Answer

Hi XXXXXXXX,

There are a few different things that can cause hair loss including ringworm, mange, or possibly an allergy. Ringworm can have a scaly reddish rash around the edges of the bare patches though there can be a rash in the bare area as well. There are two types of mange and mange is actually caused by mites. Usually hair loss starts in specific areas of the body before spreading to other areas. Allergies are a frequent cause of scratching and hair loss and an be caused by many different things. Treating any problem without knowing for sure what it is causes a delay in the treatment of the real problem if your first guess is wrong. I really suggest you have your Vet examine the areas and diagnose this. Below are websites on Ringworm and mange that will go into more detail on these conditions.

Here is a website on Ringworm:
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_ringworm.html
Here is two on Mange.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_demodectic_mange.html
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_sarcoptic_mange.html
You can read up on allergies here:
http://www.nhahonline.com/k9allergies.htm
http://www.lbah.com/allergy.htm

Since two dogs are affected, I would tend to believe it is a communicable problem such as ringworm or mange. I do suggest that you have this condition checked by your vet so appropriate treatment can be started. I hope this information is helpful to you.

Expert:	Jane Lefler
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Answered:	4/29/2007

Breeder Behaviorist, See Qual.

Rottweiler Breeder 15+ years Dog trainer / behaviorist, Former Vol.Vet Asst.