Dermoscopic findings and comparison of usefulness of longitudinal versus transversal sections in the histological diagnosis of alopecia X.

BACKGROUND: A combination of dermoscopic and histological findings may provide useful information for the diagnosis of hair follicle diseases. However, there are no studies on dermoscopic-histopathological correlations in dogs affected by alopecia X, and comparison of longitudinal versus transversal sectioning of skin biopsy specimens in the assessment of this hair loss disorder has not been thoroughly investigated. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to correlate dermoscopic and histological features using both longitudinal and transversal sectioning of skin biopsy samples to gain additional information for the diagnosis of alopecia X. ANIMALS: Nineteen Pomeranian dogs affected by alopecia X and five healthy Pomeranians as controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dermoscopic-histological correlation was performed within the diseased group, whereas histological comparisons against controls. The demographic and clinical characteristics also were related to the histological findings. RESULTS: The dermoscopic findings revealed scattered, thinned, short hairs mixed with amorphous keratoseborrhoeic-like material (follicular plugging), perifollicular and intrafollicular scaling, and hyperpigmentation varying from pinpoint black spots to a diffuse texture. Dermoscopic findings correlated with histological findings for selected qualitative and quantitative findings. The usefulness of transversal sections was demonstrated in accurately determining the hair follicular density and counts, growth arrest phases and in identifying mineralisation of hair follicle basement membrane when compared to the longitudinal. Conversely, no correlations between histological findings and demographic and clinical characteristics were detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data provide evidence of the usefulness of dermoscopic evaluation as an accessory diagnostic tool and of transversal sections of skin biopsies as complementary to the diagnosis of alopecia X.

Alopecia in Belgian Blue crossbred calves: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia is defined as the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows. Alopecia secondary to an infectious disease or parasitic infestation is commonly seen in cattle. It can also have metabolic causes, for example in newborn calves after a disease event such as diarrhoea. In the article, the investigation of a herd problem of acquired alopecia in Belgian Blue (BB) crossbred calves is described. CASE PRESENTATION: Several BB crossbred calves had presented with moderate to severe non-pruritic alopecia in a single small herd located in Southern Germany. The referring veterinarian had ruled out infectious causes, including parasitic infection and had supplemented calves with vitamins (vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, and K3) orally. Results of the diagnostic workup at the Clinic for Ruminants are presented for three affected calves and findings from a farm visit are discussed. Because of these investigations, an additional four calves were brought to the referral clinic within the first week of life, and before onset of alopecia, in order to study the course of the condition; however, these calves never developed any signs of alopecia during their clinic stay. CONCLUSIONS: Because all other plausible differential diagnoses were ruled out during our investigation, we concluded that the documented alopecia was due to malabsorption of dietary fat and consecutive disruption of lipid metabolism leading to telogen or anagen effluvium. In this particular case, this was caused by a mixing error of milk replacer in conjunction with insufficiently tempered water. We conclude that nutritional, management or environmental factors alone can lead to moderate to severe alopecia in calves in the absence of a prior or concurrent disease event or infectious cause.

[Dermatomyositis in a family of Working Kelpies].

Eight members of a family of Working Kelpies were presented with signs compatible with dermatomyositis. Alopecia, crusts, ulcerations of the skin, depigmentation of nasal planum and lips, onychodystrophy and atrophy of the masticatory muscles were present with varying degree. Histopathology of the skin, but not from muscles was performed in three dogs and confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Different immunomodulating drugs (steroids, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, pentoxifylline, doxycyline/niacinamid, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E) were used with variable success. Dermatomyositis is an immune-mediated disease and a genetic predisposition is known in humans and certain canine breeds, mainly Shetland Sheepdogs and Collies, but also for the Beauceron. The responsible genes have not been identified so far. It is assumed that the Working Kelpie derives from the Collie which could explain a hereditary predisposition in the Kelpie.

Enhanced biological processes associated with alopecia in polar bears (Ursus maritimus).

