Balding Yorkie advice
 

I just tried to post this and it got lost in the process. So, this one will be shorter and more to the point. I've got to go pick up my pup at the groomers in a few and want to go ahead and get this out there.

I'm babysitting my friend's Yorkie for the week. Last time I had her I came here looking for advice. You all were very sweet and I'm hoping to maybe get some more ideas from you. Little miss Daisy is between 2-3 years old. She's mostly bald on her back and looks terrible. She's been like this for a long time. I'm thinking it could be allergies, alopecia as she has only the light hair growing, or thyroid. I know we can't diagnose over the internet, but I'm just wondering if any of you have seen this in your own pups and what was done for them. My friend has gotten better with Daisy, but she still refuses to buy her good food. I thought we had this down, but she insists on only buying food that comes with a coupon in the Sunday paper :eek:...makes me crazy. Why do people spend hundreds of dollars on a pedigree and then refuse to give it all it deserves?? I love my friend, but hate these horrible character flaws. Oh, I'm sorry...I vented in my lost post and looks like I'm doing it again.

Anyway, I have a link to a photobucket album. I hope it's ok to post that here. I could not get them to load up here...maybe it's because I can not crop them and they are huge??

Look forward to any suggestions. I'm hoping that maybe I can get some good ideas to pass on to my friend that will inspire her to get Daisy checked out.

Here's the link:
Login to a private Photobucket.com album

Sorry can't see pictures without password.

What is her demeanor like? Appetite? Energy? Does she pant? Exercise tolerance? Does she pee/drink a lot? What is her body shape (underwt, overwt)?

She really needs bloodwork - like a full CBC/chem panel (if it's been a while), thyroid checked, and screened for Cushings (depending on what you say regarding questions above).

Let's try this link:

Daisy pictures by MillyMo - Photobucket

Forgot to make it public...sorry. My technical skills have taken a dive lately.

She is very hyper active. Might even say she's a bit anxious. Not a lap dog or couch potato at all. While she is super tiny, approx 3.5lbs I would not say she's underweight. She has a great feel to her body and definitely not bony through the ribs or back. Her appetite is good and she does not require excessive amount of water. I think that's all normal. She pees and poops normal. Does not pant out of the norm either.

I agree she needs to have blood work done!!

Let me know if that link does not work. I tested it after logging out and it worked for me.

Thanks you all....

Hmmmm, interesting. So, that's not from shaving/grooming, from what you can tell? Is she also thinning on side of back leg and on the top of her nose? She sure is a doll :).

She doesn't look or sound typical Cushingoid. I'd ask a vet if they still want to screen for hypothyroid...bc if this hairloss and if she has any other clinical signs of thyroid issues, it'd be good to check. Beyond that, could Alopecia X. If that's diagnosed by the vet, then Melatonin (regular kind) is usually tried for at least 3-6 mths. I hope your friend will take her to a vet...

Can't help you with the medical issues, but your link works, and you can even use your photobucket account to add the picture directly to the forum by using the "direct link" feature at photobucket and pasting that address in the "manage attachments area" where it says, "Upload File from a URL." Good luck and I hope you find the answers you need.

AuntB - are her ears balding too - or are those shaved down?

She does not go to the groomers. My friend just trims her at home....just not enough hair to warrant a grooming visit. Her ears have NOT been shaved down and the only hair on them is the light color. She literally has no darker color hair coming in at all. It's all only the blond that grows. Her hair is thin all over including her legs. Funny that she's got one patch of blond on her back. Almost like it's been saved to do a comb over like on an old man. Poor baby.

I just got my Shih Tzu home from the best groomer ever and it makes me feel even more sorry for Daisy. He's such a furry little bundle of sweetness and is spoiled rotten and poor Daisy is just pitiful. I wish I could come up with some way to get my friend to do right by her.

Nancy, thanks for the technical advice. I've really been out the loop and needs some extra help!!