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Published on: December 15, 2011
Growth hormone responsive dermatosis in three dogs
A G Bell1, B R Jones, M F Scott
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Growth hormone responsive dermatosis causes hair loss in dogs. Treatment with recombinant human somatotropin effectively resolved symptoms in all affected animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Growth hormone responsive dermatosis is a rare endocrine disorder causing alopecia in dogs.
- Clinical signs include truncal hair loss, with potential involvement of ventral neck, tail, and thighs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the diagnosis and successful treatment of growth hormone responsive dermatosis in three canine patients.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis involved ruling out other hormonal alopecia causes.
- Plasma growth hormone levels were measured post-xylazine administration.
- Treatment administered was subcutaneous recombinant human somatotropin.
Main Results:
- Three dogs diagnosed with growth hormone responsive dermatosis presented with significant alopecia.
- Diagnostic tests indicated limited growth hormone response to xylazine.
- All dogs showed favorable response to recombinant human somatotropin therapy.
Conclusions:
- Growth hormone responsive dermatosis can be effectively managed with recombinant human somatotropin.
- This treatment offers a viable therapeutic option for dogs with this condition.
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