Determination of the depth of excision using a dermatome (Aesculap) to export all hair follicle bulbs from a donor site in the dog.

The aim of the study was to determine the depth of excision using a dermatome to excise all hair follicle bulbs from the donor site. Partial-thickness skin samples of different depth, ranging from 0.4 to 1 mm, were excised using a dermatome (Aesculap) from the dorsal aspect of the trunk of the dog. Biopsies, using a 6-mm biopsy punch, were performed in the centre of each donor site and excised sample. They were processed routinely for histological examination and the aspect of the hair follicles was observed. Split-thickness skin grafts of >or=0.7 mm deep performed with a dermatome contain the entire hair follicle.