Plucked hairs bring with them material from the hair follicles.
Thus they inform us about follicular function as well as providing
hairs for examination (trichography).
Selection of sites showing evidence of follicular pathology
e.g folliculitis, comedones, broken hairs, is important
Hair plucks are especially useful in the diagnosis of demodicosis
and dermatophytosis. They can be used to monitor the progress
of therapy, as in the cavalier King Charles spaniel illustrated
in the video - a case of recurrent demodicosis
Because the hair can be plucked quickly, the sample is often
taken before the dog or cat can react. Often little or no reaction
is elicited
Samples can be taken from sites which are difficult to approach
with other methods, such as the interdigital spaces, and the perioral
and periocular regions
Site
selection