Bedding-Associated Dermatitis

Leg lesions have been associated with contact bedding in Chinese and Syrian hamsters. Lesions in animals housed on wood shavings are primarily on the footpads and are characterized by degeneration and atrophy of the digits, with granulomatous inflammatory response. Necrotic areas with ulceration may spread to the legs and shoul­ders. On histological examination, wood shavings and sawdust are frequently detectable in the dermis and subcutis, with leukocytic infiltration and multinucleate giant cell formation. The site of entry is likely the footpad, with subsequent subcutaneous migration to proximal areas. Rats and mice housed on the same bedding are not affected. Differential diagnoses include trauma and cannibalism.