Alopecia Lesions Research Articles

Rare Congenital Frontal Hairline Deformity with Temporo-Parieto-Occipital Multiple Folds of Scalp.

Two cases of congenital hairline deformity are reported. Both cases exhibited multiple wrinkled areas in the lower occipital region, with hair that punctured and irritated the adjacent skin as it grew, creating ulcerated lesions. Both patients had a unilateral folded and raised wrinkled and twisted region stretching from the temporal area to the parietal and occipital areas. There was also a defect in the frontotemporal hairline of the affected side that was not present on the contralateral side. The skin of the forehead was also thinner on the affected side. Both patients were in good physical health and had no other congenital abnormalities or pertinent family history. There were no other skin, neurological, or physical abnormalities. In each case, the excessive skin was excised from the temporo-occipital region and microscopically dissected into follicular units, which were transplanted into the temporal area and the frontal hairline. Histologic examination did not reveal any specific abnormal findings. The transplanted hairs were well engrafted and showed natural results. Congenital anomalies of the hairline or hair-bearing scalp tissue are rare. Cutis verticis gyrata is a rare disease that causes multiple furrows and folds of the scalp. However, the cases reported here exhibited a somewhat different appearance from that of cutis verticis gyrata, as multiple folds were present in the scalp in each case, along with an alopecic lesion. This author has successfully treated 2 cases of this rare form of congenital hair loss that has not yet been reported to our knowledge.

Equine cutaneous gasterophilosis in an era of selective parasite control

SummaryFor the first time this century, we report tract migration dermatitis provoked by Gasterophilus sp. larvae in horses at a farm in Spain where a selective parasite control programme has been employed for more than a decade. At this equine farm, two horses over 25 years old presented alopecic lesions in the form of streaks in the masseteric and maxillary region of the face. The clinical and histological features of these animals are described, with dermatological examination revealing the presence of nonoperculated eggs of Gasterophilus sp. when the lesions appeared. The morphology of the eggs corresponded to G. inermis and skin biopsy identified an eosinophilic superficial perivascular dermatitis. The horses were treated once with oral ivermectin, achieving complete resolution of the lesions.

Reporte de un caso de leishmaniasis canina cutánea y visceral en Querétaro, México.

Leishmania infantum is the causal agent of cutaneous and visceral canine leishmaniasis, a disease widely described in Europe and Latin America. This study describes a case of a canine Canary mastiff breed, born in Mexico that was referred to consult by an alopecic lesion and generalized lymph adenomegaly. Diagnosis of leishmaniasis was established by impression smears of the lesion that showed amastigotes within macrophages. Due to the poor body condition of the animal, euthanasia and necropsy were conducted and samples taken from skin, lymph nodes, liver, kidney, and spleen to perform histological and molecular analysis. In skin, spleen and kidney granulomatous lesions were observed showing amastigotes of Leishmania. The diagnosis of L. infantum was confirmed by using molecular tools. The report of this case suggests the potential risk of this disease in a non-endemic region from Mexico.

USE OF A HOMEOPATHIC PRODUCT IN DOGS REDUCES THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF CANINE ATOPIC DERMATITIS

This study aimed to determine whether a homeopathic product formulated based on Hepar sulfur, Rhus toxicodendron, Graphites, and Urtica urens would prevent atopic dermatitis in dogs. Ten male beagle dogs were used, divided into two groups with five repetitions per group. The control (CO) animals received a diet with 0.5 mL/day of placebo for 30 consecutive days in a preventive manner, and we later added ethoxyquin at 0.4 mg/day. The treated group (TRA) received a ration with 0.5 mL/day of homeopathic for 30 consecutive days as a preventive, and we later added ethoxyquin at 0.4 mg/day. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 30, and 40 to analyze antioxidant and oxidant status. In an ethogram, the presence of a crusted lesion, alopecic lesion, or hair loss were evaluated at three timepoints: pre-challenge, 5, and 10 days post-challenge. No lesions were observed in the pre-challenge period. Dogs fed the homeopathic on day 5 after challenge presented 40% less crusted lesion and 60% less hair loss than the control. Nitric oxide (NOx) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased over time in both groups (P < 0.001). On day 40 of the experiment, lower levels of NOx (P < 0.001) and ROS (P < 0.025) were observed in the TRA group than in the CO group. In contrast, glutathione S-transferase activity increased over time in both groups (P < 0.001); however, this increase on day 40 was more significant in the dogs in the treated group than in the control (P < 0.010). We conclude that the preventive addition of homeopathic reduced the incidence of skin lesions and prevented oxidative stress caused by canine atopic dermatitis.

