Evaluation of Phenotypic Risk Indicators for the Development of Alopecia X in Pomeranian Dogs in the Netherlands and Belgium

January 2025 in “ Veterinary Dermatology ”

Ilse van Hensbergen, J. van den Broek, Kelly van Amersfort, Annette van der Lee

TLDR Male Pomeranians with woolly coats are more likely to develop alopecia X.

This study investigated phenotypic risk indicators for the development of alopecia X (AX) in Pomeranian dogs in the Netherlands and Belgium. Conducted between March 2022 and August 2023, the research involved a retrospective epidemiological study using an online survey completed by 234 Pomeranian owners, with 211 surveys eligible for analysis. The study found that a woolly coat type and male sex were significant risk indicators for developing AX. Statistical analysis using a Cox proportional-hazard model supported these findings, highlighting the increased risk associated with these factors.

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