German Shepherd Puppies; Distinctly West German, Uniquely American
100% German Bloodlines,
 Breeding to a higher standard! 

Outstanding Companion and Family Protection dogs; Herding, Performance and Service Dogs are all our Specialty. 
We train/work/title and live with our dogs as well as health test.  We breed sound dogs (not afraid of thunder or gun shots)


 View Our References     Puppies for Sale  |  Older Puppies for Sale  |   Adult/Young Males for Sale  |  Adult/Young Females for Sale

Email us now: vhmerkel@yahoo.com  

Last updated - Thursday, March 19, 2015 08:37:08 PM -0500

Last updated - Sunday, November 08, 2015 08:02:48 PM -0600

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COURAGE - CHARACTER - PREDICTABILITY
Show puppies by Anatomy; Loyal Companions and Protection by Nature; Health and Longevity by good genetics; and proven by Health Testing Certifications. Brought to you by a thoughtful knowledgeable trusted breeder of over 45 years. Breeders of the finest quality Schutzhund/IPO titled & Breed Surveyed German Shepherds in the United States. Our breeding program maintains the integrity of the German Shepherd's heritage to preserve the ideal human-canine bond. 
  "BREEDING HEALTHY DOGS BY DESIGN"


Our Merkel Geneology is from
Haßloch, Germany





We are published in these books

   BREEDER QUALIFICATIONS:
   KENNEL NAME:
Haus Merkel
   Breeder Name: Dyan Merkel
   Website:
http://www.hausmerkel.com
   Location: North Texas
   Contact Info:  vhmerkel@yahoo.com
   214-755-5755

   HEALTH TESTS:
   Hip/Elbow Certifications: Yes
   Degenerative Myopathy Certifications: Yes
   Thyroid tests: Yes
   CERF tests: No

   TRAINING:
   Titles/certifies breeding stock in discipline?: Yes

   BREEDING STOCK:
   Raises breeding stock from puppies: Yes
   Titles dogs bred on premise:  Yes
   Imports titled breeding stock: Yes
   Buys from other Breeders:  NO MORE!

   SCHUTZHUND/IPO:
   Has trained in Schutzhund: Yes
   HOT from puppy to SchH3: Yes
   HOT and bred to SchH3: Yes

   CONFORMATION/BREED SURVEY:
   Show ratings: Yes
   Breed survey: Yes

   BREEDER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
   V Putz vom Haus Merkel SchH3, Kkl 1a
   V Ulla vom Haus Merkel SchH3, Kkl 1a
   V Zessa vom Haus Merkel SchH2, IPO3, Kkl1a
   V Riesa vom Haus Merkel SchH2, Kkl 1a
   V Puma vom Haus Merkel SchH2, Kkl 1a
   V Emma vom Haus Merkel SchH1, Kkl 1a
   SG Wickie vom Haus Merkel IPO1 a
   SG Vessa vom Haus Merkel IPO1 a
   SG1 Clar vom Haus Merkel SchH1 a
   Ch Merkel's Opium SchH1
   V Merkel's Arletta SchH1, a
   SG, VP2 Nixe vom Haus Merkel BH, AD, a
   SG Feli vom Haus Merkel BH, AD, a
   Ch Merkel's Leica UDT, OFA
   Merkel's Leibchen Shiloh UDT, OFA
   Ch Merkels Sangria UDT, OFA
   United States Grand Victrix
   Ch Merkels Vendetta  ROM, OFA
   Ch Merkel' Quaestor CD, ROM, OFA
   Ch Merkel's Essence UD, OFA
   Merkel's Coda vom Jennerick CDX, OFA
   National Certified Search & Rescue
   Lieb vom Haus Merkel OFA,
   National Obedience Winner
  
Ch Merkel's Cut Up of Timmee UDT, OFA
   Certified United States Service Dog
   Bryn vom Haus   Merkel CGC, OFA
   Certified United States Service Dog
  
Fred vom Haus Merkel
   Ch Merkel's The Cutting Edge OFA
   Ch Merkel's Virtual Reality OFA
   Ch Merkel's Tequila CD, OFA
   Ch Merkel's Sante Fe OFA
   Merkel's Spellbound ROM,
OFA
   Merkel's Emma ROM , OFA