Populations of wildlife species worldwide experience incidents of mass morbidity and mortality. Primary or secondary drivers of these events may escape classical detection methods for identifying microbial insults, toxin exposure, or additional stressors. In 2012, 28% of polar bears sampled in a study in the southern Beaufort Sea region of Alaska had varying degrees of alopecia that was concomitant with reduced body condition. Concurrently, elevated numbers of sick or dead ringed seals were detected in the southern Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering seas in 2012, resulting in the declaration of an unusual mortality event (UME) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The primary and possible ancillary causative stressors of these events are unknown, and related physiological changes within individual animals have been undetectable using classical diagnostic methods. Here we present an emerging technology as a potentially guiding investigative approach aimed at elucidating the circumstances responsible for the susceptibility of certain polar bears to observed conditions. Using transcriptomic analysis we identified enhanced biological processes including immune response, viral defense, and response to stress in polar bears with alopecia. Our results support an alternative mechanism of investigation into the causative agents that, when used proactively, could serve as an early indicator for populations and species at risk. We suggest that current or classical methods for investigation into events of unusual morbidity and mortality can be costly, sometimes unfocused, and often inconclusive. Advances in technology allow for implementation of a holistic system of surveillance and investigation that could provide early warning of health concerns in wildlife species important to humans.

Systemic effects of Leucaena leucocephala ingestion on ringtailed lemurs (Lemur catta) at Berenty Reserve, Madagascar.

Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) is a leguminous tree that is nutritious forage for domestic livestock when ingested in limited amounts. Unfortunately, leucaena contains mimosine, a plant amino acid, that can be toxic when ingested at higher concentrations. Reported toxic effects include alopecia (fur loss), poor body condition, infertility, low birth weight, thyroid gland dysfunction, and organ toxicity. Originally native to Mexico and Central America, leucaena has been introduced throughout the tropics, including Berenty Reserve, Madagascar where it was planted as supplemental browse for livestock. In Berenty, a seasonal syndrome of alopecia in ringtailed lemurs (Lemur catta) is associated with eating leucaena. Although much is known about the toxic effects of leucaena and mimosine on domestic animals and humans, the systemic effects on wildlife had not been studied. In a comparison of lemurs that include leucaena in their diet and those that do not, we found that animals that ingest leucaena absorb mimosine but that ingestion does not affect body condition, cause kidney or liver toxicity, or affect the intestinal tract. Alopecia is due to mimosine's interference of the hair follicle cycle. Leucaena ingestion is associated with higher serum albumin, α-tocopherol, and thyroxine concentrations, suggesting that leucaena may provide some nutritional benefit and that lemurs can detoxify and convert mimosine to a thyroid stimulating metabolite. The primary conservation consequence of leucaena ingestion at Berenty may be increased infant mortality due to the infants' inability cling to their alopecic mothers. The widespread introduction of leucaena throughout the tropics and its rapid spread in secondary forest conditions mean that many other leaf-eating mammals may be including this tree in their diet. Thus, exposure to leucaena should be considered when wildlife health is being evaluated, and the potential effects on wildlife health should be considered when contemplating leucaena introduction into or near wildlife habitat.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on hair regrowth in dogs with noninflammatory alopecia: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Canine noninflammatory alopecia (CNA) is a heterogeneous group of skin diseases with different underlying pathogenesis. The therapeutic approach is challenging, and new options for treatment are desirable. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To test the clinical efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on hair regrowth in CNA. ANIMALS: Seven dogs of different ages, breeds and genders with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis of noninflammatory alopecia. METHODS: Each dog was treated twice weekly for a maximum of 2 months with a therapeutic laser producing the following three different wavelengths emerging simultaneously from 21 foci: 13 × 16 mW, 470 nm; 4 × 50 mW, 685 nm; and 4 × 200 mW, 830 nm. The fluence given was 3 J/cm(2) , frequency 5 Hz, amplitude of the irradiated area was 25 cm(2) and application time was 1.34 min. A predetermined alopecic area was left untreated and served as a control area. From one dog, post-treatment biopsies of treated and untreated sites were obtained for histological evaluation of hair density and the percentage of haired and nonhaired follicles. RESULTS: At the end of the study, coat regrowth was greatly improved in six of seven animals and improved in one of seven. By morphometry, the area occupied by hair follicles was 18% in the treated sample and 11% in the untreated one (11%); haired follicles were (per area) 93% in the treated sample and only 9% in the control sample. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Our clinical and histological data document promising effects of LLLT on hair regrowth in CNA. Further studies investigating the biological mechanism underlying the effect of LLLT on hair follicle cycling are warranted.

