We performed MRI scanning of the adrenal glands together with both clinicopathologic analysis and a skin biopsy in Pomeranians with non-illness, generalized alopecia. Fifty-one Pomeranians with the alopecia were included in this study, all of which had a brachycephalic type. Laboratory tests carried out on selected cases revealed slight elevations of several tests PCV, ALT, AST, ALP, and blood glucose, a slightly exaggerated response to ACTH stimulation test, and in some cases, inadequate suppression against low-dose dexamethasone. All animals showed a normal response to TSH administration. All 18 dogs on which we performed skin biopsies showed mild epidermal thinning, hyperkeratosis, follicular atrophy, and thinning of the subcutaneous adipose tissue. MRI scanning was performed in 14 of the affected dogs and 3 healthy control Pomeranians. Median length, width, and thickness of the adrenal gland in affected dogs were not different from those in control dogs, and no abnormality of the pituitary gland was found. Based on these findings, it is considered that abnormal adrenal steroidogenesis associated with adrenal hyperplasia is not an acceptable pathogenesis of this condition. It is hypothesized that the affected dogs seem to have a breed- and/or family-specific, physiological hormonal constitution that may lead to alopecia, rather than suffering from a functional anomaly of the adrenal gland.

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A 5-years-old, male miniature dachshund had showed hyperextensibility and fragility of the skin. Skin Index was markedly elevated to 20.9% on the dorsal site of the neck. Histopathologic examination revealed attenuated and disorganized collagen fibers in the dermis, and electron microscopy (EM) showed that the bundles were irregular in size and shape. Based on these findings, this dog was diagnosed as having Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Vitamin C supplementation was administered as a conservative therapy, however skin fragility was gradually becoming worth.

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A 14-year-old, neutered male Japanese Spitz presented with erythema, crust, and ulcer on the ventral abdomen and groin. Additional ulcers were noted on the mucous membrane of oral cavity, pinnae and ear canals. Complete blood counts and blood chemistry analyses did not show any abnormalities and antinuclear antibody was negative. Histopathologic findings showed liquefaction at the stratum basal with infiltration of mononuclear cells. Based on these findings, this dog was diagnosed as having vesicular cutaneous lupus erythematosus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an affected dog, which is not related with Shetland sheepdogs, Collies and these crosses.

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A 12 years-old intact male Yorkshire Terrier was presented with a complaint of non-inflammatorical, non-pruritic symmetrical alopecia of the trunk, turbidity of urine and dyschezia. Physical examination revealed the enlargement of nipples and prostate gland. Intra-abdominal and subcutaneous inguinal masses were palpated and which were thought to be cryptorchidism. Histopathological findings of a mass in abdomen coinside with Sertoli's cell tumor, those of a mass in subcutaneous inguinal mass indicated a mixed tumor of Sertoli's cell tumor and seminoma. After the complete excision of these masses, clinical signs dissolved. A non-inflammatory, non-pruritic alopecia in this case was considered to be caused by the excessive estrogen from testicler tumors.

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