Follicular dysplasia in two cows

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Animal Pathology

Background:

• Follicular dysplasia is a rare condition affecting cattle hair follicles.
• Pigmentary changes associated with follicular dysplasia are infrequently reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the histological features of follicular dysplasia with pigmentary changes in two adult cattle.
• To contribute to the understanding of this uncommon syndrome in cattle.

Main Methods:

• Histological examination of skin biopsies from affected cattle.
• Clinical observation of affected animals.

Main Results:

• Two adult cattle (Brangus-cross and Angus) presented with adult-onset diffuse alopecia.
• Skin biopsies revealed follicular distortion, atrophy, and melanin clumping within follicular epithelium, matrix cells, hair shafts, and infundibular keratin.
• Affected animals were otherwise clinically normal.

Conclusions:

• The histological findings confirm and expand upon the infrequent reports of follicular dysplasia with pigmentary changes in cattle.
• This syndrome presents as alopecia with characteristic melanin clumping in hair structures.