Apparent thyroid deficiency has been reported as a cause of vague dermal symptoms in the dog. This is seen in the middle-aged animal which, when presented, usually has a lethargic attitude and is occasionally obese. The dog is usually admitted to the hospital for treatment with the complaint of hair loss over much of the body area. The skin appears dry in the areas of alopecia. A higher incidence of the disease seems to occur in the spayed female bitch.