Diagnostic Value and Limitations of Dermoscopy in Humans and Animals: A Critical Comparative Analysis.

Dermoscopy is a valuable adjunct diagnostic tool in veterinary dermatology with species-comparable patterns.

This systematic review examined dermoscopy applications in veterinary dermatology, analyzing 30 studies involving dogs, cats, and horses. Dermoscopy, a noninvasive imaging technique established in human dermatology, was evaluated for diagnosing neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, and alopecic conditions in veterinary patients. The review found dermoscopic patterns were largely consistent across species and comparable to human dermatology findings, though species-specific anatomical variations affected interpretation. Applications included alopecias, parasitic infestations, dermatophytosis, neoplastic and sebaceous lesions, inflammatory dermatoses, and congenital vascular anomalies. Most included studies were descriptive case reports or case series with variable evidence levels. The authors concluded dermoscopy represents a valuable adjunct diagnostic tool with significant translational potential from human to veterinary medicine. However, standardization of terminology and prospective studies are needed to support broader clinical integration and establish evidence-based protocols for routine veterinary dermatological practice.

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