Health and Genetics Seminar

The Science of Alopecia X: shedding the myths

Dr. Paul Eckford, PhD (Biochemistry) B.Sc. (Biochemistry)

TinyBear Pomeranians

There is no more divisive issue in the Pomeranian community than the unexplained loss of coat in the young Pomeranian.  The internet is replete with ‘experts’ who have all of the answers to where it comes from, who is causing it, how it is passed, how to identify it months or even years before it becomes apparent and, even how to cure it.

Here we will discuss how to cut through the myths and mis-information and use our understanding of science to know what are the facts and the unknowns about this condition.  This seminar will review some basic genetic concepts, discuss the scientifically-based facts of this condition and how we can come together as a community to stop the loss of coats in OUR breed, if we truly want to.  Only the support of the Pomeranian community will bring about a real solution to the Alopecia X phenomenon.