You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Dermatomyositis is an hereditary disorder causing inflammation of skin and muscle and involves hair loss around the face and limbs, and loss of muscle (due to atrophy) around the face - leading to impaired mastication

The following breeds of dog have been reported to be predisposed to develop dermatomyositis  which occurs before 6 months of age :

• Chow Chow
• Collies (autosomal recessive)
• German Shepherd Dog
• Kuvasz
• Shetland sheepdogs
• Welsh Corgi

Areas most often affected with patchy alopecia are the face (bridge of the nose) , forelegs, around the  eyes,  tips of the ears and tail. The skin lesions occur before the muscle wastage. Seriously affected animals have major dysfunctional signs involving  megaoesophagus and generalised muscle atrophy.

This condition is easily recognised but difficult to treat successfully. Clinical options include :

• Vitamin E supplementation
• Prednisolone
• Pentoxifylline (with food)
• Tetracycline
• Niacinamide

Updated January 2016