Pomeranian with a Balding Tail, and Ringworm in the Owner
by Tricia
Reader Question
When grooming my Pom prior to leaving on vacation, I noted that he had a small area up his tail that was bald. We put a steroid cream on it. I researched it and assumed he had Alopecia. I planned to take him to the vet when I returned. While on vacation, I developed ringworm on my arm near my elbow. It looked like ringworm, went through all the stages of ringworm, spread a little bit, but responded to an antifungal cream. By the time I returned home, the signs of my ringworm just looked like faint scars. I am still treating it. I took my Pom to the Vet. I was told he didn't have ringworm. My research on the web shows that dogs can get ringworm of the tail but no photos of the tail. He was given a flea treatment and a seborrhea spray to apply daily. The first day I applied it hundreds of scales dropped on the floor. Since then nothing, but his condition is getting worse, not better. Now his entire tail appears to be affected. When I took him to the vet, probably only an inch. Any ideas? Would it hurt for me to treat him with my antifungal cream?
Answer from Our Team
Your worry makes sense. Ringworm can pass between dogs and people, and in dogs it often causes patchy hair loss and scaling with little itch. Because you developed ringworm, it's reasonable to ask your vet for a fungal culture or PCR test. Those are more reliable than a visual exam or UV lamp alone. If a culture is negative, ask what other causes are being considered.
Pomeranians are also the classic breed for alopecia X, a non-itchy hair loss, and hypothyroidism and other hormone diseases can cause a thin or bald tail. A skin biopsy can help if tests don't give an answer.
Please don't use your own antifungal cream on your dog. Ringworm in dogs is usually treated with antifungal pills plus medicated baths or dips, and creams can make tests less accurate.
See hair loss in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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