Shedding to much

My horse is shedding him self bald. He has a big hairless patch near his hip. The hair will around the area will fall out with the slightest tug and the only remaining hair in the area is short and does not cover the skin. Does anyone know what this could be? I started him on a joint supplement about a month ago, could this be a late comming side effect. I would hate to take him off the supplement because he has really improved a lot on it. But I also don't want him to go bald. His annual shots are due in May, so I can show the vet his skin then, or have him come out a little early and try to see whats up. He always sheds a lot but he's never had bald spots before.

If he is shedding different than his usual shedding style and he truly has bald patches I would say a call to your vet is in order.

He might have a skin issue going on.

It sounds like he may have some sort of imbalance; thyroid would be one thing I would rule out for sure. A vet call is definitely something I would be considering, especially if this is something that has not occured before...even if it has, it's NOT normal. It could be something as 'simple' as allergies, or it could be something that will need more intense care, like the thyroid issue I mentioned before. While allergies could be treated with things like hydrocortisone and keeping him out of pastures that seem to bring it on, a thyroid condition may mean medications for the rest of his life, along with a very strict diet.

Is there any lameness or loss of hair from the mane and tail? Do you suppliment for selenium? Definitely have the vet out early for shots- they don't have to be right on schedule anyway (being early by a few weeks won't matter) and I agree this isn't normal.

Thyroid issues tend to show up as too much hair growth, but can be variable in how they manifest. It almost sounds like a toxicity issue to me (which is why I ask about selenium). Your vet will have much more info, please update us when you know more!! I hope it ends up being nothing or something very treatable!

The vet saw him the other day and said it was just Seasonal Alopecia, and it should grow back in a couple of weeks. As long as there is no itching or scabbing I should not worry about. Yay for easy fixes, or in this case no fixes.