Hair Loss On The Ear...

[Ms Genki]

I've noticed recently that the ear fur on one of my dogs comes out easily and it doesn't look like new fur is growing back. He's about 4 years old. The ear looks a little dry but isn't bleeding, itchy or scabby.

I don't like these little black bald skin patches and am calling the vet clinic tomorrow but was wondering whether anyone else has come across this at all? Could it be food intolerance or allergies?

EDITED: Uh, never mind. I think it's the first case of fleas since having dogs for over 10 years. My other dog has a bald patch on her leg, thinning hair, dermatitis and suspicious little black specks. Sigh. It had to happen on a Sunday night, just after school holidays too....

Edited July 15, 2010 by Ms Genki

[Miranda]

Fleas in the ACT in winter? Fleas need warmth and humidity, if it's fleas they must be pretty damn tough.

[Staff'n'Toller]

You might want to have some skin scrapings done, but my Stafford goes through that phase every year where the hair falls out and new hair grows in around the edges.

[Ms Genki]

Just returned from the vet who said some dogs are susceptible to hair loss on the ears when spending time in cold weather. Reuben spent a night at the RSPCA last week when he busted out so we're guessing it's attributable to that because he's an indoor dog who only goes out for toilet breaks and walks in winter. We're to keep an eye on it for now in case it worsens to bleeding or cracking.

Some flea treatment medication is on it's way via Aus Post but I'm so relieved I don't have to spend the weekend cleaning and sanitising everything.

Thank you to those who replied anyway. After trawling through the numerous flea threads last night, I wouldn't wish fleas on my worst enemy.

Edited July 14, 2010 by Ms Genki

[Staff'n'Toller]

Stickfast fleas tend to gather around ears but you would see them there.

The regular flea gathers around the tail base and sometimes you can see them running across the belly but ear tips is not a normal place for them to be.

Glad you figured it out. One of the labs here at work has had a funny moult this year and is shedding again for the 3rd or 4th time!

Edited July 14, 2010 by Staff'n'Toller