Question: We took our Sheltie to be groomed at a local groomer. She thinned her tail and it has not grown back as full as it used to be. It looks terrible. Is there anything we can do to encourage restoration of her beautiful tail? G.A., Loves Park, IL.

ANSWER: Shelties are one of the top breeds to present with hypothyroidism-which shows up with many clinical signs such as impaired regrowth of hair, increased pigmentation to skin (darkening), obesity, lethargy, dry skin, dull haircoat, slow heart rate, and even fatty tumors. I suggest a visit to your veterinarian for a blood test to check the thyroid should the veterinarian feel this may be an option after examining your pet. Treatment is fairly inexpensive and this problem is not an uncommon one, especially in Shelties. Sometimes, we are keyed in to hypothyroidism by hair not growing back after routine surgery such as with spays, neuters, etc. and this may be the only sign the animal has of the disease. Good luck!