   Merkel's Estes CD, near ROM
   2009 Annual Achievement Award Recipient
   Ch Merkel's Heart's are Wild
CDTDTC HIC CGC TDI OFA
   Ch Merkel's Heart to Heart CD, OFA
   PRODOMINANT LINES USED:
   World Sieger Larus von Batu SchH3 Kkl 1a
   World Sieger Zamp vom Thermodos SchH3, Kkl 1
   World Sieger Yasko vom Farbenspiel SchH3,Kkl 1a
   VA Dux della Valcuvia SchH3, Kkl1a
    Kirschental

   WRITTEN GUARANTEE:  Yes
   EDUCATION AVAILABLE:  Yes
   LIFETIME SUPPORT Yes
   YEARS AS BREEDER: 
46
 

S I T E    N A V I G A T I O N


About our 46 years in the Breed

Our German Shepherd Males


Our German Shepherd Females •

Compare with other Breeders

Our References

German Shepherd Puppies for Sale

Older Puppies/Teenagers for Sale

Adult Females for Sale

Adult Males for Sale

Puppy Pricing/Contract


MORE LINKS:         

Neutering your puppy
Deposit
Pricing, Contract
Adult &Young  Males for Sale
Adult &Young Females for Sale


Our German Shepherd Stud Dogs
Breeding Requirements for Stud

Puppy Mill Article
German Shepherd Rescues •
Memorials
Articles
OFA  •
Classifieds
 
More Links:
 
Dog Food Analysis
Worming & Vaccination Schedule

OUR OTHER PETS

Excellent Link to pet/health videos
Any health care links located here are NOT to replace a veterinarian visit; please take your dog to a vet immediately at any sign of odd behavior or any symptoms of illness or injury. Call your vet and describe your dog's symptoms with any of your concerns about the dog's well-being. Your veterinarian may discover changes in your dog's health that you have overlooked. It is always better to err on the side of caution

HEALTH ARTICLES:
 
 
von Willebrand Disease
Coprophagia
Hip dysplasia Positioning
(A badly positioned x-ray can make
your dog look dysplasic!)
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy
MORE ARTICLES:
Other Links
Links
Contact
Add your Link
 
Members of           
GSDCA

WDA

Schutzhund USA

 

My beloved mother
(Dorothy Conner Merkel Obituary)
Love, kindness & laughter was her gift to all.  Always on my mind forever in my heart!


THIS IS WHAT WE FEED & RECOMMEND

Click photo to go to their site

VICTOR SELECT HI-PRO PLUS
Calorie Content (calculated):
ME 3894 kcal/kg;429 kcal/cup

Formula for Active Dog & Puppies contains high levels
of Proteins and Energy with only 30% carbohydrates! This super premium food is naturally formulated with added vitamins, minerals and other additives that work
together to support a strong and healthy immune and digestive system. As with all Victor dog foods, this formula is free from Corn, Wheat, Soy or Glutens and is also made using GMO Free. Dogs love the all natural flavor of this super premium food

 

HOW TO GREET A DOG

Click on photo for the
BEST INFORMATION YOU CAN EVER HAVE ON MEETING OTHER PEOPLES DOGS-Children really need to learn this.
 


READING A DOGS BODY LANGUAGE
attribution (C) DFDK9
www.dfdk9.com 

Canine body language
http://dfdk9.wordpress.com/

THIS is why you do not walk your dogs on asphalt or concrete in the summer. If you see someone walking their dogs on asphalt or concrete, PLEASE educated them and get the pet to cooler ground. Original post was from Pet Ambulance Victoria

This should be sent to all the veterinarians including the specialists!



DOG PARK ALERT

We have received two notices. (1) Nails wrapped in cheese at dog parks in Chicago and Massachusetts (see pic). (2) from some friends that in Augusta Maine dog park, antifreeze is being found in doggie water bowls. Please beware and be careful and PLEASE SHARE and spread the word



Ever wonder where puppy mill dogs come from? Here's an example. Many get cooked alive in the sun and freeze to death in the winter. If you purchase your dog from a pet store, I can guarantee your "AKC" certified dog came from a place like this.  This one is even better than the ones  I saw in Iowa and Missouri!



Do you recognize she is a Yorkie?
Please do not purchase your pet from a Pet shop, Backyard breeder or Commercial Puppy Mill.


ALL PETS RESCUES
needs your help!