Clinical, pathological and toxicological findings of a iatrogenic selenium toxicosis case in feeder pigs.

Histopathological and toxicological analyses confirmed a clinical diagnosis of selenium (Se) intoxication in pigs from a farm in Spain. After an initial episode of diarrhoea, animals presented both dermatological and neurological signs; the most obvious sign was a marked hind limb paresis. Cutaneous lesions consisted on diffuse alopecia, multifocal skin necrosis and coronary band necrosis of the hooves. Central nervous system lesions involved the cervical and lumbar intumescences of the spinal cord and consisted of a severe, bilateral symmetrical poliomyelomalacia of the ventral horns; pons and medulla oblongata also presented lesions of polioencephalomalacia. Analyses of feed and sera from clinically affected pigs revealed a marked increase in Se concentration. Clinical investigations indicated that a failure in Se dosage in feed was the cause of the toxicosis.

The impact of body site, topical melatonin and brushing on hair regrowth after clipping normal Siberian Husky dogs.

The aims of this study were to determine the impact of body site, vigorous brushing and topical melatonin treatment on hair regrowth after clipping normal dogs. Siberian Husky dogs were randomly assigned to three groups of eight dogs each. All dogs had the lumbosacral region and both lateral thighs clipped. The left thigh and lumbosacral area received no treatment and were compared in all 24 dogs. Eight dogs had the right thigh treated with 0.1% melatonin twice daily for 2 months, and hair regrowth was compared with the left thigh. Eight dogs had the right thigh brushed twice daily for 2 months, and hair regrowth was compared with the left thigh. Eight dogs had neither thigh treated. Hairs were plucked before and 2 months postclipping, and the proportion of hair growth from the original length was calculated and compared as described above. Biopsy samples were collected before and after treatment to determine if brushing induced dermal inflammation and melatonin increased the proportion of anagen follicles. Proportionally, left thigh hairs were significantly longer compared to lumbosacral hairs 2 months postclipping. No significant differences in hair regrowth were noted between the nontreated thigh and the thigh treated with melatonin or brushed. No significant difference in dermal inflammation was noted before and after brushing. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of anagen follicles before and after topical melatonin treatment. Our results showed that the hairs in the lumbosacral region were proportionally shorter than lateral thigh hairs 2 months postclipping. Moreover, topical melatonin and brushing had no impact on hair regrowth after clipping normal dogs.

Histopathologic and ultrastructural alterations of white liver disease in sheep experimentally depleted of cobalt.

