clinical case: Vitamin C-responsive dermatosis in a Holstein native cross bull calf

Abstract

A case of vitamin C-responsive dermatosis was diagnosed in a 25-day-old Holstein native cross bull calf based on the dermatopathological findings, low plasma levels of ascorbic acid, and response to treatment on a dairy farm near Tehran, the capital of Iran. The calf showed signs of severe alopecia in both thighs and easy epilation of hairs, along with mild scaling around its thighs, flanks, and trunk. Dermatopathological analysis revealed mild orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, mild acanthosis, congestion of the dermis, and follicular keratosis. The calf was treated with a single subcutaneous injection of 3 g of ascorbic acid. After 1 week, the hair loss ceased, and the hairs were growing again within 3 weeks after treatment; the condition was thus completely reversed.