 

Official PayPal Seal

 

"The man who rears a dog must complete what the breeder began..." Max v. Stephanitz; Father of the German Shepherd Dog

 

 
"Fun at the Beach"

"Fun at Work"


This is a real combination of symptoms that spells out EMERGENCY. These are the classic symptoms of a condition referred to as "bloat" - a dog that is pacing, restless and has unproductive attempts to vomit.

This is a common problem in large breed deep-chested dogs but can also occur in smaller dogs.

Basically what happens is this - the stomach twists causing the blood supply to the stomach to be compromised then leads to tissue death. As tissues are damaged, toxins are released and a sequence of events occurs that if left untreated, leads to death.

If you ever notice these symptoms in your dog, call your local veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as possible.

This is a condition that is fairly common and often occurs in the evening or nighttime hours. It is also a very expensive condition to treat.  READ MORE...

           

Dealing with Excessive Barking

The first step to stopping barking is to understand why it is happening. Dogs bark for all kinds of reasons, including anxiety, boredom and/or loneliness. Sometimes they bark just because it feels good.  Luckily, most dogs will respond to one or other intervention to curtail their barking. Whether you simply bring an outdoor dog inside or take the time to apply behavior-modification techniques, you can cause a dog to be less of a nuisance and to be more socially acceptable.


Removing Skunk Odor

No need for the tomato juice. Use a mixture of 10 parts hydrogen peroxide to 1 part baking soda. Add a dash of degreasing dishwashing soap and pour into a spray bottle. Spray liberally over dry coat and allow to air dry. Avoid eyes. Works on other objects, too!



Click link below to enjoy the Birding Site
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE BIRDING

FDA DOG FOOD RECALLS    

 

 

 

Causes of Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Dogs  Holly Nash, DVM, MS

There are many diseases and conditions which can cause a dog to lose hair. Some of these may be considered normal, others can indicate a serious disease is present. Most of the conditions which result in hair loss are included in the table below, though some of them may be rare. This extensive list helps you understand why a quick diagnosis may be difficult to make, and various diagnostic tests may need to be performed. The most common conditions causing hair loss are color-coded gray in the table (some may be more common in certain geographical areas).
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc
Condition Description Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment
Acanthosis nigricans Inherited form seen in Dachshunds; secondary form caused by friction, hormonal abnormalities, or hypersensitivities Darkening of the skin; in secondary form see scratching and hair loss History, physical exam; in secondary form, testing to determine underlying cause Primary: no treatment; secondary: treat underlying disease; in some cases, steroids and Vitamin E supplementation
Acral lick dermatitis (neurodermatitis) Self-licking in dogs results in self-trauma; possible causes include anxiety, boredom, stress (e.g., new member in household); licking can develop into an obsessive behavior Red, hairless, well-circumscribed, sometimes raised lesion usually on the leg; if chronic, will drain Exclude other causes; history important Relieve underlying cause e.g., anxiety; restrict licking, e.g., elizabethan collar; behavior modifying medication may be necessary
Adrenal sex hormone responsive dermatosis More common in Pomeranians, Chows, Keeshonden, and Samoyeds Hair loss starts on neck, tail, back of thighs, and progresses to trunk; dog appears to have a 'puppy coat'; skin darkens Biopsy; eliminate other causes Mitotane is optional
Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis An allergic reaction following exposure to antibiotics applied to the skin; metals such as nickel; materials such as rubber, wool, and plastic; and chemicals such as dyes and carpet deodorizers; or inflammation caused by irritating substances such as poison ivy. Generally requires multiple exposures. Red skin and small bumps or blisters on the areas of skin that are sparsely haired and directly exposed to the offending substance, itching; hair loss in chronic conditions Patch test, exclusion trials Restrict exposure to the allergen or contact irritant in the dog's environment; steroids, antihistamines
Alopecia areata Thought to be an autoimmune disorder Patches of hair loss especially on head, neck, and body; no itching Microscopic examination of hairs; biopsy Usually recover spontaneously
Atopy (allergic inhalant dermatitis) Allergic reaction to something the dog inhales such as pollen, house dust mites, and mold Licking of feet, inflamed ears, itching, redness, and hair loss; sometimes development of infection or hot spots Intradermal or serologic (blood) testing for allergies Reduce exposure to allergen (what the dog is allergic to); steroids, fatty acid supplements, biotin, antihistamines, shampoos, immunotherapy
Bacterial infection (pyoderma)