Many cobalt-deficient sheep develop liver lesions known as ovine "white liver" disease, but the etiology of these changes is controversial. It has been suggested that cofactors are required for development of liver damage in cobalt-deficient sheep. In this study, one group of lambs (n = 5) was fed a diet low in cobalt (4.5 micrograms/kg) while a group of control lambs (n = 4) received the same diet after it had been supplemented with cobalt (1000 micrograms/kg). All cobalt-depleted lambs had reduced growth rate, anorexia, lacrimation, and alopecia, and they eventually became emaciated (mean body weight at end of study: 83% of initial body weight). Plasma concentrations of bilirubin and serum activity of glutamate-oxaloacetate transferase were elevated in these animals, while plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 were reduced (less than 220 pmol/L from day 42). Fatty degeneration of the liver associated with reduced concentrations of vitamin B12 (14.5 pmol/g) was seen in these animals at necropsy at 196 days. Microscopic liver lesions included accumulation of lipid droplets and lipofuscin particles in hepatocytes, dissociation and necrosis of hepatocytes, and sparse infiltration by neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. Ultrastructural hepatocytic alterations included swelling, condensation and proliferation of mitochondria, hypertrophy of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, vesiculation and loss of arrays of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and accumulation of lipid droplets and lipofuscin granules in cytoplasm of hepatocytes. No liver lesions were seen in control lambs. The results of this study indicate that cofactors are not a prerequisite to development of hepatic damage in cobalt-deficient sheep. Reduced activities of the vitamin B12-dependent enzymes, methylmalonyl CoA mutase and methionine synthase, and lipid peroxidation are of likely pathogenetic importance in the development of the lesions.

Clinical aspects and surgical treatment of hyperadrenocorticism in the domestic ferret: 94 cases (1994-1996).

The signalment, clinical findings, laboratory values, and histopathological results of 96 ferrets with signs (i.e., bilaterally symmetrical alopecia, return to male sexual behavior, or an enlarged vulva) suggestive of hyperadrenocorticism were evaluated retrospectively. Of these 96 ferrets, 94 (98%) were diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism histologically. Treatment consisted of unilateral adrenalectomy for unilateral tumors (84%) and subtotal bilateral adrenalectomy for bilateral adrenal tumors (16%). The histopathological diagnosis included nodular hyperplasia (56%), adrenocortical carcinoma (26%), and adrenocortical adenoma (16%). Common concurrent diseases included splenomegaly (87%), islet-cell tumor (27%), and cardiomyopathy (10%).

Zinc-responsive dermatosis in northern-breed dogs: 17 cases (1990-1996).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the response rate of zinc-responsive dermatosis to zinc supplementation, the optimal dosage of zinc required for resolution of lesions, the rate of recurrence of lesions, and to develop recommendations for maintenance dosages of zinc to be administered to dogs with this type of zinc-responsive dermatosis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 17 northern-breed dogs with a diagnosis of zinc-responsive dermatosis. PROCEDURE: Histologic evaluation of skin biopsy specimens and review of medical records. Additional information was obtained from veterinarians and owners via a telephone questionnaire. RESULTS: In 12 of 17 dogs, lesions were unilateral initially, then became symmetrical as the disease progressed. Pyoderma was evident in 5 of 17 dogs, whereas 10 were pruritic. Most lesions initially developed between September and April, and 12 of 17 dogs developed lesions in February, October, and November. Initial dosages of zinc supplement ranged from 0.8 to 4.6 mg/kg of body weight/d (0.36 to 2.09 mg/lb/d). Effective/ maintenance dosages ranged from 0.5 mg/kg (0.23 mg/lb), twice weekly, to 8.0 mg/kg/d (3.6 mg/lb/d). Fifteen of 17 dogs had complete resolution of lesions after zinc supplementation. Lesions recurred in 9 of 16 dogs. Approximately half of the recurrent lesions were a result of a missed dose or a decrease in dosage or frequency of zinc supplementation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: An initial dosage of zinc supplement of 1.0 mg of elemental zinc/kg (0.45 mg of elemental zinc/lb), PO, every 24 hours is recommended. Treatment should be continued for 1 month to determine response to treatment, and the daily dosage should be increased by 50% if the initial dosage is not effective. Dogs are prone to recurrence of lesions if a dose of zinc is missed or the dosage or frequency is decreased.

Studies on 'zinc deficiency syndrome' in black bengal goats (Capra hircus) fed with fodder (Andropogon gayanus) grown on soil treated with an excess of calcium and phosphorus fertilizer.