Dermatophytosis by Trichophyton verrucosum in domestic feline – case report

The present study aimed to report a case of dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton verrucosum in a domestic feline. The patient was admitted to the University Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of West Bahia, with dermatological complaints. On physical examination, alopecic lesions with an erythematous, hyperpigmented appearance and the presence of papules were noted, which were distributed throughout the body, with a greater predominance in the thoracic limbs, ventral region and head. Dermatological samples were collected from different areas of the body with lesions, which were sent for mycological culture and research for ectoparasites at the Laboratory of Clinical Analysis and Veterinary Microbiology of the same institution. The fungal examination showed the growth of colonies with a prominent center and flat periphery with salmon coloring and a subtly granular texture, demonstrating on microscopy hyaline septate fungal filaments, the presence of few piriform to ovoid shaped microconidia, in addition to several chlamydospores and hyphae with engorgement. terminal, compatible with “pearl chains”, confirming a case of dermatophytosis by T. verrucosum. The literature approaches this fungus as a cause of disease in cattle and other ruminants, however there is still little information about its distribution and epidemiology in felines in Brazil, revealing the need for epidemiological studies in the area. It is concluded, therefore, that T. verrucosum infection in felines should be considered as a differential diagnosis of other dermatological conditions in the small animal clinic.

MACROSCOPIC AND MICROSCOPIC LESIONS CHANGE OF DERMATITIS DOG WITH TRIGONA SP HONEY TREATMENT

Dermatitis is a term used to describe inflammation and damage of the layers of the skin. The causative agents are bacterial, fungal, mold, and parasitic infestations. Dermatitis has become problems in various regions in Indonesia and some other countries. Dermatitis often causes an unpleasant and disgusting feeling for the owner. Skin damage occurs to the dermis, thus showing clinical symptoms of hair loss, itching, redness of the skin, skin ulcers, and a bad smell of the animals. This study aims to determine the effect of giving honey from Trigona bees to improve the skin layer structure of patients with dermatitis in dogs and to see the development of skin lesions macroscopically. Research method: 10 dogs diagnosed with complex dermatitis were given fresh honey of 5 ml/day/dog. The treatment is given orally once a day for 35 days. Clinical observation of the wound healing process on the skin was observed every week for 5 weeks, and histopathological observations of the skin were carried out on the 0, 7, and 21 days. The results showed that giving fresh honey was able to repair skin damage with dermatitis lesions. It could be seen from the decrease in symptoms of erythema and the start of hair growth at the site of alopecia lesions. Histologically there was a decrease in the number of inflammatory cells (p<0.05) in the administration of honey. We concluded that Trigona's honey could be used as an herbal ingredient for treating dermatitis in dogs

27548 The influence of hair color on alopecia areata

Background: Alopecia areata is a complex autoimmune disorder causing nonscarring hair loss. A postulated mechanism is antigenization of hair follicles by CD4+ T-cells. Previous case reports have found destruction of pigmented hair with sparing of grey, nonpigmented hair in alopecia lesions, potentially due to antigenicity of melanin. This study sought to characterize the prevalence of alopecia areata amongst different hair color phenotypes.

Serum vitamin D levels and alopecia areata: A comparative cross-sectional study

Objectives: To determine the relation between serum vitamin D levels and alopecia areata. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients with AA who were above 12 years of age and age- and sex-matched controls who attended the dermatology department of a tertiary care center during a period of 1 year. Serum Vitamin D level was determined in each participant. Serum Vitamin D levels documented in both groups were compared. Results: Thirty patients and 30 age- and sex-matched controls constituted the study population. The male-to-female ratio was 1.7:1. Most of the patients (9/30, 30%) were in the age group of 31–40 years. We observed patchy AA in 17 patients (56.7%). Nail involvement was seen in 9 patients (30%). Serum vitamin D levels were insufficient/deficient in 16 patients (53.3%), while in the age- and sex-matched comparison group, vitamin D was insufficient / deficient in 7 cases (23.3%). The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.03). No significant relation was noted either between serum vitamin D levels and number of alopecia lesions or between serum vitamin D levels and the clinical pattern of AA. No significant difference was noted in the vitamin D levels between patients who had involvement of only scalp and those who showed involvement of other body sites. Limitations: Small sample size was the major limitation of the study. Conclusion: Low serum vitamin D levels were more frequent in patients with AA in comparison to healthy controls.