See Folliculitis

Often occurs as a result of another condition such as a parasitic, allergic, or hormonal condition      
Black hair follicular dysplasia/alopecia/dystrophy Rare hereditary disease in dogs with hair of multiple colors; more common in Bearded Collies, Basset Hounds, Salukis, Beagles, Dachshunds, and Pointers Loss of dark or black hair only; symptoms appear between 3 and 6 weeks of age; sometimes scaling Clinical signs, biopsy Shampoos for scaling if necessary
Callus Results from chronic pressure, especially in large breed dogs Thickened, hairless raised areas over bony pressure points such as elbows; may become secondarily infected History, clinical signs Provide softer bedding and padding around affected area
Castration responsive dermatosis More common in young unneutered dogs, and in Chows, Samoyeds, Keeshonden, Alaskan Malamutes, Miniature Poodles, and Pomeranians Symmetrical hair loss in genital area and neck; hair loss may progress onto trunk; skin may appear darker; severe scaling; hair color may fade; coat is similar to a 'puppy coat' Physical exam and history; eliminate other causes; blood tests for hormone levels Castration
Chemotherapy Loss of hair due to chemotherapy is a concern for dog owners Dogs with continuously growing hair, e.g., Poodles and Maltese, often lose some hair; dogs may lose whiskers History None, hair will regrow after chemotherapy discontinued; may regrow in a different color or texture
Cheyletiella (rabbit fur mite) mange Infection with the Cheyletiella mite Itching, scaliness; some hair loss, if severe Skin scraping and microscopic examination - the mite is often very difficult to find Pyrethrin, Permethrin (Do NOT use permethrin on cats.)
Color dilution/mutant alopecia Hereditary condition affecting dogs with blue (diluted black) or fawn coat colors; more common in Dobermans, Dachshunds, Great Danes, Yorkshire Terriers, Whippets, and Greyhounds Hair in the blue- and fawn-colored areas starts to thin at around 6 months of age; secondary folliculitis often develops Breed; history; and coat color None; avoid excessive grooming or harsh shampoos; protect skin to prevent secondary bacterial infections
Congenital hypotrichosis Congenital lack of hair Puppies born with little or no hair; any hair they are born with is lost by 4 months of age Physical exam; biopsy None
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) Caused by an increase in corticosteroids in the body - either due to increased production by the body or as a side effect of high doses or prolonged therapy with corticosteroids Hair loss, thinning of skin, hyperpigmentation, easy bruising, seborrhea, comedones (black heads), may see calcinosis cutis; lethargy, increased thirst and urination, potbellied appearance Adrenal gland function tests, urinalysis, chemistry panel, CBC If due to glandular tumors, selegiline, o,p-DDD (Mitotane), or surgical removal of tumor; if due to high steroid doses, withdraw use of steroids slowly
Cyclic (cicatrical) alopecia; seasonal flank alopecia Growth cycle of hair stops at certain times of the year Symmetrical hair loss with definite borders; usually on back and flanks; skin may become darker History, clinical signs, biopsy None
Demodectic mange
(red mange, puppy mange)
Infection with the Demodex mite - occurs when the immune system is deficient Hair loss, scaliness, redness, pustules, ulcers, sometimes itching, darkening of the skin Skin scraping and microscopic examination NO Steroids!

