[buttonlady]

My 3 y/o pom has hair loss along most of his body, other than his head, front legs and tail; he was diagnosed 3 months ago as hypothyroid, has been on replacement therapy, his T4 was within normal range when checked, but he has not had any hair regrowth. My vet thought he had a staph skin infection also, and had him on antibiotics for 10 days. He also sent up a dermatology consult, and we go to see her next week.

I've researched hair loss, and it seems that there are a lot of systemic conditions that can manifest themselves in a dog's coat. I'd like to be able to ask the dermatologist pertinent questions, and give her all the information she needs; however, I'm afraid I'll sound like an obsessed, over-protective, worry-wart of an owner (which I am, I just don't want to be perceived as one!).

I don't care if it's just cosmetic, I can deal with a bald little dog; I'm concerned that it may be symptomatic of a more serious condition that needs to be treated.

What do I need to do to prepare for the appointment?

 

[georgiapeach]

I think you just need to let the doctor do his/her thing as the expert. I assume your vet took skin scrapings to rule out any diseases, such as mange, right?

 

[buttonlady]

No, no skin scrappings, just the T4 and CBC; he seemed really sure the thyroid supplement would take care of the problem.

 

[georgiapeach]

Hmm, I would think a skin scraping is in order with the hair loss. That's something you can ask the dermotologist about.