Most ‘alopecic’ cases are the result of self-trauma or nutritional neglect.
Parasitic infestation and fungal skin infections are also a common cause of alopecia that can be localised or extensive. Both fungal and parasitic disease
often have prominent scaling. Alopecia can arise also from irritant contact
including iatrogenic applications of inappropriate chemicals or from wound
exudate. There is invariably some component of scaling and/or crusting
in these cases. Localised ‘hair breakage’, as a result of rubbing (either tack
or self-trauma), is not classified as true alopecia.
References
- Knottenbelt, D. (2008) Skin disorders In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 8
