Etiology: Excessive humidity levels in the environment (50% relative humidity) contribute to the development of greasy hair coat. This problem is most often seen in animals kept in solid-topped microisolator cages.
Incidence: This condition is uncommon in research animals.
Clinical Signs: An unkempt, matted hair coat is a sign of exposure to excessive humidity.
Photo courtesy of: MONGOLIAN GERBILS: Care, Diseases, and Use in Research, S. L. Motzel, DVM, MS, PhD, J. E. Wagner, DVM, MPH, PhD
Diagnosis: Clinical signs and presence of predisposing environmental factors are key to making the diagnosis.