Seborrheic dermatitis in albino lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris)

Abstract

Albinism is a recessive genetic disorder in which melanin prodution is reduced or absent, interfering with pigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes of individuals. It is considered to be of rare natural occurrence, mainly in wild animals. Albino individuals are highly susceptible to skin damage caused by the sun, once cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful. This report discusses the occurrence of dry seborrhea in an albino lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), kept under human care. Dry seborrhea is a chronic skin disease in which there is a failure in the keratinization of the epidermis, forming excessive scales and altering the oiliness of the skin and hair. The clinical treatment instituted was based on topical application of a moisturizing dermatological spray solution and on changes made to the enclosure in order to reduce the incidence of sunlight on the individual. The result was satisfactory and had as na aid a portable digital microscope that was used periodically until the recovery of the animal.