We've got a 13-y/o (well almost) border collie/lab mix. Back in October, we had her shaved so that she looked less like a border collie and more like a lab - something we do periodically because she sheds a lot.

This time, as it's growing back, there's a large, odd-shaped section that is still as short as when she came back from the groomer. What's especially bizarre is that the area seems symmetric - same pattern on her left hindquarters as on the right. And there are patches of longer hair within the larger hairless area. The "balding" areas actually have a very short, soft coat of hair, so it's not bare skin.

She's the first long haired dog we've had, so this is a new experience for us. Apart from this, she seems as normal as ever - good appetite, good spirits, still housebroken, no apparent suffering. Should we take her to the vet, or is this something that happens to older dogs?

And, no, I'm not going to try Doggie Rogaine...

I would take her to the vet just as a precaution or wait untill it is time for her yearly check up/shots and have it checked out then. If it is something wrong with her and you don"t get it checked imaging how bad you would feel.

Mange?

Mange?

Yeah, but symmetric?? I don't think so. Is it possible she got clipper burn and the hair is just coming in slower because of it? :shrug:

Here's (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1593&articleid=421)an article on hair loss.

Here's (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1593&articleid=421)an article on hair loss.

Sounds like this may be what it is:

Post-clipping alopecia Hair may not grow back immediately after it has been clipped; which animals may be affected can not be predicted; more common in dogs with thick undercoats e.g., Huskies and Chows Continued lack of growth in hair that was clipped, e.g., for surgery History None; hair will eventually regrow, but may take up to 24 months

Has your dog been drinking alot of water and urinating more lately ? It may be a disease called Cushings, symmetrical alopecia is oneof the signs. So is the increase in thirst and and urinating, a pot bellyappearence and dry skin. However, not all symptoms have to be present. Your vet can do a blood test.

Sounds like this may be what it is:

Post-clipping alopecia Hair may not grow back immediately after it has been clipped; which animals may be affected can not be predicted; more common in dogs with thick undercoats e.g., Huskies and Chows Continued lack of growth in hair that was clipped, e.g., for surgery History None; hair will eventually regrow, but may take up to 24 monthsInteresting - that could well be it. But considering her age, we may never see much regrowth. Our vet told us her likely lifespan is 12-14 years, and she hits 13 in April...

Thanks so much for the information - I never heard of such things, and I was starting to wonder if she'd been abducted by aliens, shaved for their weird probings, then beamed back home. Maybe I should be more selective in the TV I watch.

In any event, I'll keep an eye on her, but it sounds like it's not something to get overly upset about.