Manchester terriers as a whole are reported to be a relatively healthy breed, with veterinarians and reputable Manchester breeders and fanciers documenting few breed-specific health problems. Baldness or non-inflammatory alopecia can occur in the breed, as can thyroid conditions that lead to symptoms of thinning coat on various parts of the body when untreated.
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Non-inflammatory Alopecia
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Non-inflammatory alopecia, often referred to as pattern baldness, is a cosmetic condition that will not affect the life span or quality of life of your dog. If a veterinarian diagnoses this condition in your Manchester terrier as the cause of hair loss on the chest or any other part of the body, veterinary treatment is not usually necessary or successful. Some individual dogs can improve when given 3 to 6 mg of oral melatonin twice daily.
Hypothyroidism
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Manchester terriers are prone to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. One of the symptoms of hypothyroidism is a thinning coat that can occur on several parts of the body. Your veterinarian will run a thyroid blood test, and if your dog has a low thyroid count, the veterinarian will prescribe medications to level out the thyroid hormones. The dog will need to be on the medication for the duration of its life. Most symptoms subside once the thyroid hormone levels are returned to normal.
Other Balding Concerns
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Manchester terriers with mange tend to show thinning coat in affected areas. Only a veterinarian can diagnose mange, and treatment will include medicated dips and medications. A mite causes the condition, which is frequently documented in young Manchester terrier puppies.
While not common, cutaneous asthenia has been documented in the breed. A dog with this condition has stretchy thinning skin that may damage more quickly and easily than a dog without the condition. There is no cure, though it is recommended that dogs with this condition do not endure frequent contact that disturbs the skin such as frequent bathing or grooming of the affected areas or rubbing of skin with collars, harnesses or canine clothing.
Some adult Manchester terriers exhibit what appears to be a thinning coat on the middle of the chest. In some lines this pattern is considered normal and no action needs to be taken. The appearance of thin chest hair may progress with age.
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