Yellow Labrador Retriever losing hair in patches - part one

Today's readers e-mail question come from a nice young man named David (USA). His yellow Labrador Retriever, Winnie has a problem with patchy hair loss on various parts of her body.

This is part one of a two part e-mail question.

Reader's E-mail - David Writes:

Hello. My name is David and I am 17 and I have a yellow Lab named Winnie. She is losing hair in patches on her legs, chin, elbows and ankles. Her ankle seems to be the worst spot though. It is swelling and is starting to bleed.

She is an 8 year old female and about 5 weeks ago had a litter of 12 puppies. Have you ever heard about this on a lab? Is there a treatment for this? Or is the Vet the only way to go for her. I really don't want her put down. If there is any information you can give me I would really appreciate it.

Sincerely
David

All About Labradors Blog Answer:

Hello David,

Thank you for writing, I am sorry to hear about Winnie's condition.

In order for me to try to be of some assistance to you, I have a couple of questions in regards to Winnie's condition. Please try to be as specific as possible with the answers to the questions.

How long has the problem been present and has it occurred before?

Is the hair missing, broken or chewed off short?

Are the areas of hair loss itchy for Winnie?

Is she constantly licking the areas of hair loss?

Are all the hairless area raw and inflamed?

Are the areas a particular shape?

What do you feed Winnie?

Does Winnie's paws itch?

Does Winnie scoot?

Do you find yourself itching?

What do you bath Winnie in?

Is Winnie an emotional or nervous dog?

Any fleas present on Winnie?

Any discoloration or darkness to skin where hair loss is?

How is the rest of her coat (oily, dry, smelly, etc)?

Anything else you can tell me that you think will be helpful in regards to Winnie's condition.

One last thing David, with all the email questions I receive, I always ask a favor of the person writing. If you have any photos of your Labrador Retriever, that you could email me, I would love to post them to the Labrador Retriever Pictures blog. You DO NOT have to send a photo to receive an answer to your question.

Please get back to me at your earliest convenience with the answers to these questions. I will reply as soon as I get your answers.

Talk to you soon,

Fay

To read part two of this e-mail question visit Yellow Labrador Retriever losing hair in patches - part two

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