Dermoscopic, histopathologic, and molecular description of external parasitic infestation in common red fox (Vulpes vulpes): a case report

Abstract

Nowadays, dermoscopy (dermatoscopy) or epiluminescence microscopy is known as a bridge between clinical and histopathological examinations to help us by improving the diagnosis accuracy of skin diseases. A common red fox with history of severe itching and skin disorders was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Lorestan University . After clinical examination, blood sample was collected and dermoscopic images as well as skin biopsy sections were taken and evaluated. In some dermoscopic images of the lateral thorax and dorsal parts of body skin and coat, local alopecia, acute inflammation, erythema, and reddish can be seen. Ectoparasites were identified as Rhipicephalus bursa, Musca domestica eggs, and lice nits. Also, histopathology examination showed folliculitis, moderate follicular hyperplasia with mononuclear cellular infiltrates, and numerous mites in the hair follicles of the dermis. Cigarette-shaped mites in hair follicles were identified as Demodex canis using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The present study indicated dermoscopy alongside histopathology may represent as valuable techniques for the dermatological examination of the wildlife animals like red foxes, so our finding highlighted the value of monitoring the wildlife health condition by using noninvasive methods.