DERMATOMICOSE EM CÃO CAUSADA POR Curvularia sp.: RELATO DE CASO

As dermatomicoses são infecções fúngicas que afetam a pele e os folículos pilosos de cães e gatos, causadas principalmente por dermatófitos, sendo observado principalmente em animais jovens e imunossuprimidos. Caracterizada clinicamente pela presença de lesões alopécicas circulares, encobertas por escamas e crostas. Sua presença assídua na clínica de pequenos animais, não excluí sua complexidade para concluir diagnóstico, sendo necessário uma gama de exames complementares, assim como a cultura fúngica, exame direto e biópsia de pele, que fazem parte de exames complementares de extrema importância e eficácia, auxiliando no diagnóstico e tratamento das dermatomicoses. Os fungos do gênero Curvularia spp., são não-dermatófitos e podem ser encontrados com grande frequência em diferentes substratos vegetais, como saprofíticos, podendo ainda ser isolados a partir do solo e do ar, causando diversas doenças em animais, humanos e vegetais, sendo considerados patógenos oportunistas. A falta de informação sobre tal afecção cutânea, assim como a investigação na clínica médica e na rotina clínica de pequenos animais, mostra a importância de considerar esse patógeno nos casos de dermatomicoses. O presente trabalho relata dermatomicose em cão causada por Curvularia spp. tendo como objetivo demonstrar as diferentes formas de diagnóstico para tal enfermidade, a fim de instituir terapêutica medicamentosa visando resultados benéficos e prognóstico favorável.

Association Between Alopecia Areata and Natural Hair Color Among White Individuals.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex immune-mediated disorder that causes nonscarring hair loss. Previous reports have documented preferential targeting of pigmented hair follicles with sparing of gray, nonpigmented hair follicles in alopecia lesions. Thus, immune targeting of melanogenesis-associated proteins in melanocytes and keratinocytes represents a potential mechanism for the inflammation that targets anagen hairs in alopecia areata. To investigate the association of alopecia areata with hair color among White residents of the UK. This matched, case-control study conducted in October 2020 used a large prospectively acquired cohort and included data that were collected from the UK Biobank, a large-scale prospective resource designed to study phenotypic and genotypic determinants in adults. A total of 502 510 UK Biobank participants were reviewed for inclusion. Among these individuals, 1673 cases of alopecia areata with reported hair color were captured and matched by age and sex to 6692 controls without alopecia areata using 1:4 matching. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed, in which the outcome variable was alopecia areata and the main predictor was natural hair color before graying. The variables considered included diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and vitiligo. Of 464 353 participants, 254 505 (54.8%) were women, and the mean (SD) age for those with alopecia areata was 46.9 (16.5) years. Alopecia areata was significantly more common in individuals with black (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.97; 95% CI, 2.38-3.71) and dark brown hair (aOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.11-1.42) compared with light brown hair. In contrast, blond individuals exhibited significantly decreased alopecia areata compared with those with light brown hair (aOR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56-0.85). Red hair color was not significantly different from light brown hair. The findings of this matched case-control study seem to indicate that alopecia areata is modulated by natural hair color, preferentially targeting darker hair. Our results support a previously proposed model of alopecia areata in which immunity is directed against melanogenesis-associated proteins in the anagen hair follicles. However, further study is needed to more precisely understand the immunopathogenic association between alopecia areata and hair color.

Canine dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum - Case report

Trichophyton rubrum is rarely isolated from dogs with dermatophytosis. It is an anthropophilic dermatophyte commonly causing infections in humans. A 4-year-old female Shih Tzu dog was brought to the veterinary clinic with a history of circular, crusted and non-pruritic alopecia lesions located on the head. Routine blood tests, skin scrapes and bacteriological culture revealed no abnormalities. However, Trichophyton rubrum was isolated from the fungus culture. The intradomicilar condition of the dog allows contact with its frequent hosts, the man. The fungicidal treatment was implemented with shampoo (ketoconazole base 2% + chlorhexidine 2%) and oral Itraconazole at a dose of 10 mg / kg once a day, for 28 days. The lesions healed completely and the hair grew back within a month. No recurrence occurred during the 4-month follow-up. T. rubrum should be included in the differential diagnosis of crusted skin lesions in dogs.

