Canine Idiopathic Ear Margin Dermatosis anyone?

[Stellasmom]

Hello

This post is about something fairly uncommon in breeds other than Dachshunds and I am trying to get as much information as I can to understand it. My 15 month old natural eared Great Dane has been diagnosed recently with Idiopathic Ear Margin Dermatosis/Seborrhea via skin biopsies, negative skin scrapings and history. The skin on her ear flaps/pinnae are crusting and can literally fall off in pieces if you touch it. It doesn't bother her at all but is starting to look ugly.

Our veterinarian has suggested washing her ears with Selsun Blue shampoo every other day for 2 weeks and if this does not improve anything we are to purchase another shampoo only available at the vet office. Is there anyone out there dealing with this condition that can tell me about their experiences?

Thank you
Kelly

[Dr Lee]

I don't know if this will help or not but this is an excerpt from a Veterinary Conference Lecture in 2002.

The author of this excerpt is:

Lynette K. Cole, DVM, MS, DACVD The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Columbus, Ohio, USA


"Pattern baldness has been reported only in dogs. Three syndromes have been recognized. Two of the 3 syndromes affect the pinna or pinnal region. The first syndrome affects the pinna of male and rarely female Dachshunds. Hair loss from the pinna occurs at 6 to 9 months of age and slowly progresses to complete pinnal alopecia. As the alopecia progresses, the skin hyperpigments. Complete baldness may occur by 8 or 9 years of age. The third syndrome is the most common and seen primarily in Dachshunds, but is also recognized in Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, Whippets, Manchester Terriers, Greyhounds, and Italian Greyhounds. It is found almost exclusively in females. Hair loss begins in the postauricular region at approximately 6 months of age and progresses along the ventral neck, entire ventrum, and caudomedial thighs. Diagnosis of pattern baldness is based on history, physical examination, and histopathology. Histologically, there is a decrease in size, miniaturization, of the hair follicles with normal adnexal structures. Studies evaluating melatonin (oral and constant-release implants) as a treatment for pattern baldness have shown it to be effective for hair regrowth. Hair regrowth was apparent in 1.5 months after initiation of therapy, with maximum growth in 3 to 4 months."


Hope it helps.

[Stellasmom]

Intriguing information Dr. Lee, thank you. I would consider looking into it. Do you know how I would find out the recommended dosing for the melatonin?

Kelly

[rainbow]

There's dosage information on this website about 2/3 of the way down the page....

http://www.dcavm.org/05apr.html

[Stellasmom]

Thanks very much for the link to the information on melatonin. I am going look into getting some to try out.