Overliming and excessive application of superphosphate caused a zinc deficiency in the soil and so reduced the uptake of zinc by fodder plants. Bucks reared on such fodder had significantly (p < 0.01) less zinc in their hair compared with controls and suffered from 'conditioned zinc deficiency syndrome' with a significant (p < 0.01) loss of body weight, stunted growth, alopecia, lethargy, abnormal (kyphotic) gait, anorexia, digestive and respiratory problems. Oral supplementation with zinc sulphate very rapidly improved these conditions to near normality. Histological examination of samples of skin and testis from the zinc-deficient bucks revealed formation of excessive keratin, retention of nuclei in the stratum corneum and reduction in the width of the stratum granulosum in the skin, while samples of testis indicated degenerative changes, including atrophy of the seminiferous tubules, hyperplasia of the germinal epithelium and thickening of the walls of blood vessels.

Acupuncture for dermatologic disorders.

Veterinary acupuncture is a useful therapeutic modality for treating dermatologic disease. The principles of TCM diagnosis can be applied to the animal patient, and acupuncture points chosen based on the cause and clinical manifestations of the disease.

[Selenium poisoning in fattening swine]. / Selenintoxikation bei Mastschweinen.

A case of selenium toxicosis was observed in fattening pigs. Intoxication was caused by high levels of selenium in a commercial mineral premix. Instead of the recommended dose of 16 ppm Se, the mineral feed contained selenium at concentrations of 657 and 1059 ppm. The ration in use was found to contain more than 14 ppm selenium. Clinical symptoms were observed 5 to 6 weeks after the pigs began consuming the contaminated feed mixture. Feed intake was markedly reduced and animals showed severe lameness due to separation and necrosis of the hoof wall at the coronary band. Some pigs were reluctant to stand. In some cases alopecia was detected. At histopathological examination one animal with paralysis of the hind limbs revealed a focal bilaterally symmetric poliomyelomalacia in the lumbar segment of the spinal cord. Diagnosis was confirmed by high selenium contents of liver, kidneys and blood. After removing the incriminated feed no further pigs developed signs of intoxication. New horn growth was present and lame animals recovered slowly.

Control of Psoroptes cuniculi in captive white-tailed deer with ivermectin-treated corn.

Psoroptes cuniculi, the ear mite of domestic rabbits, was collected from captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). This is the first report of rabbit ear mite infestations in white-tailed deer in Oklahoma or Texas (USA). In addition to moderate infestations in their ears, two 4-yr-old bucks, two 3-yr-old does, and seven 4-yr-old does showed patchy areas of alopecia along the sides and brisket. Both bucks also had patchy areas of alopecia around the base of antlers. Ear mites were eradicated from all deer except from one doe by providing ivermectin-treated corn to the deer at a rate of 1,000 g (equivalent to 200 mcg/kg of ivermectin)/day/deer for several days. The ear mite infestation in the one doe was eradicated by intramuscularly injection with ivermectin at 400 mcg/kg. After treatment with the ivermectin and eradication of the mites, the alopecia improved and eventually was eliminated. The ivermectin-treated corn also controlled all internal nematode parasites in the deer.

Llama dermatology.

