My 3-week-old puppy has blotchy hair loss. What's causing it?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on December 28th, 2017

  It could be a number of things, a healing scab from a small wound, an insect bite, but it looks suspiciously like ringworm to me. Although the name suggests otherwise, ringworm is not caused by a worm at all-but a fungus. This highly contagious infection can lead to patchy areas of hair loss on a pet, and can spread to other animals-and to humans, too. Classic symptoms of ringworm include lesions that typically appear on a pet’s head, ears, paws and forelimbs. These lesions can cause patchy, crusted circular “bald spots” that sometimes look red in the center. In mild cases of ringworm, there may be just a few broken hairs, while bad cases of ringworm can spread over most of a pet’s body. It’s also possible for a pet to carry the fungus and not show any symptoms whatsoever. Treatment of ringworm depends on the severity of the infection. A veterinarian may prescribe a medicated shampoo or ointment that contains miconazole or a dip such as lime sulfur to kill the fungus. In some cases, oral medications are necessary to cure ringworm. In severe cases, it may be necessary to use a topical and oral treatment, in addition to clipping away the fur. Once treatment begins, lesions should begin to heal in about one to three weeks. Please note, it is important to treat your pet for as long as recommended by your veterinarian. Even though the skin lesions may have cleared up, this doesn’t mean your pet is cured or can’t infect another animal or person. Certain diagnostic tests may need to be repeated in order to ensure cure. And unfortunately, there is no guarantee that reinfection won’t occur!

  

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  Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 28th, 2018

  It could be tinea (ringworm) but unfortunately I cannot tell you that for sure just by looking at a photo. Hair loss can be due to many different things. If I had to guess I would say it is not likely ringworm as there does not appear to be any redness or scabbing that we normally see with a ringworm infection. I suggest you get Moca to your vet for an exam. They should be able to do a test to see if it is ringworm. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on February 14th, 2017

  This sounds a little suspicious of ringworm. Classic symptoms of ringworm include lesions that typically appear on a pet’s head, ears, paws and forelimbs. These lesions can cause patchy, crusted circular “bald spots” that sometimes look red in the center. In mild cases of ringworm, there may be just a few broken hairs, while bad cases of ringworm can spread over most of a pet’s body. It’s also possible for a pet to carry the fungus and not show any symptoms whatsoever. Treatment of ringworm depends on the severity of the infection. A veterinarian may prescribe a medicated shampoo or ointment that contains miconazole or a dip such as lime sulfur to kill the fungus. In some cases, oral medications are necessary to cure ringworm. In severe cases, it may be necessary to use a topical and oral treatment, in addition to clipping away the fur. Once treatment begins, lesions should begin to heal in about one to three weeks. Please note, it is important to treat your pet for as long as recommended by your veterinarian. Even though the skin lesions may have cleared up, this doesn’t mean your pet is cured or can’t infect another animal or person. Certain diagnostic tests may need to be repeated in order to ensure cure. And unfortunately, there is no guarantee that reinfection won’t occur!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on February 7th, 2020

  It could be a fungal infection (ringworm), but it may also be due to a bacterial or parasitic infection. Without a physical exam, the type of infection cannot be definitively diagnosed. Have Luna seen by your veterinarian. Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking or chewing. Wash your hands thoroughly after petting her in case it is ringworm since it can be transmitted to humans. Wash all her bedding in hot water. Vacuum everywhere and consider a steam cleaning service if ringworm is diagnosed. Ringworm thrives in moist, dark places. Decrease humidity and increase ventilation and sunlight exposure as much as possible.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful