Diagnosis of Alopecia in Dogs and Cats

This professional veterinary guide serves as a practical manual for clinicians and students. It focuses on the diagnostic process for alopecia in dogs and cats, utilizing a systematic methodology that emphasizes the visual assessment of skin lesions and the specific distribution patterns of hair loss to reach an accurate clinical diagnosis.

1. Hair cycle and structure of the pilosebaceous unit in carnivores - Introduction - Anatomical segments and follicular structure - Hair cycle - Haircoat colour and type in dogs - Haircoat colour and type in cats - References 2. Diagnostic methods. Microscopic examination of hair - Introduction - Technique - Normal hair - Changes in hair composition and structure - Infectious and parasitic agents - Skin biopsy in alopecia