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Alopecia (hair loss) related to dilute coat color is a recognized condition in Dobermans. It's called Color Dilution Alopecia or CDA. CDA affected dogs are born with normal hair coats. CDA is characterized by loss of hair from dilutely pigmented areas. Coats are normal at birth, and onset of hair loss usually begins between six months and three years of age. Hair loss usually begins along the dorsal midline (middle of the back) and often spares the head, tail and limbs. In blue dogs with tan points, the tan areas retain a normal appearance. The skin in the affected areas is usually scaly and may occasionally develop bacterial infections.
Diagnosis of CDA requires first ruling out other causes of hair loss. Diagnostic tests should include fungal cultures, skin scrapings to check for parasitic mites, etc. CDA often closely resembles endocrine (hormone related) hair loss and the dog should be carefully examined for any other abnormalities, and tested for normal thyroid function. Presence of dilute pigment and a characteristic course of disease also aid in making the diagnosis. Microscopic examination of hairs and\or skin biopsies can be used to confirm the diagnosis. There is no cure for CDA. Treatment is limited to controlling the scaliness and any associated pruritus with various shampoos or topical treatments. The cause of CDA is not clearly understood. The relationship between dilute pigment (check your dog's D locus test results) and hair loss is clear, but why are some dilute individuals unaffected? In Dobermans, the dilute individuals comprise only 8-9% of the breed, yet 50-80% of the dilute dogs have CDA.
We're looking into the genetic components of CDA. Want to help? Submit your dog's CDA status (whether your dog does or does not experience CDA) using this form.
Diagnosis of CDA requires first ruling out other causes of hair loss. Diagnostic tests should include fungal cultures, skin scrapings to check for parasitic mites, etc. CDA often closely resembles endocrine (hormone related) hair loss and the dog should be carefully examined for any other abnormalities, and tested for normal thyroid function. Presence of dilute pigment and a characteristic course of disease also aid in making the diagnosis. Microscopic examination of hairs and\or skin biopsies can be used to confirm the diagnosis. There is no cure for CDA. Treatment is limited to controlling the scaliness and any associated pruritus with various shampoos or topical treatments. The cause of CDA is not clearly understood. The relationship between dilute pigment (check your dog's D locus test results) and hair loss is clear, but why are some dilute individuals unaffected? In Dobermans, the dilute individuals comprise only 8-9% of the breed, yet 50-80% of the dilute dogs have CDA.
We're looking into the genetic components of CDA. Want to help? Submit your dog's CDA status (whether your dog does or does not experience CDA) using this form.