Why does my yorkie have bald spots? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

k9angels · 03-22-2006, 08:20 AM

About 6 months ago my 2 yr. old, 2 lb. yorkie developed a bald spot on her left shoulder, the hair has not grown back. I took her to the vet, and they cannot find out the reason. There is no sign of a rash, or a tumor or cysts under the skin. The ringworm test came back negative.
Now I just found the same type of spot on the other side, but a little higher on the body. It is the same size.
These are not coming from any vaccinations, not even rabies.
What can possibly be causing this to happen?
She does shed a lot when I comb her, and I find hair on the carpet quite often.
Any suggesstions would be greatly appreciated..

k9 angel lover

chachi · 03-22-2006, 08:24 AM

Did they do a skin scrape and check for mites. Chachi had mites and he had bald areas like you describe.

JeanieK · 03-22-2006, 08:33 AM

Yes it could be mites, also called mange. There are two different types one is easily treatable with an injection, the other not so easy.

whispersmom2 · 03-22-2006, 07:35 PM

Even if the test for mites, mange is negative, I would ask my vet to treat it with Ivermectin. You just cannot tell sometimes and the testa show neg. Also, hair loss is a symptom of hypothyroidism. How large is your baby? I remember one of Pat's girls had a bald spot and it cleared right up when treated with pure pharmaceutical grade tea tree oil also called malaleuca oil from Aussie..I read on one forum that ONE dog had a reaction to it, but I have used it for years..

k9angels · 03-22-2006, 07:52 PM

I have thought about the thyroid. I am a retired vet tech, so that is one of my concerns.
Sophie will be 2 yrs. old next month, and weighs only 2 lb. 4 oz...

It is wiered that the first spot has been there for about 5 months, and no change. no rash, and has stayed the same bald, smoothe size...
Now, there is another one on the other side, except a little higher..
right above the front legs...she never scratches, and acts like nothing is wrong. Lots of energy, eats well, no signs of anything. Just the bald spots.

Like the first one, I see a very tiny slightly red spot that is about this
long..( _ )...strange.
I thought the first one might be a spider bite...from the back yard..
but there was not redness or swelling...
After a while, with the first one, the tiny _ went away, but no hair will grow back. It is just very smoothe. no hair at all.

I am so worried, and baffled by this.
Now another one..The vet was off today, that I have been going to for 26 years, but he is suppose to call me first thing in the morning.
I copied your email, and will talk to him about what you suggested..
I am at my wits end...
If anything happened to her, I don't know what I would do..

I also have a maltese, and another yorkie..5 months older than Sophie.

All of them mean the world to me..
I live alone, and they are just like my children. Of course, I am sure you know all about that feeling..

My daughter has 3 yorkies, and I plan to tell her about this site.
I am sure she would love to communicate with other yorkie lovers.

Thank you so much for caring and sharing your thoughts and ideas and concerns with me..

Bonnie..If you have anymore info...please email me

MelAnnDoll · 03-22-2006, 08:05 PM

I really hope you are able to find out what is wrong with your baby!! Maybe if your vet can't find anything, you should get a second opinion just in case. New things come out all the time. I understand about them being your babies, mine is an only child!

k9angels · 03-22-2006, 08:36 PM

I have taken her to 3 vets.....They all are saying something different..
Or should I say, guessing....they just can't put their finger on the problem.
My vet I usually see is very good, and if he can't find an answer, he is quick to call the vet school and have a specialist research it. He does everything he can to find out the problem..
I think since it has happened the second time, he will be "on the ball" to
resolve this, and do whatever it takes to find out what is going on.
He is honest, if anything, and if he feels that she needs a specialist, he never hesitates to get me to one right away.
He has seen me through many dogs, past and present, and has always done everything possible to find out what is going on, no matter what it takes.
He is the most caring vet I have ever met..
I used to be a vet tech at another vet, and they asked me why I didn't bring my dogs there to them, but I didn't tell them the truth....
I didn't always like the way they did things, and did not trust them enough to take my babies to them. Also they did not stay up to date on the latest and newest techniques in veterinary medicine like my vet does.
I can't brag enough about him, and I know that whatever it is, he will find it, or find someone who will...
Thanks for your email and information..it means a lot to have someone who cares and knows that our babies are so special.
Bonnie

BRPrincess · 03-23-2006, 11:06 AM

Ya know, Princess has the same thing. She has this half dollar size bald spot on her side. She has had that for a long time. I think it was where her rabie shot was administered. She was very sick several months ago and maybe it is there from this one shot they had to give that was very powerful--I think it was called Beatral (?) not positive. Anyway, she is 100% fine, if anything it is a vanity problem. But my vet said no biggie and as long as she acts/eats/plays fine then it is all good.

