My four year old lab has now,and also did this time last year, got bald patches on tummy and chest. He is scratching a little bit more but not overly more. He is up to date with advocate and front line. Before spending money at the vets does anyone have any other ideas e.g.supplement or holistic specialist vet? He is on 100g burns twice a day and did not have these bald patches in the winter. TIA.
Welcome to the forum Since it seems to be seasonal, I wonder if it's something in the environment that he is allergic to. It is hard to say what it might be though - so many things can cause skin problems.... With skin issues the best thing is to get a referral to a veterinary dermatologist as soon as possible. That's the fastest route to a diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated (or treated ineffectively) skin can become permanently thickened and kind of elephant-skin-looking, so getting onto it quickly is the best plan.
Maisie gets bald patches, known as seasonal alopecia. Last Spring she had one on her foot, Autumn one on her side and this Spring one on her chest. All the patches have been about the size of a 10 pence piece. Hair has grown back on all the bald patches. The last one appeared in early Spring and has now grown back. She has not had any treatment and the vet has been happy for them to be left untreated as she is not bothered by them.
Cooper, our lab at Rainbow Bridge developed bare patches on his tummy and chest. We never found out the cause but the vet suggested Evening Primrose Oil capsules-he was happy just to swallow these, and low dose phenergan. He improved quickly and remained on these medications for the rest of his life without issues. Thanks to the primrose oil he had a lovely coat. The only side effect from the phenergan was some initial drowsiness. He was very relaxed for a few days!
