Dermoscopic Findings and Comparison of Usefulness of Longitudinal Versus Transversal Sections in the Histological Diagnosis of Alopecia X

This study investigated the correlation between dermoscopic and histological features in diagnosing alopecia X in 19 Pomeranian dogs, comparing longitudinal and transversal skin biopsy sections. Dermoscopic findings included scattered, thinned hairs, follicular plugging, scaling, and hyperpigmentation. Transversal sections were more effective than longitudinal sections in determining hair follicle density, growth arrest phases, and identifying mineralization of the hair follicle basement membrane. No correlation was found between histological findings and demographic or clinical characteristics. The study concludes that dermoscopic evaluation and transversal biopsy sections are valuable tools for diagnosing alopecia X.