Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41919569›Full record

SynthesisVeterinary dermatology2026

Diagnostic Value and Limitations of Dermoscopy in Humans and Animals: A Critical Comparative Analysis.

Noemi Plozner, Enzo Errichetti, Fabia Scarampella

Abstract readSystematic ReviewComparative Study
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Veterinary dermatology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Noemi PloznerInstitute of Dermatology, Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0212-4818
Enzo ErrichettiInstitute of Dermatology, Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
Fabia ScarampellaStudio Dermatologico Veterinario, Milan, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4581-7263

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDermoscopy is a noninvasive imaging technique that is well-established in human dermatology, where it enhances the diagnosis of neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, and alopecic skin disorders. In veterinary dermatology, its use is expanding yet remains heterogeneous and largely descriptive, despite growing evidence of conserved dermoscopic patterns across species. HYPOTHESIS/

objectivesTo review the applications of dermoscopy in veterinary dermatology, and to provide a comparative analysis of dermoscopic features observed in dogs, cats, and horses in relation to corresponding findings in human dermatology. MATERIALS AND

methodsA systematic review of the literature reporting dermoscopic findings in veterinary dermatology was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for studies published up to 30 July 2025. Eligible studies included original articles describing dermoscopic features in dogs, cats, or horses. Extracted data included species, dermatological condition, dermoscopic findings, device type and histopathological correlation, when available. Levels of evidence were assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria.

resultsThirty studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were descriptive case reports or case series. Dermoscopy was applied to a wide range of conditions, including alopecias, parasitic infestations, dermatophytosis, neoplastic and sebaceous lesions, inflammatory dermatoses, and congenital vascular anomalies. Recurrent dermoscopic features showed strong similarities to those described in human dermatology, although species-specific anatomical differences influenced interpretation.

conclusionsDermoscopy represents a valuable adjunct diagnostic tool in veterinary dermatology, with clear translational relevance. Standardisation of terminology and further prospective studies are required to support its broader clinical integration.

Indexed as

Cat DiseasesDermoscopyDog DiseasesHorse DiseasesSkin DiseasesAnimalsCatsDogsHorsesHumanscatsdermoscopydiagnosisdifferential diagnosisdogshorses

Identifiers

PMID41919569
PMCPMC13569325

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.