Skin issues all of the sudden!

[Roxysmom]

Hello!

Hi all!! This is Gracie Lu! She is an 8 1/2 year old bully and has been super healthy for the most part. She has developed like a rash or something where she is loosing her fur on both sides (2 areas on her side and hip)...same spots. Can anyone tell me what this looks like? Nothing has changed in her diet or environment. Just want to ask here before the never ending carousel at the vet.

Thank you!

 

[1Chumly]

It's most likely Seasonal Flank Alopecia. Very common and completely harmless. It is cosmetic. Some have good luck with Melatonin, we did not. It goes away on its own to maybe come back in a different location. A Google search will give loads of information! Here is one.

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102899&id=4952868

 

[Cbrugs]

Yup, looks like SFA. As mentioned, some have success with melatonin. I know some also try Vitamin D. I am not sure what food you are feeding, but you could try a diet change as well.

 

[Manydogs]

Here is a photo of SFA. She had it on both sides. This side didn't grow back much! I still love her!

 

[oscarmayer]

As previously stated, it's flank alopecia. It's not uncommon in Bulldogs. One of our rescues had it when he came in and it's now completely filled in...took 2 years. I'm thinking it was diet related as that's the only thing that we've changed in his routine care...that, and Dinovite.

 

[Roxysmom]

It's most likely Seasonal Flank Alopecia. Very common and completely harmless. It is cosmetic. Some have good luck with Melatonin, we did not. It goes away on its own to maybe come back in a different location. A Google search will give loads of information! Here is one.

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102899&id=4952868

Thank you so much! That looks like exactly what it is! So glad I asked here first! You guys are awesome!

 

[Roxysmom]

As previously stated, it's flank alopecia. It's not uncommon in Bulldogs. One of our rescues had it when he came in and it's now completely filled in...took 2 years. I'm thinking it was diet related as that's the only thing that we've changed in his routine care...that, and Dinovite.

Thank you! I think you are right!

 

[Roxysmom]

Yup, looks like SFA. As mentioned, some have success with melatonin. I know some also try Vitamin D. I am not sure what food you are feeding, but you could try a diet change as well.

Thank you! She is on Hills Metabolic Diet for weight and has been for years so nothing has changed there. We did stay in Massachusetts all year this year instead of going back to Arizona like we normally do in the winter. That might be what the problem is! She likes to lay in the sun and she didn't really get to do that this winter. Thank you all again!