M. Delverdier et al., CUTANEOUS MUCINOSIS IN DOGS AND CATS - A HISTOLOGICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL-STUDY OF 106 CASES, Revue de Medecine Veterinaire, 146(5), 1995, pp. 333-339
106 cases of cutaneous mucinosis in dogs and cats were analized by a h
istological and histochemical study. Except mucinosis of Shar-Pei, mos
t of cutaneous mucinosis are clinically inapparent. Their histological
and histo-chemical study shows that they constitute a heterogeneous g
roup that can be subdivided as in man in primary and secondary mucinos
is. In diffuse primary mucinosis, it is possible to distinguish the fo
rms associated to fibroblastic hyperplasia and/or activation (mucinosi
s of Shar-Pei, papular mucinosis) from those non-associated to these l
esions (myxedema, scleredema). The dermal mucinosis linked to canine h
ypothyroidism is characterized by discrete deposits of hyaluronic acid
in sub-epidermal connective tissue and loose reticular connective tis
sue. The mucinosis of Shar-Pei results from massive accumulation of hy
aluronic acid and to a lesser extent of chondroitins 4 and 6 sulphate
and dermatan sulphate in dermis and hypodermis. On account of its freq
uency and its intensity, this mucinosis can be a good model, particula
rly to study the role of fibroblasts in its formation.