Stress-induced Cushing's syndrome in fur-chewing chinchillas

Tišljar, Marina and Janić, D. and Grabarević, Ž. and et al., (2002) Stress-induced Cushing's syndrome in fur-chewing chinchillas. Acta Veterinaria Hungarica, 50 (2). pp. 133-142. ISSN 0236-6290

Preview

Text avet.50.2002.2.1.pdf Download (7MB) | Preview

Abstract

One of the most serious problems in the chinchilla industry is 'fur-chewing', when the chinchilla bites off areas of its own or some other animal's fur. The condition generally develops in both genders at the age of 6-8 months. In chinchilla farms in Croatia an incidence of 15-20% has been observed. A pathomorphological, microbiological and parasitological investigation was conducted on eleven 6- to 11-month-old chinchillas of both sexes with clinical symptoms of 'fur-chewing' and three chinchillas without such signs. Histopathology of the adrenal glands and of the chewed skin revealed changes typical of Cushing's syndrome in 'fur-chewed' chinchillas, such as hyperkeratinisation of the epidermis, epidermal atrophy, pronounced follicular and sebaceous gland atrophy, hyperkeratinisation of the follicles with comedo formations and the presence of calcium salts in subcutis.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item