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Cutaneous vitiligo associated with hypovitaminosis D in Malayan flying foxes ( Pteropus vampyrus ) and Island flying foxes ( Pteropus hypomelanus )
Author(s) -
Stringer Elizabeth,
Han Sushan,
Larsen R Scott
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
veterinary record case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.165
H-Index - 4
ISSN - 2052-6121
DOI - 10.1136/vetreccr-2016-000297
Subject(s) - vitiligo , medicine , veterinary medicine , zoology , dermatology , depigmentation , biology
Eight Malayan flying foxes ( Pteropus vampyrus ) and three Island flying foxes ( Pteropus hypomelanus ) presented for varying degrees of skin depigmentation of the wing membranes, face and feet. Lesions were observed six months after bats were placed in a newly constructed indoor‐only exhibit. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OH‐D) concentrations were low relative to concentrations from bats at another zoological institution. Skin biopsies indicated segmental loss of melanin pigment within the epidermis; skin scrapes and culture results were negative for infectious agents. A diagnosis of cutaneous vitiligo was made. All bats were removed from the exhibit and housed in an off‐exhibit holding area that contained UV‐B lights. Bats were regularly seen basking and slow repigmentation was noted over several months. Four months after initial presentation, serum 25‐OH‐D concentrations were significantly higher than original concentrations. Based on these results, these two species of diurnal bat should have access to UV‐B light.