QuestionI adopted a 2 year old sable merle sheltie from a breed rescue
about 3 months ago. When I adopted her her coat was nice, a bit
fluffy and puppy like but not thin..
About a month ago I noticed her coat was starting to thin out
along her backbone and especially near her tail. Then she lost all
her undercoat. She is left with a very thin layer of guard hair and
the fir is short and dry especially along her backbone. She also
scratches a lot.
Other than this she is active and health, not overweight. I
thought initially that she may have a thyroid problem, or maybe
allergies...what do you think?
AnswerHi Miranda,
Your question really is "should I talk to my vet?" and my answer is absolutely.
I would definitely have her thyroid tested and ask the vet about any possible bacterial infections. Remind your vet that you have "heard" that shelties have very high-normal thyroid counts.
The scratching is what is making me think to check for bacterial infections or possibly mange.
If she is active and happy that's the important sign that there might be nothing major wrong. But definitely go see the vet.