Amitraz (Mitaban) dips

Dermatomyositis Some breeds predisposed; cause unknown; aggravated by trauma and UV light Redness, scaling, crusting, hair loss, and scarring on face, ears, and tail; atrophy of muscles involved in chewing Skin biopsy Minimize trauma and exposure to UV light; Vitamin E, fatty acids, short term use of prednisone, oxpentoxifylline; some severe cases do not respond to treatment, and euthanasia may be considered
Diabetes mellitus Abnormal immunity makes diabetic dogs susceptible to infection and other skin conditions Thin skin; some hair loss; seborrhea; recurrent bacterial infections; unregulated dogs also have many other signs of disease; may develop epidermal metabolic necrosis or xanthoma Blood testing Dietary changes; insulin
Drug or injection reaction Rare skin reaction to a drug which is inhaled, given orally, or applied topically; more common with penicillins, sulfonamides, and cephalosporins; usually occurs within 2 weeks of giving the drug Can vary widely and may include itching, hair loss, redness, swelling, papules, crusts, ulcers, and draining wounds History of being treated with a drug, symptoms, biopsy Discontinue offending drug; treat symptomatically
Epidermal metabolic necrosis (necrolytic migratory erythema, hepatocutaneous disease) Uncommon skin disease in older dogs; skin lesions develop in dogs with certain diseases including liver disease, diabetes mellitus, and some pancreatic tumors Reddened, often ulcerated areas with hair loss and crusts; foot pads may be thickened Biopsy; look for underlying disease Treat underlying disease; supportive therapy; poor prognosis
Erythema multiforme Hypersensitivity reaction to infections or drugs; may also be caused by cancer or other diseases Hair loss, 'bull's-eye' lesions, and vesicles often around mouth, ears, groin, and axilla; in some instances, ulcers develop; depression, fever History, clinical signs, rule out other diseases causing similar signs; skin biopsy Treat or remove underlying cause
Estrogen responsive dermatosis (ovarian imbalance type II) More common in young spayed dogs, and in Dachshunds and Boxers Hair loss starting at the genital area and flanks and moving forward; hair color may fade; coat is similar to a 'puppy coat' Physical exam and history; eliminate other causes; response to therapy Estrogen replacement therapy; caution - can have severe side effects
Flea allergy dermatitis (flea bite hypersensitivity) Severe reaction by the animal to the saliva of the flea Intense itching, redness, hair loss papules, crusts, and scales; sometimes development of infection or hot spots Presence of fleas; reaction to intradermal testing Flea control in the environment and on the dog; steroids and antihistamines for the itching
Follicular dystrophy/alopecia/dysplasia (abnormal development or growth of hair)

See Congenital hypotrichosis, Color dilution/mutant alopecia, Black hair folliclular dystrophy/alopecia, Follicular dysplasia (non-color linked)

