Epidermal structure and surface topography of canine skin.

The stratum corneum of canine skin when measured in cryostat sections was found to have a mean thickness of 47.5 cell layers and measured 13.3 micrometers. The living epidermis was composed of three to six cell layers and measured 10.1 micrometers. Stratum corneum thickness was similar on the back and abdomen but was greater in the inguinal fold. Lipid was found in the distal intercellular spaces of the corneum to a mean depth of 34 cell layers. The surface topography of freeze dried canine skin was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The interfollicular stratum corneum was generally covered by a thin homogeneous film but in some areas hexagonal squames surrounded by amorphous globular material, which appeared to be oozing onto the surface, could be found. This material, which was also found sealing the bases of hair follicles and matting together the emerging hairs, appeared to be sebaceous lipid.