Generalized Congenital Hypotrichosis in a Female Rottweiler

Abstract

Generalized congenital hypotrichosis is reported in a female Rottweiler. This is only the second report of this genodermatosis in a female dog. The dog was predominately hairless except for bilaterally symmetric tufts of hair on the head, dorsal midline and umbilical region. Most skin biopsy sections revealed a total lack of epidermal appendages representing a complete failure of follicular development. Occasionally, small rudimentary follicular structures were subtended by melanophages and vertically oriented collagen suggesting the possibility of previously more extensive development followed by subsequent involution. According to a new classification scheme for ectodermal dysplasia proposed by Dr Carol Foil, this dog would be classified as 1-4 defect, cogenital hypotrichosis.

Dermatological Problems of Brachycephalic Dogs

“…Congenital alopecia is a rarely observed problem in various brachycephalic and other canine breeds, including the French bulldog, Lhasa Apso, and Chihuahua [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. It typically occurs within weeks to months after birth and is associated with an x-linked, autosomal dominant, or autosomal recessive trait [ 14 , 15 , 24 ]. The disease phenotype ranges from hypotrichosis to alopecia, which may be localized or generalized [ 14 , 15 ].…”

“…It typically occurs within weeks to months after birth and is associated with an x-linked, autosomal dominant, or autosomal recessive trait [ 14 , 15 , 24 ]. The disease phenotype ranges from hypotrichosis to alopecia, which may be localized or generalized [ 14 , 15 ]. Hair loss is typically well-demarcated, occurring on the head, ears, and ventrum [ 14 , 15 ].…”

“…The disease phenotype ranges from hypotrichosis to alopecia, which may be localized or generalized [ 14 , 15 ]. Hair loss is typically well-demarcated, occurring on the head, ears, and ventrum [ 14 , 15 ]. Some residual hair, symmetrically arranged, can be observed on the dorsal head, distal limbs, tail, umbilical area, and around mucocutaneous sites [ 15 ].…”

“…Hair loss is typically well-demarcated, occurring on the head, ears, and ventrum [ 14 , 15 ]. Some residual hair, symmetrically arranged, can be observed on the dorsal head, distal limbs, tail, umbilical area, and around mucocutaneous sites [ 15 ]. In more chronic cases, scaling and hyperpigmentation may occur [ 14 ].…”

“…This needs to be differentiated from ectodermal dysplasia, where other structures such as sweat glands, sebaceous glands, respiratory glands, lacrimal glands, claws, and teeth are involved as well [ 141 ]. A definitive diagnosis of congenital alopecia is made through the collection of multiple skin biopsies from different skin sites that exhibit a complete absence or a decreased number of hair follicles [ 14 , 15 ]. There is no specific treatment.…”