[Neurodermatitis in primates: a case description of a female gorilla]

Neurodermatitis or atopic dermatitis appears to be more widespread among animals than has been assumed hitherto. We report on a female gorilla in Saarbrücken Zoo; after years of captivity the animal developed recurrent eczema in the crooks of the elbows and knees. An interesting aspect of this case is that apparently psychological factors stemming from a partner conflict led to manifestation of the disease. We discuss the feasibility of determining the presence of IgE.