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Color Mutant Alopecia
(Blue Doberman Syndrome)
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Color Mutant Alopecia (Blue Doberman Syndrome)
Race Foster, DVM
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Color mutant alopecia is a condition of the coat associated
with blue (dilute black) or fawn
(dilute brown) coat colors. It affects blue, and occasionally red,
Doberman Pinschers.
Despite the name, other breeds can have a hair loss linked
to coat color. Most notable are blue
Chow Chows, Dachshunds, Whippets, Standard Poodles, and Great Danes.
What are the symptoms?
Most dogs who develop this condition are born with (except for
color) normal appearing coats.
Symptoms generally develop in dogs 4 months to 3 years of age. As
they grow and mature, they
develop brittle hair, followed by patchy hair loss sometimes referred
to as a 'moth-eaten'coat.
Only the blue portions of the coat are affected. Other colored areas
remain normal. Secondary
infection and inflammation of the hair follicles is also seen.
What are the risks?
Initially, the dog will appear quite normal, but with a thin coat
in the blue areas. As the condition
advances, the skin also becomes involved and can become infected.
What is the management?
The condition is incurable. Treatment, however, may help alleviate
some of the symptoms.
Medicated shampoos such as benzoyl peroxide may help reduce scaling
and itching.
© 2004 Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com
(http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208
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