Dermatomyositis
This is very odd and disturbing condition in which the hair loss actually occurs alongside a negative reaction to sunlight or UV rays. The cause remains unknown; however there are steps that you can take to help your Maltipoo with this. This condition can be confirmed with a small skin biopsy done by the veterinarian. When a Maltipoo is having a reaction to UV rays, both the coat and the skin will be affected.
The reaction will cause some or all of the following:
- Scabs
- Sores
- Redness
- Irritation (itching, soreness)
Treatment for this will begin by making sure that your Maltipoo has very limited exposure to any sunlight, keeping the dog indoors except for elimination times when they must go to the bathroom. When outside, if possible, you should keep the dog in the shade. Your veterinarian should treat your Maltipoo with Prednisone which may be given in short and small doses initially, and then followed up with vitamin E treatments. The outlook is fairly good for dogs that suffer from this, with the recovery rate being about 85%.
Flea Allergies
The affects of an allergic reaction to a flea bite can be dramatic for dogs that have a high sensitivity. This can present as a rash and often severe hair loss. Treatment will be similar to other allergic reactions, with anti-inflammatory medication, perhaps Prednisone shots, topical solutions for any moderate to severe hot spots and antihistamine. Both dog and house will need to be treated for fleas and a more effective preventative method will need to be chosen.