This article talks about Alopecia X and Melatonin. Melatonin is known for establishing the inner clock. I would think living in Fl, with all the sun, you wouldn't have a problem. Also, this seems to work with breeds who shed and have winter and summer coats, Yorkie's aren't known for shedding.
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If your dog is already neutered, or if neutering did not solve the problem, oral melatonin or melatonin implants may help. About one in three dogs are helped by it. Melatonin is a hormone produced in a small structure adjacent to the brain called the pineal body as well as in other areas of the body. It is important in establishing daily and seasonal rhythms in all creatures. Many dogs shed and re-grow their hair coat in a seasonal rhythm as wolves still do. This may be why some cases of Alopecia X respond well to melatonin supplements and might give us a hint as to the underlying problem in Nordic breeds. Some dogs begin to re-grow their hair within 1-3 month of beginning a melatonin supplement. A problem is that we do not know how to accurately determine the best dose, how frequently to give it or how long to give it. It does not appear that giving the standard 3 mg tablets is dangerous. But it some veterinarians think that giving too much melatonin or giving it over too long a period can actually make the problem worse. This could be an illusion in dogs that are not melatonin-responsive and would be loosing more hair in any case. My suggestion is to begin at a low dose and only increase the amount if no response is noted. Since this hormone is designed to pulse and not be continually supplied at a high levels, it is probably best not to continue giving it after the hair has returned. If the dog becomes sluggish or shows personality changes, the dose is probably too high. It should not be used in diabetic animals. Melatonin itself does not grow hair. But in some cases, it tricks the body into producing the compounds that do grow hair. Alopecia X |
The ariticle also gives some other suggestions.