Dry gangrene of the ear in white mice

Abstract

Sporadic dry gangrene of the ears of white mice, and conditions conducive to its occurrence, are described. The incidence of ear necrosis increased markedly when the mice were subjected to cold and when their ears were traumatized by grooming to rid themselves of lice. Louse infestation alone is not a causative factor in the production of ear lesions. Age and breed of mice were other factors which affected incidence. The lesion is usually not important in the maintenance of colonies but might occur in situations where mice are subjected to stress.