Adult-onset growth hormone responsive dermatosis, also known as adult-onset growth hormone deficiency dermatosis, refers to a skin condition that is caused either by an insufficient amount of growth hormone in your dog or a skin condition that responds favorably to growth hormone therapy treatment given to your dog. Adult-onset growth hormone responsive dermatosis occurs most often in dogs aged 1 to 3 years.

This condition usually begins when your dog is between 1 to 3 years old, although it has been seen in dogs older than 3. Your dog will begin to lose his longer primary guard hairs which will make the coat appear fuzzy-looking. The condition will then progress to total hair loss – technically known as alopecia – along the sides of your dog’s trunk, neck and abdomen. The skin in the areas of hair loss may appear thin and have dark spots, but will not usually does be itchy or infected.

Certain breeds such as  Keeshonds, Miniature Poodles, Pomeranians, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies appear to be predisposed to this condition which may suggest a hereditary component.

Your vet will perform a physical examination including blood work and a biopsy of the affected skin.

Your vet will most likely give your dog supplemental growth hormones. Medications such as Trilostane and Lysodren/Mitotane, which are more commonly used to treat Cushing’s disease, have also been effective when used to treat this condition.

Because this condition may have a genetic link, you should not breed dogs with this condition nor should you acquire a dog who was a family history of this condition.

No, you cannot contract adult-onset hormone responsive dermatosis from your dog.