Ear Flap Alopecia

                       -----------------

                       (pinnal alopecia)



                      General Information



Pinnal alopecia is a partial or total loss of hair on the ear

flaps.  Some Dachshunds have a hereditary predisposition to

extremely fine or very thin hair on the ear flaps.  In these

Dachshunds, hair loss is evident when the dogs are less than 1

year old and progresses to total baldness by 8-9 years of age.

Males are more commonly affected.



Other pinnal alopecias are related to hormonal imbalances in

females and seborrheic skin disorders.  In these cases,

correction of the underlying problem usually results in hair

regrowth.



Some Miniature Poodles develop a temporary loss of large tufts of

hair from the ears.  While the condition may progress to almost

total hair loss from the ears, hair usually regrows within 3-4

months.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  There is no treatment for hereditary pinnal alopecia in

    Dachshunds.



2.  Treatment of other pinnal alopecias depends on finding the

    underlying cause for the hair loss.  In some cases,

    laboratory tests and skin biopsies may be necessary to

    determine the cause.



        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet begins to scratch its ears.



    * Your pet develops sores on its ears.



    * Your pet's ears are red, hot or swollen, or have an

    abnormal color.



    * Your pet's general health changes.



    * Your pet's hair loss spreads to other areas of the body.