May be congenital (certain breeds are at increased risk) or acquired later in life from infections, hormonal abnormalities, cancer drugs, and some other diseases Hair loss, sometimes only hair of a certain color; sometimes scaling Clinical signs, breed, skin biopsy In congenital disease, treatment of secondary problems such as infections or scaling; in acquired disease treat underlying cause
Follicular dystrophy/dysplasia (non-color linked) Patchy hair loss of unknown cause seen in the Siberian Husky, Doberman Pinscher, Airedale, Boxer, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Curly Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Portuguese Water Dog In Huskies, hair loss on the body, reddish tinge to hair; in Dobermans, hair loss over lumbar area; in Boxers and Terriers, hair loss over lumbar area, skin may be hyperpigmented; in the Retrievers and Spaniels, loss of guard hairs on back and trunk and secondary hairs are dull and lighter in color Breed, biopsy None
Folliculitis Infection of the hair follicles, often with staph bacteria; symptoms usually appear on skin with less hair, such as the abdomen Pustules form in follicles and break open to form 'bull's-eye,' 'annular,' and 'target lesions,' which have crusty centers and red or darkening on the periphery, and 'epidermal collarettes,' which appear as rings of scaly skin; may itch; short-coated breeds may develop small tufts of hair, which are lost; breeds with long coats may have seborrhea Skin scraping; culture; biopsy Antibiotics for at least 4 weeks - continue antibiotics 10 days beyond the apparent cure; if recurs, look for underlying problem such as allergy or hormonal imbalance
Food allergies Allergic reaction to something in the diet Licking of feet, inflamed ears, itching, redness, and hair loss; sometimes development of infection or hot spots Food elimination trials Change in diet
Granulomas May be due to infections; the body's reaction to foreign material such as plant material (e.g., foxtail) and suture material; other constant irritation; or unknown causes Solid firm nodules of varying sizes; those due to foreign bodies often have draining tracts; may develop hair loss, ulcers, and secondary infections History, clinical signs, biopsy, surgical exploratory Surgical removal of the foreign body (in the case of plant material, tracts may be extensive and require major surgery); antibiotics if infected; treat any other underlying cause
Growth hormone responsive alopecia Not well understood; thought to be caused by an enzyme deficiency or decrease of adrenal hormones, which allows certain other hormones to accumulate in the body: more common in Pomeranians, Chow Chows, Keeshonden, Samoyeds, and Poodles Hair loss on neck, tail, and the back of the thighs; skin darkens; usually starts when dog is less than two years old Hormonal blood testing Neuter animal; growth hormone; hormonal supplementation
Hair loss during pregnancy and nursing ('blowing her coat,' telogen effluvium) Excess shedding that can also occur in other stressful circumstances such as illness or surgery Sudden and widespread hair loss History, clinical signs Treat any underlying condition; hair will grow back
Histiocytosis There are several kinds of histiocytosis: malignant, which is a cancer that affects the skin and internal organs; systemic, which is a rare disease which affects skin and internal organs; and cutaneous, which is a benign disease affecting the skin All cause nodules with hair loss; malignant and systemic also have ulcers Biopsy, fine needle aspirate; Malignant: none effective, may need to consider euthanasia; systemic: poor response to chemotherapy; cutaneous: corticosteroids, relapse is common, especially in Shar-Peis
Hyperestrogenism (ovarian imbalance type I) Rare disease in which female animals have excess levels of estrogen; can be caused by cancer of the ovaries Symmetrical loss of hair; hair pulls out easily; darkening of the skin; enlarged nipples and vulva; may rarely see seborrhea and itching History, physical exam, rule out other causes of hair loss, measure blood estrogen levels Spay; look for metastasis to the lungs
Hypothyroidism Decreased production of thyroid hormone; most common hormonal disease affecting the skin in dogs Hair loss, dry and brittle hair, seborrhea; secondary bacterial and yeast infections; lethargy, obesity, slow heart rate; changes in skin pigmentation may occur Thyroid gland function tests, chemistry panel, CBC Lifetime thyroid supplementation
Injection site alopecia Hair loss at the site of an injection of a medication or vaccine; skin may become thickened; in cats, ulcers may develop Hair loss occurs several months after injection; area may become hyperpigmented History and physical examination None; the condition is permanent
Interstitial cell tumor Tumor of the testicle; may not cause any skin changes If skin changes occur, see seborrhea, loss of hair on the trunk, enlargement of the tail gland and perianal glands; may see increased pigment in the skin Biopsy Castration; anti-seborrheic shampoos
Kerion Complication of ringworm infection Nodule with hair loss and multiple draining tracts; may not see other signs of ringworm Culture, biopsy Clip area and apply topical treatment and shampoos; may require systemic treatment with ketoconazole or itraconazole
Leishmaniasis Caused by a parasite of blood cells; can be transmitted to people who develop a very severe disease Hair loss, scaling, ulcers on nose and ears, sometimes nodules; many other nonskin-related signs Identify the organism in blood or biopsy; blood tests Because it causes severe disease in people, and treatment of dogs is not curative, euthanasia may be performed
Lice Infection with several species of lice Variable; itching, hair loss, crusts, rough hair coat Finding lice or nits on skin or hair Pyrethrin, ivermectin (off-label use*), Permethrin (Do NOT use permethrin on cats.)
Malassezia Usually follows some other underlying disease Itching, redness, hair loss, greasy scales; if chronic, develop hyperpigmentation Skin scraping/smear and microscopic examination, culture Treat underlying disease; oral ketoconazole; miconazole shampoos
Nasal solar dermatitis

See solar dermatitis

See solar dermatitis      
Pattern alopecia (pattern baldness) Three types; hair loss may occur on the ears of Dachshunds (pinnal alopecia); neck, thighs, and tail of American Water Spaniels and Portuguese Water Dogs; abdomen and the back of the thighs of Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Whippets, and Greyhounds Hair loss in described areas Breed, history, biopsy None
Pelodera dermatitis Accidental infection with larvae from a non-parasitic worm that lives in straw and other organic material Affects areas of skin touching ground; intense itching, redness, hair loss, papules, crusts, and scales Skin scraping and microscopic examination Remove bedding; mild antibacterial shampoo; steroids if necessary to control itching
Pituitary dwarfism Hereditary condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce the necessary hormones Young puppies fail to grow; dogs retain puppy coat and condition progresses to hair loss over much of the body; thin skin, scales, and secondary infections Special blood testing for the presence of certain hormones Hormone replacement therapy
Post-clipping alopecia Hair may not grow back immediately after it has been clipped; which animals may be affected can not be predicted; more common in dogs with thick undercoats e.g., Huskies and Chows Continued lack of growth in hair that was clipped, e.g., for surgery History None; hair will eventually regrow, but may take up to 24 months
Pressure sores (decubital ulcers) Lesions occur over bony prominences like elbows; common in larger recumbent dogs Start as red, hairless areas and progress to draining ulcers; may become infected Clinical signs, biopsy Keep area clean and prevent contact with urine; antibiotics; apply donut bandages, which provide padding around but not over the ulcer; surgical treatment is sometimes necessary; prevent ulcers by turning the dog every 2 hours
Pyoderma-superficial

