Cody's hair problem--worse than we thought

[lovemyshiba]

I posted before about my mother in law's pom, Cody, who is 5 years old, and is loosing his hair on his back. Someone suggested thyroid problems, so I told her that and she took him to the vet for tests. As it turns out, he is perfectly healthy in all aspects, but this problem is within his skin. They told her that they only possible cure, is a growth hormone that they can only get in London. And they're not even 100% sure that's what it is, but it's the only thing that couldn't be ruled out. I'm not sure what it is called, but apparently it is something that only affects 4 breeds, and poms are one of them. The closest vet dermatologist is in Philly, at Penn, and she is debating right now on taking him for more testing, or just letting it go. The vet said it is not life threatening or anything, but he will eventually loose all of his hair:( He looks so bad with these little bald patches, and she is really upset. Another thing, is that the hormone could give him diabetes, and thus put him through more testing and medicine, and probably shorten his life span. For now, I told her until she decides to go buy him a couple of sweaters (they cover it completely), and think it through.
I feel so bad for her though--Cody is such a handsome dog, and now he has this problem. Her mother is facing another illness, and she just lost her job, so everything is really hitting her at once.

When she calls the vet again on monday, she is going to try to get the name of the condition, or the hormone, so we can do some more research. In the meantime, if anyone has any idea of what I am talking about, maybe some more light could be shed on it for us, while we wait.

[jenluckenbach]

I am so sorry that little Cody is ill. But think of it this way: If it is true and the only symptom is hair loss, why do anything? After all, people go bald and you wouldn't love them any less because of it.
In the grooming business I have seen dogs like this, I just never knew what the condition was. And at least one of them was a totaly bald Pomeranian whose only hair left was on the legs and head. And yes, people wonder about why he looks like that, but it did him no harm and he was still as sweet as ever.

[tatsxxx11]

Oh, poor little Cody:( I'm sure it's very upsetting for your family to your little guy losing his fur. Personally, I would not risk him getting diabetes in order to cure the baldness problem. Hormone therapy is very taxing on all body systems. Of course, wait to see what the specialist says and advises. But as has been said, hairless or not, he will always be handsome, with or without a coat. And most importantly, all be loved. Let us know what the specialist says, and hugs and kisses to your Cody!:)