Hair Loss in Laboratory Bred Macaques: An Idiopathic Disorder of Major Consequence

In spite of the idiopathic nature of hair loss in non-human primates, the presentation of monkeys with hair loss has become a concern during site visits by Sponsors and federal regulatory authorities. This review attempts to define, describe, and somewhat defend the clinical findings of alopecia in colony-maintained nonhuman primates in research institutions and to allay any fears of maltreatment or neglect if the hairless monkey is found in the colony. Self-directed behaviors to the point of self-injury are common features of both nonhuman primates and humans. The etiology of alopecia in free-range and laboratory-maintained monkeys, as well as the human patient involves multiple factors, many of which are not in the direct control of behavioral management or therapy. Proper and complete documentation of initial observations, progression and recurrence, as well as active therapeutic interventions can go a long way to protect the laboratory from experiencing a “teaching moment” during regulatory agency inspections. DOI: 10.29011/ AVST-146/100046