Dermoscopic Features of Calcinosis Cutis in 12 Dogs: An Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Dermoscopy
• Canine Medicine

Background:

• Calcinosis cutis (CC) is an uncommon condition in dogs, marked by skin calcification.
• It's often secondary to hyper-glucocorticism (iatrogenic or endogenous).
• Dermoscopy is a non-invasive tool for preliminary skin lesion assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and characterize dermoscopic features of canine CC.
• To assess inter-observer agreement for these dermoscopic parameters.
• To correlate findings with hyper-cortisolism (iatrogenic or spontaneous).

Main Methods:

• Histologically diagnosed CC lesions (n=12) from dogs with hyper-cortisolism were studied.
• Dermoscopic images (×10 magnification) were evaluated by veterinary specialists.
• Inter-observer agreement was assessed for dermoscopic parameters.

Main Results:

• All lesions showed structureless white areas and erythema.
• Prominent yellowish-brown plugs were noted in 8/12 lesions.
• A monomorphic vascular pattern with short, dilated, linear curved vessels predominated.
• Histopathology confirmed calcium deposits corresponding to white dermoscopic structures.

Conclusions:

• Dermoscopy is a useful, non-invasive technique for assessing canine calcinosis cutis.
• Characteristic dermoscopic features aid in diagnosis.
• Further studies may explore associations between dermoscopic findings and mineralization patterns.