[Gpdd] HEALTH: Hair loss -- endocrine system?

[Patricia Simon]

Thanks again to everyone who responded to my initial inquiry.

We took Hazel to see an internal medicine specialist yesterday.  (This vet
travels up from the US a couple times a month.)  He confirmed that the
hairloss pattern was definitely typical of endocrine-related problems. After
taking a thorough history of Hazel's health issues, he performed an
ultrasound.

Hazel didn't much like having the hair on her belly shaved, but thought that
the "ultrasound goop" was rather pleasant -- the vet got kisses when he
rubbed it onto her belly.  Adrenals looked normal.  He wasn't able to see
the one ovary that Hazel still has (other ovary and uterus were removed
about a year ago), but did find what looks like new tumors ("abnormal
abdominal masses") growing from the uterine stump.  Hazel had tumors removed
from this site in the spring, which were thankfully benign, but it now looks
like new tumors may have developed.  It is unclear whether these tumors are
causing Hazel's hormone levels to go wonky, thus causing the hairloss, or
whether the remaining ovary is causing both problems (tumors and hairloss).
Another possible explanation for the masses is tumors within the local lymph
nodes.  There were no stones in Hazel's bladder, which has been a problem in
the past.

The vet was pleased that Hazel's diabetes remains in remission, as
endocrine-related problems can apparently upset glucose levels.  He was also
pleased with Hazel's general health and quality of life.  Except for the
hairloss, she's in pretty darned good shape -- good appetite and
corresponding output, no sign of any pain anywhere in her body (vet gave her
a good going over, twice!), and a strong "zest for life".

My regular vet is away for a couple weeks.  When she returns, we'll have to
decide whether to subject Hazel to one more surgery or whether to leave
things alone.  The specialist's opinion is that Hazel's quality of life
would not be significantly improved by the surgery, so "let her be bald" may
be the best way to go.  At least now we have a better idea of the cause of
the problem, so that's a relief.

Patricia