Immunohistochemical Assessment of Immune Response in the Dermis of Sarcoptes scabiei-Infested Wild Carnivores (Wolf and Fox) and Ruminants (Chamois and Red Deer).

Simple SummaryThis article studies the local immune processes in dermis underlying the macroscopical differences (hyperkeratotic or alopecic) in mangy lesions from wolves (Canis lupus), foxes (Vulpes vulpes), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) naturally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei. Skin sections were immuno-stained to detect macrophages, plasma cells, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. Skin lesions contained significantly more inflammatory cells in fox than in wolf and chamois. Macrophages were the most abundant inflammatory cells in the lesions of all the species studied, suggesting a predominantly innate, non-specific immune response. Lesions from wolf contained higher proportions of macrophages than the other species, which may reflect a more effective response, leading to alopecic lesions. Fox and chamois may also mount substantial humoral and cellular immune responses with apparently scarce effectiveness that lead to hyperkeratotic lesions.Sarcoptic mange is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei and has been described in several species of domestic and wild mammals. Macroscopic lesions are predominantly hyperkeratotic (type I hypersensitivity) in fox, chamois and deer, but alopecic (type IV hypersensitivity) in wolf and some fox populations. To begin to understand the immune processes underlying these species differences in lesions, we examined skin biopsies from wolves (Canis lupus), foxes (Vulpes vulpes), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) naturally infested with S. scabiei. Twenty skin samples from five animals per species were used. Sections were immuno-stained with primary antibodies against Iba1 to detect macrophages, lambda chain to detect plasma cells, CD3 to detect T lymphocytes and CD20 to detect B lymphocytes. Skin lesions contained significantly more inflammatory cells in the fox than in the wolf and chamois. Macrophages were the most abundant inflammatory cells in the lesions of all the species studied, suggesting a predominantly innate, non-specific immune response. Lesions from the wolf contained higher proportions of macrophages than the other species, which may reflect a more effective response, leading to alopecic lesions. In red deer, macrophages were significantly more abundant than plasma cells, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, which were similarly abundant. The fox proportion of plasma cells was significantly higher than those of T and B lymphocytes. In chamois, T lymphocytes were more abundant than B lymphocytes and plasma cells, although the differences were significant only in the case of macrophages. These results suggest that all the species examined mount a predominantly innate immune response against S. scabiei infestation, while fox and chamois may also mount substantial humoral and cellular immune responses, respectively, with apparently scarce effectiveness that lead to hyperkeratotic lesions.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Cavia porcellus (guinea pig): case report

ABSTRACT Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease of worldwide spread. It is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted to animals and humans through the bite of sand flies. In Brazil, leishmaniasis is one of the zoonoses of major importance and expansion. The objective of this work is to describe the clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical and molecular findings of cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania enriettii in guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). Three animals had nodular and alopecia lesions on the muzzle, ears and ulcerated lesions on the distal extremities of the pelvic limbs. The males (2) also had diffuse thickening of the scrotal skin. Samples of the ulcerated cutaneous lesions were evaluated by cytology which were observed as amastigote forms of Leishmania. One of the animals was euthanized and necropsied. Histopathology showed abundant dermal infiltrate of macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes and multinucleated giant cells. Numerous macrophages contained parasitoid vacuoles with amastigote forms, evidenced by immunohistochemical examination. The molecular characterization based on the SSUrDNA gene identified the species as L. enrietti. The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in these cases was based on pathological findings and confirmed by immunohistochemistry, PCR and sequencing.

A boy with multiple patches of alopecia and an affected cat.

