Thread: Prednisone and Azathioprine = hair loss?

Originally Posted by Bearjing

Hmm. I've read that Azathioprine is a "folic acid antagonist" and can cause hairloss. I'd ask the vet about it. How much longer is she supposed to be taking the Azathioprine?

(I don't have any experience, but what I read is that the effect is usually temporary.)

I talked to my wife who assures me the heavy fur loss has only been 2-3 weeks, shortly after the last reduction. Will find out after the next blood test in 2 weeks if she can be further reduced. It just seems odd that this long into a treatment, and at the lower dose, she is getting this. Maybe it is just a coincidence and it is her thyroid or some other unrelated thing. Her energy and weight are great, but she does show some allergic behavior(licking paws and scratching) There was no hair loss before so the hair seems new. Thanks for the response.

The Vet said the hair loss doesn't concern them so long as it isn't in patches. Given the different opinions we got for the original diagnosis of her immune problems I don't believe everyting they say though. I almost wonder if the steroids prevented her from summer shedding and this is maybe just overdue dumping of old fur.