As llamas become more common in North America, veterinarians will be called on ever more frequently to deal with their dermatologic problems. Adherence to the basic tenets of the thorough dermatologic work up, including history, physical examination, skin scrapings, cytological examinations, fungal culture, skin biopsies, and assessing response to judiciously chosen trial therapies will offer the best opportunity of arriving at proper diagnoses. Special attention must be paid to the fact that llama skin bears some histological differences that may prove confusing to the uninitiated. A mild degree of hyperkeratosis, a prominent vascular plexus in the superficial dermis that is associated with mild perivascular mononuclear cell accumulations, and regional differences in sebaceous gland size and numbers, all are considered normal findings. Ectoparasites, including sarcoptic mange, chorioptic manage, and pediculosis, appear to be the most common causes of pruritus in the llama. Although ivermectin therapy would appear to be very effective for the treatment of scabies and, indeed, may work well against sucking lice, chorioptic mange and biting lice usually do not respond to this medication. Corticosteroids can be used to treat pruritus in the llama nonspecifically, using the anti-inflammatory dosages established in other species. These drugs are used most appropriately for the management of the allergies that we suspect occur in this species, until better alternative therapies can be developed. Variably pruritic focal areas of alopecia, exudation, and crusting suggest differential diagnoses including bacterial folliculitis and furunculosis, dermatophilosis, dermatophytosis, and coccidioimycosis. The diagnosis of bacterial problems often is made by assessing response to antibiotic therapy. Topical disinfectants and/or systemic penicillin or trimethoprim-sulfadiazine are indicated. Dermatophilosis is treated by cleaning and drying the leasions, applying topical antibiotics, and, occasionally, using parenteral penicillin and streptomycin. Dermatophytosis usually is treated with topical antibiotics only. Captan is one of several therapies of choice. There is no therapy presently available for coccidioidomycosis in the llama. Perhaps most perplexing is the fact that one of the most common dermatopathies seen in the llama is an idiopathic keratinizing disorder that, in some cases, is responsive to zinc supplementation. We have no real idea of the pathogenesis of this problem and recognize that some affected animals will not respond to supplementation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effect of inorganic selenium supplementation on selenosis in postweaning swine.

A total of 72 pigs weaned at 4 wk of age were allotted by litter and weight to nine treatment groups and fed 20% protein cornsoybean meal diets supplemented with various levels of inorganic Se during a 37-d postweaning period. Eight groups were fed diets with 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, 15, 20 or 40 ppm Se provided as sodium selenite, while a ninth was offered the 0- and 40-ppm Se diets in separate feeders. Gains and feed intakes were similar during the trial for the 0- and 2.5-ppm Se diets. Both gain and feed intake declined as dietary Se levels above 5.0 ppm increased. At a dietary Se concentration of 40 ppm, feed consumption ceased within a few days of feeding and subsequent gains were negative. Pigs offered both the 0- and 40-ppm Se diets preferentially selected the basal as compared with the 40-ppm Se diet. When the feeders were switched at 28 d they refused the 40-ppm Se diet within a few hours. After a 17-d period, pigs fed the 20- or 40-ppm Se diet were not able to coordinate their walk, with many exhibiting an inability to stand. Alopecia was demonstrated in pigs fed 15 ppm Se or higher at 17 d, but was evident in the 5.0-ppm group at 37 d. At the termination of the trial, abnormal hoof formation at the coronary band was evident in pigs fed diets containing Se greater than or equal to 5 ppm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical observations, cutaneous lesions, and hematologic alterations in chronic adriamycin intoxication in dogs with and without vitamin E and selenium supplementation.

Chronic adriamycin (ADR) intoxication with cardiomyopathy developed in young Beagle dogs given weekly IV injections (1 mg/kg of body weight) for 20 weeks (cumulative dose 400 mg/m2). Eighteen dogs were allotted equally to three groups: group A received ADR only, group B was given ADR and simultaneous weekly doses of vitamin E (17 mg/kg of body weight as alpha-tocopherol acetate), and group C received ADR, weekly doses of vitamin E as in group B, and selenium (0.06 mg/kg of body weight as selenite). The dogs reacted with cutaneous hyperemia, head shaking, and vomiting immediately after ADR injection. After 4 to 6 weekly injections, all the dogs developed alopecia that was present initially over the head and subsequently extended to the ventral portions of the neck, thorax, and abdomen and the proximal inner areas of the limbs. Other skin lesions present in alopecic areas were secondary ulcerative dermatitis and melanosis. Testicular atrophy and cachexia developed in the dogs, but damage was not present in bone marrow, alimentary tract, kidney, and bone with the dosage schedule utilized. Hematologic studies showed no significant alterations. Supplementation with vitamin E alone or with selenium failed to alter the incidence and severity of extracardiac ADR-induced lesions. This study shows that the dog is a good model for studies of chronic ADR-induced cardiotoxicity, as cardiac damage was consistently produced and ADR-associated extracardiac lesions were of minimal severity.