Shocking Bone Damage from Hair Mats in Dogs—What Every Vet Should Know

Osseous lesions in the distal extremities of dogs with strangulating hair mats

Elizabeth Watson, Laura Niestat

Background:
Strangulating hair mats in dogs, often resulting from neglect, can cause soft tissue injury and ischemic necrosis due to constriction of vasculature and lymphatic drainage. While these mats are known as a sign of animal cruelty, their associated osseous (bone) changes had not been described prior to this study. The aim was to document radiographic features of hair mat lesions and identify clinical indicators that differentiate soft tissue-only from osseous involvement.

Methods:
This retrospective study included 27 dogs identified through forensic records at the ASPCA from 2014 to 2019. Inclusion required radiographic evidence and clinical description of hair mats as strangulating. A total of 43 affected limbs were reviewed. Radiographic features were analyzed by veterinary specialists for signs of soft tissue and bone pathology.

Results:
All limbs exhibited soft tissue defects; over half showed osseous lesions. Radiographic findings included bone atrophy, remodeling, focal lysis, and in some cases, subluxation at joints. Complete absence of digits and self-amputation occurred in some cases. Osseous changes were consistently located in distal extremities. There was no correlation between wound appearance and the presence of bone lesions. Histopathology, where available, confirmed ischemic necrosis and granulation with embedded hair shafts, without evidence of foreign materials or osteomyelitis in most cases.

Limitations:
Histopathology was not available for all cases, and radiographs were not standardized. Breed representation was limited to small, long-haired types, potentially affecting generalizability.

Conclusions:
Dogs with strangulating hair mats frequently have associated osseous changes, and clinical signs alone do not reliably predict bone involvement. Radiographs should be standard for evaluation. These findings enhance understanding of neglect-related injuries and support forensic investigations in suspected cruelty cases.

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