Congenital Hypotrichosis in a White-Tailed Deer Fawn from South Dakota

In 2001, a 4-month-old male white-tailed deer fawn in South Dakota was diagnosed with congenital hypotrichosis, characterized by sparse hair development in specific areas and absence of hair on other skin surfaces. Histologic examination showed normal hair follicle density, but follicles were empty or contained keratin debris. The epidermis was mildly thickened with prominent melanin pigment. This case was significant as it represented the first documented instance of congenital hypotrichosis in a cervid, a condition previously reported in domestic animals and humans.