(See Folliculitis)

       
Ringworm Infection with several types of fungus Hair loss, scaliness, crusty areas, pustules, vesicles, some itching; can develop a draining nodule called a 'kerion' Culture Miconazole, lime sulfur dips; oral griseofulvin or itraconazole
Sarcoptic mange Infection with the Sarcoptes mite Intense itching and self-trauma, hair loss, papules, crusts, and scales Skin scraping and microscopic examination - the mite is often very difficult to find Amitraz (Mitaban) dips (off-label use*); ivermectin (off-label use*)
Schnauzer comedo syndrome Uncommon; only seen in Miniature Schnauzers Comedones (black heads) on back, mild itching; may see secondary infection, thinning of hair; small crusts may develop Clinical signs, breed, skin biopsy Long-term antiseborrheic shampoos; sometimes antibiotics and retinoids
Sebaceous adenitis Sebaceous glands are destroyed, cause unknown; certain breeds more susceptible Short-haired breeds: circular areas of hair loss with fine scale; long-haired breeds: more widespread hair loss and scale, hair mats easily; may see itching in all breeds Clinical signs, breed, skin biopsy Antiseborrheic shampoos, fatty acid supplements; in more severe cases, steroids, retinoids
Seborrhea Can be primary (inherited) or secondary (resulting from other disease processes such as allergies, hypothyroidism) Scales; depending upon the type, may have a dry or oily coat; odor; some scratching; may see hair loss Blood tests, skin scrapings, etc., to find underlying cause Treat underlying cause if present; antiseborrheic shampoos; fatty acid supplements
Sertoli cell tumor Tumor of the testicles in middle-aged dogs Male dogs take on female sexual characteristics; hair loss, increased skin pigment, reddened area on prepuce Physical exam Castration
Solar dermatosis Skin reaction to sunlight, especially unpigmented skin; most common on the noses of Collies, Shelties, and similar breeds Redness, hair loss, and scaling on nose and ears, later crusts and ulcers History, breed, physical exam, skin biopsy Must avoid further sun exposure, especially 9 am - 3 pm; sunblock; steroids; tattoo nose or apply black ink
Tail dock neuroma Nerve regrowth after tail docking causes symptoms Nodule at site of docking, itching with self-mutilation, hair loss, and hyperpigmentation History and symptoms Surgical removal
Tail gland hyperplasia Dogs have a sebaceous gland on the top of the tail near its base; in this disorder, the gland enlarges; seen in unneutered dogs and secondary to other diseases such as hypothyroidism Oily area, hair loss, crusts, and hyperpigmentation on area over gland Clinical signs; look for underlying cause Castration may help; treat underlying cause; surgical removal
Testosterone responsive dermatosis (hypoandrogenism) More common in old neutered dogs, and in Afghans Dull, scaly, dry coat; seborrhea; hair loss in genital and anal areas progressing onto trunk Physical exam and history; eliminate other causes; response to therapy Testosterone replacement therapy
Vitamin A responsive dermatosis May not be due to an actual deficiency of Vitamin A, but does respond to increased levels of Vitamin A in the diet; more common in Cocker Spaniels Seborrhea; odor; hair pulls out easily; pads of feet thickened; thick scales on chest and abdomen, especially around nipples Clinical signs, breed, skin biopsy Lifetime treatment with Vitamin A
Zinc responsive dermatosis Three types: I in Huskies and Malamutes; II in rapidly growing puppies of large breeds; III in English Bull Terriers Crusting and scaling, redness, hair loss, sometimes oily skin, secondary bacterial infections common History, breed, physical exam, skin biopsy Correct any dietary deficiency, medicated shampoos, treat secondary infections

 

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