What is Color Dilution Alopecia?
Color dilution alopecia (CDA) is an inherited skin condition, and is more common in dogs that have been bred for a diluted coat color. For adult dogs with the inherited gene, it is also considered a form of follicular dysplasia. It is more commonly found in dogs with a fawn or blue coat. These two coat colors have been diluted from reds, browns, blacks, and tans.
Alopecia is a disorder that causes complete and permanent hair loss, resulting in a patchy appearance. It affects the hair follicle at the level below your dog’s skin, causing it to self-destruct, making new hair growth impossible. Hypotrichosis can be confused with alopecia, as it is much more common, although this condition results in less than normal hair, and not total loss of hair coat.
Color dilution alopecia (CDA) is an inherited genetic condition that causes patchy hair loss and skin problems, including scaliness, and itchy skin. It can also present recurring bacterial infections. Other than the cosmetic appearance of your dog, his health is not at risk.
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Symptoms of Color Dilution Alopecia in Dogs
- Hair loss - The first sign of color dilution alopecia is hair loss, though this will not appear until the dog is at least six months old and often up to three years of age
- Broken hairs, known as stubble alopecia - This can be scaling skin, papules (swollen bump not producing pus), and pustules (a small blister or pimple producing pus)
- Dry, flaky skin
- Recurring bacterial infections - This will usually be located on your dog’s back and can be identified by infected hair follicles, looking like tiny bumps
- An infection could also bring with it pruritus (severe itching)
Types
Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) can affect many breeds, although it may affect only certain individual dogs within those breeds. These individual dogs are recognized by the color of their noses, eye rims, and lips. They may be flesh colored, lavender, blue-gray, or blue. Their coat colors can range from taupe, fawn, blue, blue-fawn, or bronze, although they will always be able to be distinguished from their non-diluted counterparts. Breeds commonly affected by this recessive gene condition are:
- Doberman Pinscher
- Salukis
- Chow Chow
- Great Dane
- Standard Poodle
- Irish Setter
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Dachshund
- Italian Greyhound
- Whippet
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Chihuahua
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Boston Terrier
- Newfoundland
- German Shepherd
- Schipperke
Causes of Color Dilution Alopecia in Dogs
- The most significant cause for color dilution alopecia is inheritance, although dogs that are affected by the recessive gene will be born with a healthy looking coat
- There is some thinking that the amount of dilution in the dog will translate into the severity of the alopecia
- The D-Locus gene controls the vibrancy of your dog’s coat color
- A non-diluted dog will have normal coloring with either a Dd gene, or DD gene
- Diluted dogs will have a dd gene, evident by your dog’s nose color
- Because dilution is a recessive gene, only dogs carrying the DD gene can be affected, though a dog in possession of the Dd gene will be a carrier
- As the cause for color dilution alopecia is not completely understood, it is thought to occur when fractured hair releases it's formation of coloring which is deadly to the hair follicles
Diagnosis of Color Dilution Alopecia in Dogs
As a pet owner you may notice changes in your dog’s coat. If you see his fur becoming brittle, broken, or rough, call your veterinarian. If your pet has recurring bacterial infections, discuss this with the veterinary team as part of the diagnosis.
The veterinarian may order a trichogram, which is a microscopic evaluation of your dog’s hair, in order to reveal any large grains of melanin or problems in the hair shaft and follicle. A dermatohistopathology test shows the veterinary team whether there are any hair follicles that may be filled with cystic keratin. It also reveals any clumps of melanin that may be hidden in the deepest layer of cells of the epidermis, and in the shaft and follicle of the hair.
If your veterinarian feels it is necessary to order further diagnostic tests or monitoring, she may choose to obtain a skin sample using local anesthetic. The skin will then be sent to a veterinary pathologist to show if there have been any changes in the condition. Your veterinary caregiver may test for skin mites to ensure this is not the cause for hair loss. In addition, because color dilution alopecia can mimic hormone related hair loss, your veterinarian may test for a healthy functioning thyroid.
Treatment of Color Dilution Alopecia in Dogs
There is no cure for color dilution alopecia as it is a genetic predisposition within your dog. Your veterinarian can treat the symptoms related to color dilution alopecia; it is recommended to consult your veterinarian for advice, before attempting any treatments on your own.
- Shampoos
- Topical ointments
- Moisturizing rinses
- Antibiotics
- Essential fatty acids
- Vitamin A
Shampoos, ointments, and rinses can be used to help relieve the scaly, dry, itchy skin your dog may be suffering from. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat any bacterial infections that may occur. Remember to always finish the prescribed medication. Do not discontinue medication at the first sign of relief as it can allow the infection to become stronger next time and possibly become antibiotic resistant.
