Trichobezoars in Captive-Bred Fat-Tailed Dunnarts and Potential Preventative Protocols.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary medicine
• Zoology
• Conservation biology

Background:

• Fat-tailed dunnarts (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) are increasingly used in research.
• Ensuring proper husbandry is crucial for captive populations' welfare.
• Previous husbandry practices led to unexplained deaths in a university research colony.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the cause of sudden deaths in captive fat-tailed dunnarts.
• Identify effective husbandry interventions to prevent trichobezoar formation.
• Establish best practices for captive fat-tailed dunnart care.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy analysis of deceased dunnarts to identify cause of death.
• Implementation of modified husbandry protocols: autoclaved tree bark in enclosures and dietary paraffin oil.
• Monitoring of the dunnart population for mortality and morbidity post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Necropsies revealed trichobezoars causing fatal gastrointestinal obstruction in three dunnarts.
• Post-intervention, no further deaths attributed to trichobezoars were recorded.
• Modified husbandry practices appear effective in preventing trichobezoar-related mortality.

Conclusions:

• Trichobezoars are a significant health risk for captive fat-tailed dunnarts.
• Autoclaved tree bark and dietary paraffin oil are effective husbandry interventions.
• Updated husbandry guidelines are recommended for optimal captive care and welfare.