you can see, these symptoms mirror the symptoms of diabetes.
As I mentioned above I would get clarification as thyroid disease can also be simlar to Diabetes.
Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder and cannot be prevented. However, once treatment begins, the majority of the symptoms resolve. Symptoms may include:
* Lethargy – lack of interest in play; frequent sleeping  
* Depression  
* Exercise intolerance
* Weight gain without a noticable gain in appetite
* Cold intolerance
* Slow heart rate
* Infertility  
* Constipation  
* Diarrhea  
* Chronic skin disorders -- dry skin, hair loss  

Hyperthyroidism is much more common in cats (particularly older cats) than in dogs and is a serious condition.  Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism may be:
* weight loss secondary to the increased rate of metabolism.  
* a ravenous appetite
* excessive thirst
* frequent urination
* vomiting or diarrhea
* poor hair coat
* in some cases, anorexia develops as the disease progresses
Except for the ravenous appetite, the rest of these symptoms can also be indicators of CRF (Chronic Renal Failure)

Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are relatively common endocrine diseases in dogs. These diseases are sometimes difficult to differentiate, as they share many clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities. Diagnosis may be further complicated when concurrent HAC and DM is present. A thorough history, physical exam, and diagnostic evaluation are often required to be able to accurately diagnose HAC, DM, or concurrent HAC and DM

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the condition that results from an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells. DM is a fairly common disease affecting 0.2 to 1% of the general canine population, with the incidence in females twice that in males. A genetic predisposition for DM is suspected in Keeshonds, Puliks, Cairn Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, Poodles, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, and Beagles. Most dogs are diagnosed between 4 and 14 years old.

Types of Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 DM results from decreased insulin secretion due to beta cell destruction or loss. Type 2 DM is a consequence of insulin resistance and ineffective beta cell function. In type 2 DM the insulin level may be increased, decreased, or within the reference interval, but in all cases insulin is deficient relative to the level of insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. A third category of DM, secondary DM, occurs when carbohydrate intolerance results from an insulin antagonistic disease or medication. In secondary DM, beta cells initially try to overcome the insulin antagonism by producing and secreting more insulin. If the antagonism persists, the beta cells eventually become exhausted and permanent hypoinsulinemia and irreversible DM result.2 Excessive cortisol in HAC antagonizes the action of insulin by either interfering with receptor binding or causing an abnormal intracellular response to insulin. The resulting secondary DM can obscure the diagnosis of HAC due to the many similar clinical signs.

Clinical Signs of Diabetes Mellitus

The clinical signs of DM are similar to HAC and include polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weight loss . If uncontrolled, severe DM can lead to anorexia, lethargy, depression, vomiting, cataracts, ketoacidosis, dehydration, and death.

If you need more info on this subject feel free to log into my health site
www.eurobichons.com

thanks and good luck