Ring Tail refers to avascular necrosis of the tail in which animals?

Ring Tail refers to avascular necrosis of the tail in which animals?

• A. Mice and rats
• B. Rabbits
• C. Guinea pigs
• D. Hamsters

Answer: (A)

Ringtail is the term for avascular necrosis of the tail seen most often in laboratory mice and rats. The condition arises when blood flow to the distal tail is compromised, leading to ischemia and tissue death. Environmental factors in colony settings—such as very low humidity, ammonia buildup from bedding, and general poor husbandry—can trigger constriction and necrosis, producing a characteristic ring-like lesion around the tail. This presentation is classic for mice and rats, while rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are not typically associated with ringtail as a distinct, well-described condition.

Ringtail is the term for avascular necrosis of the tail seen most often in laboratory mice and rats. The condition arises when blood flow to the distal tail is compromised, leading to ischemia and tissue death. Environmental factors in colony settings—such as very low humidity, ammonia buildup from bedding, and general poor husbandry—can trigger constriction and necrosis, producing a characteristic ring-like lesion around the tail. This presentation is classic for mice and rats, while rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are not typically associated with ringtail as a distinct, well-described condition.