Some veterinarians may suggest a high dose of essential fatty acids and a vitamin A supplement. Before trying any homeopathic relief, be sure to consult with the veterinary team to make sure there won’t be any adverse effects or contraindications to concurrent therapy.
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Recovery of Color Dilution Alopecia in Dogs
Managing the scaliness, infections, and dry skin will be key to the recovery of your canine companion. Do not use human hair loss remedies, as they can be harmful to your dog’s health. Products such as Rogaine can be dangerous, resulting in adverse side effects ranging from:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Collapse
- Cardiac disease
Color dilution alopecia can be managed and bypassed by not breeding dogs known to have the color dilution; this includes dogs that are not only directly affected by the “dd” gene, but also their littermates and parents.
Color dilution alopecia can be expensive to treat. If you your dog is at risk of developing color dilution alopecia, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Color Dilution Alopecia Average Cost
From 402 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$300
Top
Color Dilution Alopecia Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Abby
2 Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hairloss, Scaly
My blue staffordshire gave birth about 3 weeks ago. She is shedding a lot and have lost hair around her tail and a little on the side below the neck. She is 2 years old. Some of the skin on the tail looks a bit scaly. Could it be dilution alopecia or is it because of recent birth to litter? It doesnt seem to bother her.
Aug. 10, 2018
10 Recommendations
Some hair loss may be attributable to hormonal changes after whelping, the theory is that a mother will shed hair in the nest to keep the pups warm; without examining Abby I cannot say whether there is anything to be concerned about or not but may be worth popping into your Veterinarian to be on the safe side especially if any other symptoms present. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 10, 2018
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Catahoula Leopard Dog
Murphy
One Year
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shedding
My dog was diagnosed by a pet dermatologist with CDA (Color Dilution Alopecia). He is currently on fish oil and melatonin supplements. His shedding has been EXTREMELY out of control for a long time and is getting even worse. There are literally no words to describe how bad it is. Is this because of the CDA or could there be a separate issue going on?
Jan. 20, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. His shedding may be becuase of the CDA, as that hair will probably continue to fall out in the affected areas, or due to normal seasonal changes, or due to a parasite, though that seems unlikely given the level of care that you have sought for him. If his skin is healthy but his hair is falling out, it is most likely due to the alopecia. It would be a good idea to have him rechecked by your dermatogist if you aren't sure, just to make sure that nothing else is going on. You may be able to call them, depending on when you saw them last. I hope that everything goes well for Murphy.
Jan. 21, 2018
Thank you Dr. King!
Jan. 21, 2018
Murphy's Owner
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Doberman Pinscher
Winston
1 Year
21 found this helpful
21 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching Dry Skin Licking Missing Hair On Both Side
I think my dog has color dilution alopecia.is it painful for him.
July 26, 2017
21 Recommendations
Colour dilution alopecia isn’t painful, but secondary infections may cause pain and itching; other conditions may cause hair loss and itching including allergies, parasites, other infections and hormonal conditions. A visit to your Veterinarian to confirm would be best. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Please share what is in the herbal antioxidant that you use.
July 26, 2017
Renee
Please share what is in the herbal antioxidant bath that you use.
July 26, 2017
Renee
I have a Dachshund, he is now 4 years old, he was a birthday gift from my parents. I first noticed his hair thinning when he was 8 months old, at his last "puppies wellness check" I shared my concerns with the vet, vet said , "some dogs just experience hairless as they age". I have developed a natural home remedies for his condition, Omega 3, Coconut Oil, unrefined, a herbal antioxidant bath every other week
July 26, 2017
Ty W.
Hello;
Could you please tell me if there are any legitimate Colour Dilution Alopecia DNA tests that you know of in the world or if any such tests have ever been peer reviewed?
I do know that there are proven dilute tests, but is there actually a DNA test available to detect Colour Dilution Alopecia itself ?
thankyou and regards,
Marie
Aug. 30, 2017
Marie E.
I also want to know the answer to Marie's question. Is there a DNA test that can detect it before we see symptoms? I have a liver GSD who is a year old. So far, his coat is still luxurious. He was carefully created so I expect him to hold up well.
Sept. 7, 2017
April S.
My Pittie was just diagnosed with CDA. The diagnosis was made through biopsy of the affected areas of hair loss, by an animal dermatologist.
She first did a thyroid test because as she explained, low thyroid can cause hair loss.When the thyroid was negative, the biopsy was done.
