CUTANEOUS MUCINOSIS IN DOGS AND CATS - A HISTOLOGICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL-STUDY OF 106 CASES

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.