Skin disorders of the laboratory woodchuck (Marmota monax): a retrospective study of 113 cases (1980-1990).

Abstract

An 11-year retrospective study was conducted on the dermatoses occurring in 113 woodchucks from a colony at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. Bacterial dermatitis was the most common dermatologic disorder, accounting for 70.2% of the cases. The highest incidence of bacterial dermatitis occurred in September/October prior to hibernation and in February/March during the breeding season. Other dermatoses observed during the study period included Taenia crassiceps infection, microfilarial dermatitis, telogen defluxion, various neoplastic and hyperplastic lesions, and various neonatal conditions associated with trauma and/or bacterial infection. No association was found between any of these dermatoses and the presence of woodchuck hepatitis virus infection.