Hair Loss in Animals: Bears in Zoo Go Bald

Vets have been left scratching their heads over the sudden hair loss of all the female bears at Leipzig zoo in Germany, the Daily Mail reported today. Dolores, a bespectacled bear at the zoo, has gone completely bald except for a few tufts of hair around her head. All of the female bears have severe rashes and inflammations on their skin. Some experts are saying it could be the result of a genetic defect although the animals show no other afflictions.

Other possible causes for hair loss in animals include stress and climate change. There is an ongoing debate between zoos and animal protection groups; the latter arguing that animals find zoos an unnatural environment in which to live and as a result become severely distressed. This distress can cause a physical response in animals such as shedding fur at the wrong time of year. As climate change causes winters to become warmer, animals are adapting to the changes to protect themselves. The bears, which come from South America, normally have soft dark brown fur and would usually be growing a thicker coat in preparation for the winter months. But if the temperatures are changing, the bears may have got confused and their bodies may have responded by shedding their fur. The public are flocking to see the bald bears which look somewhat forlorn in their wrinkly skins.

Hair loss is a common condition in humans and affects 80% of men and over 50% of women. However, while no cure presently exists to help bald bears, men and women can successfully manage the condition with proven hair loss treatments.

If you are concerned about hair loss, don’t want to go all wrinkly and would like to keep your head warm as winter approaches, then the best thing you can do is see a specialist to get an accurate diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. The Belgravia Centre offers clients a free initial consultation. To book an appointment, just call 020 7730 6666 or message the centre. Alternatively, complete the online diagnostic form and a treatment advisor will be in touch shortly.

More Information
Hair Loss in Men
Hair Loss in Women
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