A 7-year-old boy presented with itching, scaling, and areas of hair loss in the left parietal area on the scalp of 6 weeks duration (Figures 1 and 2). His past health was unremarkable. Family members were not affected. Physical examination revealed patches of fine scaling, patchy hair loss with broken hair shafts, and a black dot appearance in the left parietal area. The hair in the affected area was of irregular length. The hair-pull test was negative. [The test is conducted at more than three locations on the scalp and is used for monitoring alopecia areata, acute cases of telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, and loose anagen syndrome. The results are considered positive if more than 10% of hairs in a pulled bundle are removed]. There was no cervical, occipital, or postauricular lymphadenopathy. The rest of the physical examination was unremarkable. A clinical diagnosis of noninflammatory tinea capitis was made based on the history of an affected cat at home and findings of multiple patches of alopecia with fine, white, adherent scaling of the scalp. The diagnosis was confirmed by potassium hydroxide wet-mount examination of scalp scrapings of the active border of an alopecic lesion, which showed septate hyphae and fungal spores. Culture of scalp wounds yielded Microsporum canis.

Toward Predicting the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Alopecia Areata Lesions Using Partial Differential Equation Analysis.

Hair loss in the autoimmune disease, alopecia areata (AA), is characterized by the appearance of circularly spreading alopecic lesions in seemingly healthy skin. The distinct spatial patterns of AA lesions form because the immune system attacks hair follicle cells that are in the process of producing hair shaft, catapults the mini-organs that produce hair from a state of growth (anagen) into an apoptosis-driven regression state (catagen), and causes major hair follicle dystrophy along with rapid hair shaft shedding. In this paper, we develop a model of partial differential equations (PDEs) to describe the spatio-temporal dynamics of immune system components that clinical and experimental studies show are primarily involved in the disease development. Global linear stability analysis reveals there is a most unstable mode giving rise to a pattern. The most unstable mode indicates a spatial scale consistent with results of the humanized AA mouse model of Gilhar et al. (Autoimmun Rev 15(7):726-735, 2016) for experimentally induced AA lesions. Numerical simulations of the PDE system confirm our analytic findings and illustrate the formation of a pattern that is characteristic of the spatio-temporal AA dynamics. We apply marginal linear stability analysis to examine and predict the pattern propagation.

Minimum Dose of Levothyroxine Restored the Autonomic Balance on a Dalmatian Female Dog with Primary Hypothyroidism

Background: Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease that leads to a reduction in the hormones thyroxine (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4), which therapy with levothyroxine restores the clinical signs related to the metabolic rate. Due to the influence of thyroid hormones on the heart, which is under the constant influence of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), dogs with hypothyroidism can develop bradycardia, arrhythmia, and dysautonomia. Heart rate variability (HRV) assesses autonomic modulation by the Holter method, which is scarce in dogs. We aimed to report the cardiac and autonomic effects of the primary hypothyroidism untreated and treated with levothyroxine in a canine case by Holter monitoring.Case: A 7-year-old female Dalmatian, weighing 36 kg, was referred for clinical evaluation due to apathy, weight gain, low hair quality, and lethargy. On physical examination, alopecic lesions on the hind limbs and tail, as well as bradycardia with a heart rate (HR) of 40-50 beats per minute (bpm) were observed, in addition to a 3/6 mitral murmur and 2/6 tricuspid murmur. Given the suspicion of thyroid gland disorder, the blood hormonal measurement revealed an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; 0.65 ng/mL) and a decrease in free T4 (0.11 ng/mL) and total T4 (0.44 ng/mL), confirming primary hypothyroidism. Therapy was started with a minimum dose of levothyroxine (0.913 mg, every 12 h), which clinical signs were restored in five months of treatment, with weight loss, hair growth, and active behavior. To assess the impact of untreated and treated hypothyroidism on the patient’s ANS, a Holter monitoring exam was performed for 24 h before and after therapy. Before treatment, the average HR was 75 bpm, and the HR<50 bpm occurred during 05 h 20 min 36 s. Still, 320 pause events (>2.0s), 1st-degree atrioventricular blocks (AVB), six ventricular ectopias events, and 2nd-degree sinoatrial block (SAB) were also observed. The ANS parasympathetic tone was significantly stimulated, highlighting bradycardia, arrhythmia, and dysautonomia. After five months of treatment with levothyroxine, the average HR was 89 bpm, and the HR<50 bpm occurred during 02 h 06 min 13 s. No ventricular pauses, blocks, or ectopias were observed, showing the stimulation of sympathetic tonus, which restored HR and ANS balance. Still, it was observed that the minimum levothyroxine dose corrected cardiac changes by increasing the low frequency (LF), decreasing the high frequency (HF), and, consequently, increasing the LF/HF ratio, normalizing the frequency conditions in HRV.Discussion: In the frequency index, HF indicates the vagal activity, whereas LF indicates both systems with parasympathetic predominance. Before treatment, the dog had a low LF/HF ratio (0.46), indicating dysautonomia with parasympathetic stimulation. After therapy, the conditions of bradycardia and functional cardiac capacity were corrected, restoring ANS, due to the serum recovery of thyroid hormones. This study reported the cardiac and autonomic effects of primary hypothyroidism untreated and treated with levothyroxine on a dog, that had intense bradycardia and abnormal stimulation of the parasympathetic tone, associated with episodes of 1st-degree AVB, ventricular ectopias, and 2nd-degree SAB. After therapy with a minimum dose of levothyroxine, there was a decrease in parasympathetic activity and an increase in sympathetic stimulus, correcting cardiac changes, and restoring the balance of ANS. As it is a simple, non-invasive, and safe tool that helps the clinician to understand cardiac autonomic modulation, it is recommended to adopt the Holter monitoring exam in cases of hypothyroidism cases to assess sympathetic-vagal balance and check potential cardiac risks.

