![]() ![]() Cutaneous neoplasia is relatively common, especially tumours of the ventral scent gland. Ovariohysterectomy is curative, but drainage by fine needle aspirate (FNA) may give temporary relief. ![]() Symmetrical alopecia and poor coat quality is seen, with abdominal distension and dyspnoea in severe cases. Cystic ovaries are common in older females (50% incidence over 400 days old). The large ventral abdominal sebaceous gland frequently becomes inflamed, ulcerated and infected. Improving husbandry, environmental temperature and humidity (< 50%) and provision of a sand bath will all help. Hypersecretion of the Harderian gland and accumulation of porphyrin pigment around the nares is irritant and leads to self-trauma and secondary staphylococcal infection. Small focal areas of alopecia and crusting around the nares may progress to the face, medial forelimbs and abdomen. Nasal dermatitis ('sore nose', 'facial dermatitis') is common, particularly in group housed animals stressed by overcrowding and high humidity levels. Other ectoparasitic infestations include the fur mites Acarus farris and Liponyssoides sanguineous. Demodex meroni causes alopecia, scaling and focal ulcerative dermatitis with secondary bacterial infections. Brown skin scales on the dorsum and tail are often seen in older males.Įctoparasitic infestations are uncommon. The fur of aged male albino rats becomes yellow and coarse due to increased sebaceous secretions under androgenic control. Barbering is uncommon but fight wounds can occur between adult males. Squamous cell carcinomas and papillomas are the most common. ![]() Cutaneous neoplasia is also rare, but almost all types have been reported. Dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton is rare. Treatment is often unrewarding and involves addressing the underlying cause, systemic antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesia. Obesity, poor cage hygiene or wire mesh floors can lead to ulcerative pododermatitis. Staphylococcus aureus can cause an ulcerative dermatitis in rats, typically over the shoulders and neck, and can lead to severe self-mutilation. Treatment is ivermectin or topical fipronil or selamectin. Polyplax spinulosa, the spined rat louse, is rarely found in pet rats but can cause pruritus, dermatitis and anaemia, especially in young or debilitated animals. Other rarer mites are Ornithonyssus bacoti, Sarcoptes scabiei, Trixacarus diversus, Trixacarus caviae, Myobia musculi and Demodex sp. Notoedres muris causes warty, papular lesions on the pinnae, nose and tail, and occasionally limbs and genitalia. Radfordia ensifera (rat fur mite) causes pruritus and self-trauma. Low environmental humidity (<20%) can cause 'ring-tail', where one or more annular constrictions of the tail can cause oedema, necrosis and sloughing of the distal tissue. Treatment is by reducing stocking density and enriching the environment. Barbering is common in groups, especially males, where the dominant mouse chews the hair of subordinates without causing skin damage. Dermal fibromas, fibrosarcomas and mesenchymal tumours have also been reported. Cutaneous neoplasia is rare but squamous cell carcinoma occurs most frequently. Treatment is with oral griseofulvin or enilconazole wash. Trichophyton mentagrophytes can be asymptomatic or cause hair loss and well-demarcated crusty lesions. Secondary bacterial dermatitis and abscesses as a result of self-trauma or fight wounds are commonly seen. Treatment is with ivermectin or selamectin. Skin disease is a common reason for presentation, as it is easily noticed by the owner, even in species that are not regularly handled.įur mites ( Myobia musculi, Myocoptes musculinus and Radfordia affinis) can cause pruritus, alopecia and self-trauma. Rodents and rabbits make up a significant and increasing part of small animal veterinary practice. ![]()
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