Diagnostic ChallengeDiagnostic Challenge
Section snippets
History
A 30-week-old, female, 35-g mock chocolate mouse (Mus musculus) (case 1) and a 35-week-old, female, 35-g light mock chocolate mouse (case 2) were referred to the Bath Veterinary Referrals with a 4-week history of ulcerative lesions and severe pruritus, which appeared to have begun after a bedding change. Both mice were housed with 8 other female fancy mice, all of which appeared clinically healthy, in a large purposely built wooden enclosure. The owner reported obsessive scratching, especially
Diagnosis
Unfortunately, despite medical therapy, erosions and pruritus continued to worsen and both mice died for unrelated respiratory issues 9 months following the initial presentation. A diagnosis of murine idiopathic UD was determined to be the disease diagnosis of the 2 mouse patients based on typical clinical presentation associated with intense pruritus, lack of evidence of ectoparasites on skin scrapes, and unremarkable dermatophyte and dermatological bacterial cultures. Although the exact
Discussion
Idiopathic UD is a spontaneous, progressive, and debilitating syndrome commonly reported in laboratory C57BL mice and especially C57BL/6J mouse strain, with prevalence rates between 4% and 21% in mouse research facilities.1, 2 Multiple factors may predispose mice to idiopathic UD including abnormal grooming behavior, oronasal inflammation, environmental factors, and immuno complex vasculitis.3 The average age at onset in 1 study was 13 months; however, 13% of the affected mice developed
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