Efficacy and Influence Factors of 308‐nm Excimer Lamp with Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by T cell-mediated attack on the hair follicle. Although there are a wide range of therapies, the majority of them are not satisfactory due to side effects or limited efficacy. In this study, we sought to evaluate the efficacy, influence factors, and safety of 308-nm excimer lamp with minoxidil in the treatment of AA. This was a prospective, single-blinded, self-control study, using 308-nm excimer lamp with minoxidil for the treatment of AA. One selected alopecia lesion was divided into the control and treated side. Topical minoxidil (2% solution) was used on both sides, but 308-nm excimer lamp was only added to the treated side. The primary endpoint was the discrepancy of hair growth on each side. A total of 38 patients (24 males and 14 females) with AA were enrolled in this study, and 34 of them (21 males and 13 females) completed the whole treatment. Thirty-two (94.2%) patients achieved clinical response, and 21 (44.1%) patients achieved with >50% hair regrowth on the treated side after a 12-week treatment. The hair number and diameter on the treated side had significantly increased compared with the control side with statistical differences. Hyperpigmentation and erythema occurred on the treated side of all the patients but they were considered tolerable. Patients of younger age or with smaller area of lesion had better effect. The 308-nm excimer lamp with minoxidil therapy can be considered as an effective and safe treatment for single or multiple AA. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A previously undescribed cutaneous paraneoplastic syndrome in a cat with thymoma

Exfoliative dermatitis is a well-recognized cutaneous paraneoplastic syndrome (PNS) associated with thymoma in cats, of which the clinical and histopathological presentation has been well-characterized. To describe a novel clinical skin manifestation associated with thymoma in a cat. A 14-year-old neutered female domestic short hair cat. Physical, abdominal ultrasonographic, thoracic radiographic, ultrasonographic and computed tomographic examinations, histopathological assessment of the skin and mediastinal mass. The cat was presented with noninflammatory alopecia, with a dorsal multifocal distribution. Examination of the alopecic areas using a dermascope indicated an apparent lack of follicular ostia. Histopathological assessment of alopecic areas confirmed follicular and epidermal atrophy, trichilemmal keratinization and mild orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis. Diagnostic imaging revealed a mediastinal mass, which was surgically removed. Histopathological and immunohistopathological examination of the mass was consistent with a thymoma, associated with multiloculated cyst formation and multifocal cholesterol granulomas. Following surgery, hair re-growth was noted in the previously alopecic areas. The cat was euthanized 3.5months later because of recurrent chylothorax suspected to be a postoperative complication. The alopecic lesions had improved markedly. Thymoma-associated PNS might not always manifest as an exfoliative dermatitis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of multifocal noninflammatory alopecia.

