Histological and Trichographic Differences Between Coat Types in Non-Alopecic Pomeranians and With Alopecia X.

Woolly coat type shares AX-like histological features; consider coat phenotype when diagnosing.

This blinded comparative study examined histological and trichographic differences among 72 Pomeranians: 30 with Alopecia X (AX) and 42 unaffected dogs with woolly (W) or shiny (S) coat types. Skin biopsies and hair pluckings were analyzed using standard histology, trichography, and scanning electron microscopy. AX dogs demonstrated significantly fewer follicles per group (4.1 vs 5.1), higher frequencies of kenogen and atrophic follicles, and markedly increased hair fragility (85.3 per 10 mg). The anagen-dominated cycle in shiny-coated dogs contrasted with telogen predominance in woolly and AX groups. Trichorrhexis nodosa was more prevalent in AX and woolly-coated dogs. These findings suggest that woolly coat phenotype shares certain histopathological and trichographic features with AX, supporting its potential role as a risk indicator. The study highlights important diagnostic considerations when evaluating Pomeranian coat disorders, as normal coat-type variations must be distinguished from pathological AX.

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