Spontaneous Vitiligo in a Captive Rhesus Monkey (Macaca Mulatta)

Abstract

Vitiligo affects a significant portion of human and animal populations. The disease causes irregular and multifocal progressive loss of fur, skin, and mucous membrane pigmentation due to the loss or absence of melanocytes. While etiopathogenesis is not completely understood, autoimmunity, environmental, and genetic factors are implicated We present a case report on a 16-y-old female rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta ) with depigmented areas that are progressively increasing on the skin and coat and are distributed on the head and back. Histopathology revealed alterations compatible with vitiligo characterized by the absence of melanocytes in the epidermis and dermis. The clinical history and complementary exams support this diagnosis.