Colour dispersion alopecia

[Barto]

Hi there we have a beautiful blue English staffy that has been diagnosed with colour dispersion alopecia CDA. Just wondering if anyone else has had this condition and has had any success with growing some hair back. I know it’s a genetic issue with blues but wondering if someone has had success with any home remedy. Thanks in advance for any assistance. 

[maddogdodge]

My old Kelpie has CDA (I always called it Colour Dilution Alopecia). She's had it since a pup and I've never found anything to fix it... she's 13 now. For her it's worse in summer, her coat naturally thins out for summer so those areas on her sides impacted by CDA go practically bald... Her winter coat she gets a short plush undercoat on her sides, no guard hair. 

It's never bothered her in the slightest but I'd be interested to hear if anyone has come up with anything that helps it.

 

 

[RuralPug]

Once the hair has been lost from colour dilution alopecia,  it almost never returns although some have claimed that dietary supplements of fatty acids (specifically Omega 3 & 6 & 9) together with certain hormonal supplements have produced a fine "puppy fluff" covering in the hairless areas. This would need to be overseen by a veterinary specialist so I wouldn't consider it a home remedy.

Really the best action to take is to ensure that no skin infections occur and in really severe cases that the bald patches are kept sufficiently moisturised and supple. The severity of the condition will vary from case to case, but if you ensure that no skin irritations, plugged hair follicles etc. occur then CDA, although unsightly, is not a major health problem for the dog. 

Unfortunately, there have been some immune system problems also found in some breeds where both parents are dilute (blue or fawn etc.) and this can complicate things enormously. This is a separate issue to CDA, and a very sad one.