Estradiol-induced alopecia in five dogs after contact with a transdermal gel used for the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms in women

Wiener, Dominique Judith; Rüfenacht, Silvia; Koch, Hans J; Mauldin, Elizabeth A; Mayer, Ursula; Welle, Monika Maria (2015). Estradiol-induced alopecia in five dogs after contact with a transdermal gel used for the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms in women. Veterinary dermatology, 26(5), pp. 393-396. Blackwell Science 10.1111/vde.12242

Text vde12242.pdf - Published Version Restricted to registered users only Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (1MB)

BACKGROUND

Noninflammatory alopecia is a frequent problem in dogs. Estrogen-induced alopecia is well described in dogs, with estrogen producing testicular tumors and canine female hyperestrogenism.

OBJECTIVES

To increase awareness that extensive alopecia in dogs can be caused by exposure to estradiol gel used by owners to treat their postmenopausal symptoms.

ANIMALS

Skin biopsies from five dogs with extensive alopecia were examined.

METHODS

Owners were asked for a thorough case history, including possible exposure to an estradiol gel. Complete blood work and serum chemistry panel analysis were performed to investigate possible underlying causes. Formalin-fixed skin biopsy samples were obtained from lesional skin and histopathology was performed.

RESULTS

All owners confirmed the use of a transdermal estradiol gel and close contact with the affected dogs before development of alopecia. Histopathologic examination showed a similar picture in all five dogs. Most hair follicles were predominantly either in kenogen or telogen and hair follicle infundibula showed mild to moderate dilation. Hair regrowth was present in all five dogs after the exposure to the estradiol gel was stopped or minimized. Blood work and serum chemistry panel were within normal limits in all cases. One dog had elevated estradiol concentrations, whereas in another dog estradiol concentrations were within normal limits.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Alopecia can occur after contact with a transdermal gel used as treatment for postmenopausal symptoms in women. Estradiol gel used by female owners therefore represents a possible cause for noninflammatory alopecia in dogs. Estradiol concentrations are not necessarily elevated in affected dogs.

Interest & Impact

Downloads

0 since deposited on 15 Feb 2016
0 in the past 12 months

Citations

5 Citations in Web of Science ®
6 Citations in Scopus

Search

in Google Scholar™

Services

Actions (login required)

Edit item

Actions (login required)

Edit item