Background
Videodermoscopy is a novel, noninvasive technique used to examine the appearance of skin and its adnexa.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess specific dermoscopic parameters in Arabian purebred mares in particular areas of the body during the winter season.
Study design
The study was performed in the winter season. Videodermoscopic evaluations of the hair and skin were performed over seven areas of the body: the forehead, mane, neck, chest, flank, croup, and tail.
Methods
Twenty-one healthy, non-breeding Arabian mares aged 3 – 21 years were selected for the study. The Video-Dermatoscope Vidix 7 (Medici Medical SRL) equipped with a 5-Mpx camera, and the VX1 cover (contact type cap 3.5 cm) was used. The CellSens Dimension was used to perform the above-mentioned measurements.
Results
Videodermoscopy revealed marked pigmentary differences in the hair of gray Arabian mares with blood vessels visible on unpigmented skin. The density of the hair in one dermoscopy field of view ranged from 1,458 (croup) to 3,680 (head) hairs and the thickness of hair ranged from 52.70 (chest) to 87.45 µm (tail).
Main limitations
Uniform group of horses consisting of one sex, one breed, and one season.
Conclusion
When compared to previous studies, our findings demonstrated that the density and thickness of hair are contingent upon a horse's breed and body region.