Recurring Hair Loss and Spots: Is a T4 Test Enough?
by Raylene
(Mitchell,Ne. 69357)
Reader Question
My dog has had this reaccuring symptom of spots then losing hair,and bleeding. she has increased in brown spots under her thin hair, I thaught this was normal for her to get more spots as she gets older. the vet I've taken her to put her on antibiotics and pyoben shampoo. the splotchy loss of hair subsides some after antibiotics for awhile, then comes back double worse. I haave taken her back again, asking for a thyroid check, because of her weight gain, even on weight management food. they done a T4 check, but shouldn't there also be a T3? any suggestions we may have over looked would be very appreciated. Thank You
Answer from Our Team
A total T4 is a good first screen; if it's normal, hypothyroidism is unlikely. If it's low, vets usually add free T4 and TSH rather than T3, which isn't very useful in dogs. Testing during an active skin infection, or while on some antibiotics such as sulfonamides, can falsely lower T4.
Patches that keep returning after antibiotics suggest a bacterial skin infection with an underlying cause, such as allergies. Ask about a skin culture and an allergy work-up.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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