Last April, Bruno my 3 year old Boxer dog started losing hair. After some extensive internet research I discovered a possible cause.
Due to the long, dark winters that we're confronted with in England, certain breeds of dogs are subject to a unique disease. Light responsive alopecia or seasonal flank alopecia is most often seen at this time of the year. It is not well understood but is thought to be from lack of sunlight exposure to the pineal gland. The pineal gland is located at the base of the brain and is the gland responsible for telling bears to hibernate and perhaps telling us to crawl into bed early during these long winters, eat fatty foods, and in general, not have much energy.
By early autum most of his hair loss had regrown, apart from a patch on one side about the size of a 50 pence piece. However, by April 2009 Bruno has lost hair again (see photos) I have researched further and discovered the following possible treatment:
- Treatment includes more sunlight exposure beginning Sept. 23 through March 23 (vernal equinox). The prognosis is good with most dogs regrowing hair upon more sun exposure, however, some dogs skip a year before they regrow hair and some may not regrow hair completely or at all. It is uncertain how the lack of sunlight to the pineal gland results in alopecia of certain specific areas of the body. The role of melatonin release by this gland upon lack of sunlight exposure via the eyes results in depression and lethargy in humans. Prolactin may also play a role as its concentration in the body may be affected by photo period changes and Serotonin concentrations in humans are reduced in dark, cold environments.
- I have decided to purchase a light box and put it beside Bruno's bed for an hour a day, from September onwards throught the winter months. Fingers crossed will post more photos later in the year.
BRUNO
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