Congenital Hypotrichosis in a White-Tailed Deer Fawn
January 2004
Studysummary This study reported the first documented case of congenital hypotrichosis in a white-tailed deer, based on histologic examination of a fawn collected in South Dakota.
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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. Histological 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 was the first documented instance of congenital hypotrichosis in a cervid, a condition previously reported in domestic species and humans.