Archive for the tag 'thyroid'

Ask the French Bulldog Veterinarian - Frenchie slowing down from age, or illness?

lorihuntdvm June 10th, 2008

A question about a lethargic French Bulldog -

Hello. I have a 4 year old Frenchie Male. About 3 weeks ago, he became aloof and wanted to just lay around.I took him to his vet and x rays were taken. He does have hemivertebrae and hip dysplasia, however the xrays did not convince the vet of a diagnosis. His appetite is normal, as are his bodily functions. The blood tests all came back normal He is assuming there was an injury due to activity or strain.

My pup has been on Medicam for 10 days and some days seems chipper and other days, not so much. Any suggestions as to what the next step should be or is he just getting older and slowing down?


Dr. Lori writes -

It could be that he is just slowing down. Sometimes arthritis does develops secondary to the hip dysplasia and/or hemivertebrae, so that could be slowing him down as well. You did mention bloodwork, but you may want to check his thyroid function as well, as that could cause him to be a bit apathetic and lazy.

If all else fails, take him for a second opinion - fresh eyes sometimes see things differently.

Lori Hunt, DVM

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Ask the French Bulldog Veterinarian - Symmetric Flank Alopecia?

lorihuntdvm June 7th, 2008

A question about hair loss -

My 8 yr old French bulldog, Ricky Ricardo has developed 2 “bald” spots that are on each flank. He has been tested twice for Cushings with both results negative. He is on a no corn/wheat/soy/eggs dry food (Wellness Healthy Weight) and gets daily Omega 3 capsules, Wellness dog vitamin, probiotics and Cosequin.

He has had these bald spots for over a year now. (my vet first thought it might be seasonal flank alopecia which occurs in other dogs but Rick’s fur has not grown back with the season change. He did not have these bald spots when he was younger ).

He has had skin scrapes on these areas as well and the results were also negative. The skin is not inflamed and he does not try to scratch or rub these areas.

Have you seen this type of pattern baldness in other older Frenchies in that area?

Dr. Lori writes - 
My first thought is have you had his thyroid tested?  Symmetrical flank alopecia can be a sign (sometimes the only symptom) of hypothyroidism, and I don’t see it mentioned in your post.  If you have not, I would do that right away…  If it come back normal, then it is most likely seasonal alopecia, sometimes called bulldog alopecia.

On occasion supplementing with melatonin can help.   You could always have the areas biopsied to see exactly what is there on a cellular level.

Good luck and let us know …

Lori Hunt, DVM
French Bulldogs d’Assisi

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