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Gerbils (Laboratory) - Pathology (view source)
Revision as of 14:14, 12 August 2011
, 14:14, 12 August 2011→Integument System
==Integument System==
==Integument System==
===Rough Hair Coat===
A poor hair coat is a very common problem in laboratory gerbils and is usually an indicator of excessive humidity in the environment. If the relative humidity of the environment is higher than 50% then this will usually result in unkempt or matted hair. Appropriate ventilation to the housing areas is important.
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A poor quality or rough looking coat is the most common finding on clinical examination of gerbils that have some type of active disease. Therefore a rough hair coat may also indicate other disease processes.
===Nasal Dermatitis (Sore Nose)===
===Nasal Dermatitis (Sore Nose)===
Nasal dermatitis is a relatively common problem in gerbils, with the incidence higher in younger animals. Although the etiology of this disease is unknown, it has been associated with trauma, stress or accumulation of secretions within the 'Harderian gland'. Bacterial infections with ''Staphylococcus'' species have also been linked.
Nasal dermatitis is a relatively common problem in gerbils, with the incidence higher in younger animals. Although the etiology of this disease is unknown, it has been associated with trauma, stress or accumulation of secretions within the 'Harderian gland'. Bacterial infections with ''Staphylococcus'' species have also been linked.
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Clinical signs for nasal dermatitis include frequent scabbing and/or ulcer formation, alopecia, erythema and dermatitis. The perinasal area is usually most affected which the periocular region becoming involved in more chronic cases. A very well established dermatitis can spread to the remainder of the head, forelimbs, chest and abdomen. Clinical signs are usually diagnostic. This disease is relatively self-limiting if the underlying causative factor such as overcrowding is removed.
Clinical signs for nasal dermatitis include frequent scabbing and/or ulcer formation, alopecia, erythema and dermatitis. The perinasal area is usually most affected which the periocular region becoming involved in more chronic cases. A very well established dermatitis can spread to the remainder of the head, forelimbs, chest and abdomen. Clinical signs are usually diagnostic. This disease is relatively self-limiting if the underlying causative factor such as overcrowding is removed.
===Parasites===
Parasites rarely cause disease in gerbils. The most common skin parasite is the hamster demodectic mange mites, ''Demodex aurati'' or ''Demodex criceti''. Usual clinical signs are alopecia.
===Tail Lesions===
The most common type of tail lesion is called 'barbering' of the tail and is most common in cages that are overcrowded. Hair is lost from the tip of the tail to up to a third of its length. The hair often grows back once the population is reduced.
==Reproductive System==
==Reproductive System==