Tissue changes in dogs fed a zinc-deficient ration

Six-week-old puppies fed a corn-soy based zinc-deficient diet developed lesions of parakeratosis, mild hyperkeratosis, alterations in germinal epithelium, erosions, ulcerations, vesiculation, alopecia, and inflammation of the skin. These changes were prominent in the skin of dependent regions, in areas of stretch and friction, and external contact. The epithelial lesions were reversible by adding zinc to the diet, with complete remission of external lesions by 6 weeks.