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Bald, Darkened Flaky Patches That Don't Itch

by A reader



Reader Question
Our Formosan Mountain Dog (not a common breed in the U.S.--sort of the reject dog breed in Taiwan, a native breed there) has a couple spots on her back where she has lost her hair and where the skin has darkened and flakes off a little if touched. Our vet tested for ringworm, but the test came back negative. She said to wait a bit and see what happens, that it might clear up on its own. I've done lots of searches online but nothing seems to look like what she has.

Our dog has had the spots for the past couple months at least, and they haven't changed in size since we first noticed them. She doesn't try to scratch the area, so I don't think it's itchy. The only other dermatologic issue she has is dry skin, which she's had since we adopted her 2 years ago. She's never developed any other hair loss areas like this one.

She's approximately 5 years old (although the rescue team that brought her in in Taiwan was guessing at her age).

She's healthy other than her skin issues.

There hasn't been any change in her diet in the past two months, nor have there been any changes in behavior or appetite.


Answer from Our Team

Non-itchy patches of hair loss with darkened, flaky skin that stay the same size for months are often from old irritation, a past infection, a local reaction (for example, to a vaccine or spot-on product), or follicular conditions that cause hair loss without itch. Demodex mites can also cause non-itchy bald patches, and ringworm can be missed on the first test.

Since the spots haven't changed, watching is reasonable, but ask your vet about a skin scraping for demodex, a fungal culture if only a quick test was done, and a small biopsy if they persist. Blood tests for thyroid function are worth considering if more patches appear.

For her dry skin, regular brushing, an omega-3 supplement your vet approves, and a moisturizing dog shampoo can help.

See hair loss in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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