Vitiligo in equine: a four-year case study of a roan horse ˗ case report

ABSTRACT Vitiligo is a dermatological disease affecting both animals and humans. It is characterized by depigmented macules of varying shape and size, originated from melanocyte destruction. Even though there are some theories tackling causation, disease etiopathology is not yet certain. Moreover, lesion areas can either increase or diminish over time, and therefore, available treatment alternatives tend to prove inconsistencies. No epidemiological data or registered cases were found for equines in Brazil. The horse in this case description displayed depigmentation areas in facial regions, including upper lip, nose and lips. However, the individual did not happen to develop any systemic alteration. Through clinical evaluation, backed by a histopathological exam, a definitive vitiligo diagnosis was obtained. However, no therapeutic plan was stipulated. The animal was accompanied for four years, during which period some affected areas diminished while others increased in size. In addition, emergence of new skin lesions was also observed during the time the animal was studied. Overall, this disease does not display alterations to organism functionality, only aesthetic changes. Therefore, treatment plans may vary from case to case, occasionally being even ruled out.摘要 白癜风（Vitiligo）是一种可同时影响人类与动物的皮肤疾病，以形态、大小各异的色素脱失斑为特征，其发病源于黑素细胞的破坏。尽管已有若干理论试图阐释其致病机制，但该病的病因及发病机制迄今尚未明确。此外，皮损面积可随时间推移出现扩大或缩小，因此现有治疗方案往往疗效不一。目前尚无巴西马属动物白癜风的流行病学数据或确诊病例记录。 本次病例描述中的患马面部区域（包括上唇、鼻部及口唇）出现色素脱失病灶，但该个体未出现任何系统性异常。经临床评估结合组织病理学检查，最终确诊为白癜风，但未制定针对性治疗方案。对该动物进行了为期四年的随访观察，期间部分受累区域面积缩小，其余则出现扩大，且随访期间还观察到了新皮损的出现。总体而言，该病不会对机体功能造成影响，仅会引发外观上的改变。因此，治疗方案需根据个体病例制定，部分病例甚至可无需治疗。