To Cheryl Cato:
 
        Hair loss restricted to the tail only should be monitored.  If it
spreads forward of the tail, then we should get concerned.  There is no "magic
amount" of hair loss that consistutes a diagnosis of adrenal disease.  But if
you can see definite thinning of the hair on the abdomen and flanks, then we
should start thinking about that operation.
 
        A "belly" is usually not associated with adrenal associated
endocrinopathy.  It probably just suggests increased food intake and decreased
exercise.   Animals with "bellies", may have enlarged spleens, though,, and this
should be checked.
 
       Bruce Williams, DVM                 Department of Veterinary Pathology
       [log in to unmask]         Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
       (202) 576-2453/2454                 Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
 
[Posted in FML issue 0937]