BASIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS (cont)
Animals must be observed on a daily basis for signs of disease or injury. Report suspected problems to the supervisor of animal care or the veterinarian.
Some common abnormalities include;
- overgrown incisors and malocclusion - the teeth can be trimmed and you should monitor these animals closely after the first occurrence.
- barbering or chewing of hair is sometimes observed in mice housed in groups. Skin lesions are usually absent in barbered animals and the hair loss pattern is usually symmetrical. The mouse that is barbering the other cage mates is easily identified because it is not barbered.
- necrosis of the tail - also referred to as "ringtail" may develop in mice if the humidity drops below 30% in the animal room.
Mouse exhibiting ringtail
