Bald Tail Embarrassment

Question:

I show mini dachshunds and have a bald tail which urgently needs some hair. He did have folliculitis and follicular hyperplasia, which were treated with cortisone and antibiotics and these have cleared up, but needs to get the coat back urgently. No fungus or mites, as have treated in case, and is a fit healthy dog otherwise. Could you tell me about the Rogaine treatment? I have really tried everything.

Dr. Nichol:

You have a bald tail? Ahem. Shouldn’t that be, well, you know, private? I’m a veterinarian so I know something about this, on pets anyway. Let’s go down that path.

I’m glad you haven’t tried minoxidil (Rogaine). If you were to apply it to any part of this pupster, you should expect him to lick it off and suffer poisoning similar to having eaten it directly out of the can. Symptoms would include vomiting, low blood pressure, lethargy, and a racing heart rate. Some affected dogs have been treated successfully, others have not. A published case report of 2 cats didn’t end well.

You did the right thing by having your veterinarian take skin scrapings and a biopsy of that lesion. With parasites and other local infections having been ruled out, this hound dog’s treatment is ready for a different direction.

These are tough cases so I consulted with veterinary dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Mount, who practices with me at Thrive Pet HealthCare Specialists in Albuquerque. She explained that there are a lot of possible reasons for hair loss on the tail, but based on your description she suspects caudal gland hyperplasia. Also known as stud tail, it can have a hormonal trigger that causes over-activity of the sebaceous (skin oil) glands and hair loss.

You could try giving melatonin (3 mg daily), about 2 hours prior to bedtime. If it helps it will likely be a few months before this cosmetic flaw improves. To stay ahead of it you’ll need to continue melatonin until your dog retires from his show biz career. On the other hand, you could just have him wear pants.

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Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.