Mutually‐induced traumatic alopecia responsive to husbandry modification in two cohabiting donkeys

SummaryCutaneous expression of behavioural processes remains unexplored in donkeys. This case report describes a case of traumatic alopecia in two donkeys secondary to mutual hair plucking behaviour. Two genetically unrelated, male castrated, 4‐year‐old Cotentin donkeys living together were presented for a 2‐year history of alopecic, mainly nummular, nonpruritic lesions developing on the back, loin and croup. The general physical examination and behavioural assessment were unremarkable. Trichoscopy, scrapings and cytology were performed. Superficial bacterial infection was diagnosed but a 2‐week course of antibacterial treatment showed no improvement. Histopathological examination showed features compatible with traumatic alopecia and consistent with several behavioural causes of alopecia resembling human trichotillomania or acute traction alopecia, canine traction alopecia, feline self‐induced alopecia and murine barbering. Separation of the donkeys led to complete long‐term remission. Clinical and histopathological findings in our case share lots of similar features with the different mechanical traumatic alopecic disorders mentioned above, making it impossible to simply classify the described affection. Whether alopecic lesions resulted from an exclusive behavioural process (either abnormal excessive mutual grooming or other social interactions) or were associated with underlying causes of pruritus is uncertain. Mechanical alopecia secondary to a behavioural process should therefore be suspected in cases of permanent patchy alopecic nummular lesions on donkeys living in groups.

Micobacteriose cutânea atípica felina autóctone no município do Rio de Janeiro-Brasil

Background : : : Cutaneous mycobacterioses show a worldwide distribution and manifest as three forms: atypical mycobacteriosis, feline leprosy and cutaneous tuberculosis. Atypical cutaneous mycobacteriosis in cats is a rare disease commonly caused by fast-growing mycobacteria belonging group IV of the Runyon classification. This report describes for the first time an autochthonous case of atypical cutaneous mycobacteriosis in a cat from the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. Case : A castrated female mongrel cat presented multiple ulcerated, exudative and alopecic lesions in different regions of the body. After sedation of the animal with 1% acepromazine hydrochloride (0.1 mg/kg) and 10% ketamine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg), clinical examination was performed and an exudate was collected from the ulcerated skin lesion for cytopathological analysis and mycological culture. The slide containing the lesion impression was stained by a rapid panoptic method. For fungal culture, material was collected with a sterile swab, seeded onto Sabouraud dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol and mycobiotic agar, and incubated at 25oC. After antisepsis and asepsis, local anesthesia was performed with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride without vasoconstrictor and a 4 mm punch biopsy was collected from the lesion, fixed in 10% buffered formalin and sent for histopathological analysis. No fungal structures were detected by cytopathological or mycological analysis. Histopathological examination revealed ulcerated skin and the presence of a marked and diffuse pyogranulomatous infiltrate in the superficial and deep dermis, which also involving the subcutaneous tissue and underlying muscle tissue. Grocott’s or PAS staining did not identify fungal structures. The Wade method was positive for acid-fast bacteria suggestive of ycobacterium . Analysis of the hematological and biochemical profiles revealed no noteworthy alterations. After the result of the histopathological exam, exudate material and lesion fragments were collected for bacteriological examination. The clinical specimens were processed and the presence of acid-fast bacteria was confirmed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Mycobacterium fortuitum fortuitum was identified based on the Runyon classification and biochemical tests, and was confirmed by molecular tests. Oral administration of enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg) at 24 h intervals was prescribed for 30 days. On the control visit, involution of the skin lesions was observed by physical examination and was also reported by the owner. After 4 months of irregular treatment due to the difficulty in administering the medication because of the cat’s aggressiveness, the animal started to present respiratory difficulties, rapid weight loss, apathy and died. Discussion : The occurrence of atypical mycobacteriosis is rare in Brazil, with isolated reports of mycobacteriosis such as canine leproid granuloma syndrome in Sao Paulo, canine cutaneous mycobacteriosis in Rio Grande do Sul, one case of feline leprosy in Sao Paulo, and one case of feline atypical cutaneous mycobacteriosis in Sao Paulo. The diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infections are frequently neglected because they are not included in the differential diagnosis of diverse cutaneous infections. In view of the scarcity of reports and to alert veterinarians that the disease should be included in the differential diagnosis with other feline dermatopathies, this report described a case of atypical feline cutaneous mycobacteriosis that occurred in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In contrast to the previous case report in Sao Paulo, in which was diagnosed the species Mycobacterium fortuitum biovar peregrinum , the species identified here was Mycobacterium fortuitum biovar fortuitum .