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Pathologic and Environmental Studies Provide New Pathogenetic Insights Into Ringtail of Laboratory Mice
C Recordati1, S M Basta2, L Benedetti3
1Mouse & Animal Pathology Laboratory, Fondazione Filarete, Milano, Italy camilla.recordati@fondazionefilarete.com.
Veterinary Pathology
|November 8, 2014
Summary
Ringtail in mice involves tail constrictions, potentially linked to abnormal keratinization. Traditional environmental causes were excluded, suggesting a primary cornification disorder of unknown origin in this rodent pathology study.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Rodent Health
- Dermatology
Background:
- Ringtail is a tail constriction condition in laboratory rodents.
- Traditionally attributed to environmental factors like low humidity.
- Other potential causes include temperature, diet, genetics, and caging.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the cause of ringtail in mice.
- Evaluate traditional etiologic factors.
- Characterize the pathology of ringtail lesions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of environmental data (humidity, temperature).
- Gross, histopathologic, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy of affected tissues.
- Examination of tails and limbs from affected mice.
Main Results:
- Ringtail incidence was 0.075% in weaned litters over 3 years.
- Constrictions observed on tails, digits, crus, and antebrachium.
- Histology revealed abnormal keratin desquamation and a keratin ring causing strangulation, necrosis, and auto-amputation.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a primary disorder of cornification in mouse ringtail.
- Traditional environmental factors were excluded as the cause.
- The specific etiology of these ringtail cases remained undetermined.