Both my local vet and the dermatology vet explained that there is no evidence of food allergy or other condition, so no food changes needed to be made. I am sorry to hear that 3 different vets were not able to diagnose the condition in your Lab. we are finding that if we do not get help from our local vet, we go straight for the specialists. Yes, it is costly, but we feel it is in the best interest of our fur babies to do so. Understandably, not everyone can afford to go this route.
I am interested in how much Omega and Biotin you gave your baby, and what the melatonin contributed to the process.
How long did it take for hair to begin to regrow?
Thank you for sharing your information.
Jan. 18, 2018
Janp
This question is for Jen where can I get these products at
March 8, 2018
Paul O.
We have a silver lab with this condition. I’m told they are bred from chocolate labs to get this diluted color. This particular lab was born from a silver mom and a silver lab instead. Her condition started around two years old. She was completely bald except for a small amount along her spine, the tip of her tail, her head and legs from about the knees down. I’ve taken her to three different vets and no one will believe me that she has CDA because I found my information on the internet. They have told me she has allergies and want to shoot her up with steroids and cortisone shots. They tested her thyroid and her blood sugar. They want me to change her food eight times a year. So I started her on my own home remedies. She’s around 70 pounds. She takes 3mg melatonin in the morning and 3mg at night. Two hair, skin and nails vitamins and two Omega 3, 6 and 9 supplements. Her hair completely grew back. The hair did not however grow back as normal grownup dog hair. It is puppy hair. Like microfiber. No more skin infections.
Dec. 30, 2017
Jen
I have a Chiweagle or Cheaglehund. She is all blue except for a small white blaise on her chest. When she was about 8 or 9 months old she lost all her hair except that white patch. She developed what I would call pimples on her back along with corse hairs. A few months later she started growing this really fine velvety puppy like hair all over but with the course hairs still on her back but not many. She still gets the pimple things in that area sometimes too. The white patch has always remained like normal hair and does not shed. I give her vitamins and coat supplements but don't really know what caused the hair loss and regrowth as that was before the vitamins. It's really weird and we've gotten many comments about her appearance. Strangest dog ever.
July 9, 2018
Samantha S.
My little Chihuahua mix is a blue with CDA. I basically had to tell my vet what CDA was after several vet visits because she missed the symptoms. My problem is a constant re-occurrence of bacterial infection which comes back a few weeks after finishing a 2 week regimen of Clavamax. We initially tried a less strong antibiotic to no avail. Is there anything we can do to prevent reinfections? We've been giving him daily melatonin and Ultra EFA (Essential Fatty Acid Formulation).
July 14, 2018
Debra D.
Where did you get the vitamins as supplements? We adopted a,blue fawn chi and she was loosing her fur. I started giving her coconut oIL in her food and her hair grew back.
Aug. 20, 2018
Debra B.
Jen, I have a 4 year old Silver Lab and we have had problems since he was 6 months. His skin specialist says it's environmental allergies....If possible please let me know where you get/what brands of supplements you use list above. I feel so bad for my fur baby!!
Sept. 7, 2018
Kelly M.
Jen,
I have a 4 year old silver lab and have been told he has environmental allergies. Please list the above supplements if able - brands/where you get them. I feel so bad for my fur baby!! It would be amazing if your treatment worked for him!
Sept. 7, 2018
Kelly M.
I am not a vet but everything you described is what I have been going through with my female blue pit. I recently discovered Jax n Daisy shampoo and am now on day 3 of bathing her with it & I can already tell a difference. I just ordered the lotion they sell hoping to speed up the process. Just wanted to share because I believe it’s worth a shot to at least check out their site.
Sept. 19, 2018
Cmctangi
which one did you use
(Two hair, skin and nails vitamins and two Omega 3, 6 and 9 supplements.)
im trying out melatonine(when order arrives) and already started with sheep fat bonbons
with salmon and seaweed and food from wellness core (ocean tuna and salmon)
Sept. 25, 2018
Marvin
hi
which one did you used ?
(Two hair, skin and nails vitamins and two Omega 3, 6 and 9 supplements)
he is already on sheep fat bonbons
with salmon and seaweed wellness core ocean(salmon and tuna)
and just orderd melatonine
Sept. 25, 2018
Marvin
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Mixed
Beefcake
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss
My son has a grey and white dog, not sure the breeds, his grey hair falls out and is almost all gone, and the texture is very brittle but the white hair is very soft and doesnt fall out, is this most likely alopecia? He vet seems unconcerned but thought a second opinion would be nice. The skin on his exposed back grows strange bumps and is very dry and scaly.
Color Dilution Alopecia Average Cost
From 402 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$300
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
