Alopecia

Natalie Barnard

doi:10.22233/9781910443149.5.3

Alopecia

British Small Animal Veterinary Association , 170 (2013); https://doi.org/10.22233/9781910443149.5.3

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Alopecia

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Author: Natalie Barnard
From: BSAVA Manual of Feline Practice
Item: Chapter 5.3, pp 170 - 175
DOI: 10.22233/9781910443149.5.3
Copyright: © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
Publication Date: January 2013

Abstract

Alopecia is the complete absence of hair in an area where it is normally present. It is the most common reason for a dermatology consultation in the cat after pruritus. This chapter looks at history, clinical examination, diagnostic tests, differential diagnoses, treatment recommendations, when to refer and what to do if finances are limited. Quick reference guides: Wood’s lamp examination; Hair plucks; Skin biopsy.

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5.3.3

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5.3.3 The diagnostic approach to alopecia.

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An anagen hair root at X40 original magnification. Anagen is the growing stage of the hair growth cycle. Note the rounded end of the root (arrowed).

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An anagen hair root at X40 original magnification. Anagen is the growing stage of the hair growth cycle. Note the rounded end of the root (arrowed). An anagen hair root at X40 original magnification. Anagen is the growing stage of the hair growth cycle. Note the rounded end of the root (arrowed).

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Several telogen hairs at X40 original magnification. Telogen is the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. Note that telogen hairs have pointed roots (arrowed) compared to the rounded root of anagen hairs.

Several telogen hairs at X40 original magnification. Telogen is the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. Note that telogen hairs have pointed roots (arrowed) compared to the rounded root of anagen hairs. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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Several telogen hairs at X40 original magnification. Telogen is the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. Note that telogen hairs have pointed roots (arrowed) compared to the rounded root of anagen hairs. Several telogen hairs at X40 original magnification. Telogen is the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. Note that telogen hairs have pointed roots (arrowed) compared to the rounded root of anagen hairs.

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A telogen hair root at X40 original magnification. The sheath around the root is a follicular cast. Such casts can be seen in any disease affecting the hair follicles, at any stage of the hair cycle. Causes include dermatophytosis and folliculitis.

A telogen hair root at X40 original magnification. The sheath around the root is a follicular cast. Such casts can be seen in any disease affecting the hair follicles, at any stage of the hair cycle. Causes include dermatophytosis and folliculitis. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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A telogen hair root at X40 original magnification. The sheath around the root is a follicular cast. Such casts can be seen in any disease affecting the hair follicles, at any stage of the hair cycle. Causes include dermatophytosis and folliculitis. A telogen hair root at X40 original magnification. The sheath around the root is a follicular cast. Such casts can be seen in any disease affecting the hair follicles, at any stage of the hair cycle. Causes include dermatophytosis and folliculitis.

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A broken/chewed hair. Note that the tip of the hair (arrowed) is frayed and broken, instead of being a finely tapered point.

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A broken/chewed hair. Note that the tip of the hair (arrowed) is frayed and broken, instead of being a finely tapered point. A broken/chewed hair. Note that the tip of the hair (arrowed) is frayed and broken, instead of being a finely tapered point.

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A rough or dirty-looking hair with uneven edges may be suggestive of dermatophytosis. By increasing the magnification and using the X40 objective (total magnification X400), you should be able to see the fungal spores. This hair is infected with Microsporum canis. The rounded ectothrix spores can be seen around the hair shaft, especially in the close-up view.

A rough or dirty-looking hair with uneven edges may be suggestive of dermatophytosis. By increasing the magnification and using the X40 objective (total magnification X400), you should be able to see the fungal spores. This hair is infected with Microsporum canis. The rounded ectothrix spores can be seen around the hair shaft, especially in the close-up view. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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A rough or dirty-looking hair with uneven edges may be suggestive of dermatophytosis. By increasing the magnification and using the X40 objective (total magnification X400), you should be able to see the fungal spores. This hair is infected with Microsporum canis. The rounded ectothrix spores can be seen around the hair shaft, especially in the close-up view. A rough or dirty-looking hair with uneven edges may be suggestive of dermatophytosis. By increasing the magnification and using the X40 objective (total magnification X400), you should be able to see the fungal spores. This hair is infected with Microsporum canis. The rounded ectothrix spores can be seen around the hair shaft, especially in the close-up view.

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