Alopecia refers to which symptom?

Alopecia refers to which symptom?

• A. Loss of hair
• B. Excessive hair growth
• C. Skin infection
• D. Eye inflammation

Answer: (A)

Alopecia means hair loss. In lab animals, you’d describe it as partial or complete absence of fur in one or more areas, which can be temporary or permanent. Causes can include stress, hormonal changes, skin conditions like dermatitis, parasites, poor nutrition, or excessive grooming from irritation. When you see alopecia, note where it’s located, how much fur is affected, and whether it’s progressing, since that helps determine if welfare is impacted or if a vet should evaluate the animal. The other options describe different conditions: excessive hair growth is hypertrichosis; a skin infection would be dermatitis or pyoderma (which may cause hair loss but isn’t alopecia itself); eye inflammation is an ocular issue like conjunctivitis.

Alopecia means hair loss. In lab animals, you’d describe it as partial or complete absence of fur in one or more areas, which can be temporary or permanent. Causes can include stress, hormonal changes, skin conditions like dermatitis, parasites, poor nutrition, or excessive grooming from irritation. When you see alopecia, note where it’s located, how much fur is affected, and whether it’s progressing, since that helps determine if welfare is impacted or if a vet should evaluate the animal. The other options describe different conditions: excessive hair growth is hypertrichosis; a skin infection would be dermatitis or pyoderma (which may cause hair loss but isn’t alopecia itself); eye inflammation is an ocular issue like conjunctivitis.