k9angels · 03-23-2006, 12:53 PM

My vet of 26 years takes care of all 3 of my dogs.
Last August Sophie had her yearly check up with vaccines. He gave her the rabies shop in the back hip area, IM, intra muscular, to avoid any problem that may occur from the vaccine.
Sometimes rabies does cause a little knot under the skin, and he did not want that to happen.
Her bald spot is on her left shoulder, just above the top of the front leg.
This second spot, that just happened, is on the other side, but a little higher.
So this definitely rules out any reaction from the vaccines.
Also the other vaccines given was injected between the shoulder blades right behind the neck area. So that ruled out any reactions to the routine vaccines.
I am taking her next Monday to see him, and he is going to run a blood panel, a T4 and other test to see if it is possibly hypothyroidism..
If not, he will do a needle biopsy and send it off for testing.
He and I are very baffled with this....but he is an excellent vet, and I would trust him to the fullest.
He is the type of vet that will call all over the US if he has to, to every specialist he can think of, if he needs an opinion on anything that he cannot put his finger on right away.
I have to say that after 26 years of him taking care of my babies, past and present, that I have total faith in him..
I am a retired vet tech, but did not work for him..and the one I worked for, I would not take my dogs to...
I saw things that just were not rigjht where I worked, and the care and love was just not there to meet my standards for my babies.

When it comes to them, for me, only the best will do.
They come before I do in most cases.
Since I moved, I still drive 1 hr. and 45 min. to get to my regular vet.
I still can't find one here where I live that even comes close to the compassion and knowledge that he has, and there are a lot of vets here.

Unless there is an emergency, I will drive the distance to see him..
I have found a lot of vets don't keep up with the latest in technology, but him and his staff are always going back to school to learn all the latest.
He is very dedicated, and so caring, that I guess no one will ever live up to his standards in my book....
I know, maybe that sounds a little overboard, but my past experiences with him with all my babies, has been ones that every measure of medical experience has been done to be the best for the animal.
Not to mention, how compassionate he is with all his clients if someone has to have a pet euthanized.
I have had to have a few done, and I held them in my arms for their last breath, and he is always there through all the tears.
Then, when you have had all the time you need with the pet after the injection, he wraps them in baby blankets, and carries them to the car for you and stays with you until he feels that you are ok to leave.
This has always meant so much to me...and everyone on his staff are the same, so caring for every pet that comes in the door.
I am sure that he will find out what is going on....if may just take a few tests and some time, but I have the deepest faith in him.
Thank you so much for emailing me with your thoughts and concerns.
It means a lot for someone to offer answers to a problem...
to me that shows that you are as I am, a true pet lover, in the heart.

Thanks again..Bonnie

03-22-2006, 08:20 AM	#1
k9angels Yorkie Talk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4	Why does my yorkie have bald spots? About 6 months ago my 2 yr. old, 2 lb. yorkie developed a bald spot on her left shoulder, the hair has not grown back. I took her to the vet, and they cannot find out the reason. There is no sign of a rash, or a tumor or cysts under the skin. The ringworm test came back negative. Now I just found the same type of spot on the other side, but a little higher on the body. It is the same size. These are not coming from any vaccinations, not even rabies. What can possibly be causing this to happen? She does shed a lot when I comb her, and I find hair on the carpet quite often. Any suggesstions would be greatly appreciated.. k9 angel lover

03-22-2006, 08:24 AM	#2
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 22,520	Did they do a skin scrape and check for mites. Chachi had mites and he had bald areas like you describe. __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

03-22-2006, 08:33 AM	#3
JeanieK Donating YT 6000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 7,657	Yes it could be mites, also called mange. There are two different types one is easily treatable with an injection, the other not so easy. __________________ Ollie Chachi Hallie Harlie & Me CircleKRanchYorkies.com]

03-22-2006, 07:52 PM	#5
k9angels Yorkie Talk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4	hi I have thought about the thyroid. I am a retired vet tech, so that is one of my concerns. Sophie will be 2 yrs. old next month, and weighs only 2 lb. 4 oz... It is wiered that the first spot has been there for about 5 months, and no change. no rash, and has stayed the same bald, smoothe size... Now, there is another one on the other side, except a little higher.. right above the front legs...she never scratches, and acts like nothing is wrong. Lots of energy, eats well, no signs of anything. Just the bald spots. Like the first one, I see a very tiny slightly red spot that is about this long..( _ )...strange. I thought the first one might be a spider bite...from the back yard.. but there was not redness or swelling... After a while, with the first one, the tiny _ went away, but no hair will grow back. It is just very smoothe. no hair at all. I am so worried, and baffled by this. Now another one..The vet was off today, that I have been going to for 26 years, but he is suppose to call me first thing in the morning. I copied your email, and will talk to him about what you suggested.. I am at my wits end... If anything happened to her, I don't know what I would do.. I also have a maltese, and another yorkie..5 months older than Sophie. All of them mean the world to me.. I live alone, and they are just like my children. Of course, I am sure you know all about that feeling.. My daughter has 3 yorkies, and I plan to tell her about this site. I am sure she would love to communicate with other yorkie lovers. Thank you so much for caring and sharing your thoughts and ideas and concerns with me.. Bonnie..If you have anymore info...please email me

03-22-2006, 08:05 PM	#6
MelAnnDoll Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 171	I really hope you are able to find out what is wrong with your baby!! Maybe if your vet can't find anything, you should get a second opinion just in case. New things come out all the time. I understand about them being your babies, mine is an only child! __________________ Melissa Bogener Cappuccino Cornflake Minute Maid

03-22-2006, 07:35 PM	#4
whispersmom2 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MD Posts: 2,985	Even if the test for mites, mange is negative, I would ask my vet to treat it with Ivermectin. You just cannot tell sometimes and the testa show neg. Also, hair loss is a symptom of hypothyroidism. How large is your baby? I remember one of Pat's girls had a bald spot and it cleared right up when treated with pure pharmaceutical grade tea tree oil also called malaleuca oil from Aussie..I read on one forum that ONE dog had a reaction to it, but I have used it for years..

