Why is my poodle's hair dark, brittle, and falling out? What tests?

Question

What tests should I request for 2 -year - old white standard poodle whose hair has darkened and turned brittle and broken off/fallen out, starting on her head and spreading down her spine all the way to her tail, and now has begun spreading down her sides? Pet's info: Dog | Poodle | Female | spayed | 2 years and 6 months old | 55 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

Hair loss and discoloration can have a number of possible causes, including endocrine/metabolic diseases (hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease), parasitic diseases, allergic conditions, hormonal disturbances, etc. Initially, ask your vet to examine Daphne's skin and check for parasites/mites with a skin scrape. Daphne may need to have some blood testing to evaluate her thyroid hormones and overall organ function (CBC, chemistry, thyroid panel with T4/TSH) if she has any other changes in her appetite, weight and water consumption. Other tests may be recommended in the future, including skin biopsies, hormonal testing, and screening for Cushing's disease.

Why is my poodle's hair dark, brittle, and falling out? What tests?

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