03-22-2006, 08:36 PM	#7
k9angels Yorkie Talk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4	Hi again I have taken her to 3 vets.....They all are saying something different.. Or should I say, guessing....they just can't put their finger on the problem. My vet I usually see is very good, and if he can't find an answer, he is quick to call the vet school and have a specialist research it. He does everything he can to find out the problem.. I think since it has happened the second time, he will be "on the ball" to resolve this, and do whatever it takes to find out what is going on. He is honest, if anything, and if he feels that she needs a specialist, he never hesitates to get me to one right away. He has seen me through many dogs, past and present, and has always done everything possible to find out what is going on, no matter what it takes. He is the most caring vet I have ever met.. I used to be a vet tech at another vet, and they asked me why I didn't bring my dogs there to them, but I didn't tell them the truth.... I didn't always like the way they did things, and did not trust them enough to take my babies to them. Also they did not stay up to date on the latest and newest techniques in veterinary medicine like my vet does. I can't brag enough about him, and I know that whatever it is, he will find it, or find someone who will... Thanks for your email and information..it means a lot to have someone who cares and knows that our babies are so special. Bonnie

03-23-2006, 11:06 AM	#8
BRPrincess Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Blowing Rock, NC Posts: 153	Ya know, Princess has the same thing. She has this half dollar size bald spot on her side. She has had that for a long time. I think it was where her rabie shot was administered. She was very sick several months ago and maybe it is there from this one shot they had to give that was very powerful--I think it was called Beatral (?) not positive. Anyway, she is 100% fine, if anything it is a vanity problem. But my vet said no biggie and as long as she acts/eats/plays fine then it is all good.

03-23-2006, 12:53 PM	#9
k9angels Yorkie Talk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4	Hi, My vet of 26 years takes care of all 3 of my dogs. Last August Sophie had her yearly check up with vaccines. He gave her the rabies shop in the back hip area, IM, intra muscular, to avoid any problem that may occur from the vaccine. Sometimes rabies does cause a little knot under the skin, and he did not want that to happen. Her bald spot is on her left shoulder, just above the top of the front leg. This second spot, that just happened, is on the other side, but a little higher. So this definitely rules out any reaction from the vaccines. Also the other vaccines given was injected between the shoulder blades right behind the neck area. So that ruled out any reactions to the routine vaccines. I am taking her next Monday to see him, and he is going to run a blood panel, a T4 and other test to see if it is possibly hypothyroidism.. If not, he will do a needle biopsy and send it off for testing. He and I are very baffled with this....but he is an excellent vet, and I would trust him to the fullest. He is the type of vet that will call all over the US if he has to, to every specialist he can think of, if he needs an opinion on anything that he cannot put his finger on right away. I have to say that after 26 years of him taking care of my babies, past and present, that I have total faith in him.. I am a retired vet tech, but did not work for him..and the one I worked for, I would not take my dogs to... I saw things that just were not rigjht where I worked, and the care and love was just not there to meet my standards for my babies. When it comes to them, for me, only the best will do. They come before I do in most cases. Since I moved, I still drive 1 hr. and 45 min. to get to my regular vet. I still can't find one here where I live that even comes close to the compassion and knowledge that he has, and there are a lot of vets here. Unless there is an emergency, I will drive the distance to see him.. I have found a lot of vets don't keep up with the latest in technology, but him and his staff are always going back to school to learn all the latest. He is very dedicated, and so caring, that I guess no one will ever live up to his standards in my book.... I know, maybe that sounds a little overboard, but my past experiences with him with all my babies, has been ones that every measure of medical experience has been done to be the best for the animal. Not to mention, how compassionate he is with all his clients if someone has to have a pet euthanized. I have had to have a few done, and I held them in my arms for their last breath, and he is always there through all the tears. Then, when you have had all the time you need with the pet after the injection, he wraps them in baby blankets, and carries them to the car for you and stays with you until he feels that you are ok to leave. This has always meant so much to me...and everyone on his staff are the same, so caring for every pet that comes in the door. I am sure that he will find out what is going on....if may just take a few tests and some time, but I have the deepest faith in him. Thank you so much for emailing me with your thoughts and concerns. It means a lot for someone to offer answers to a problem... to me that shows that you are as I am, a true pet lover, in the heart. Thanks again..Bonnie