Diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo in a sub-adult eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli).

A captive-born female sub-adult Eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) developed areas of non-ulcerated, non-pruritic depigmentation around the nares at 2 yr of age. Over the subsequent 18 mo, the symmetrical multifocal depigmented macules increased in size and distribution to include facial fold crypts, interdigital skin, lips, nares, palmar carpi, ventral abdomen, ventral mandible, axillae, lateral brachium and antebrachium, lateral thighs, ventral tail, and perineal region with an estimated 15% of the skin affected. Facial fold skin biopsies revealed multifocal hypopigmentation with melanin incontinence and mild perivascular lymphohistiocytic dermatitis. The gross appearance and histologic lesions were consistent with vitiligo. Treatment with UV-B narrowband phototherapy was performed on the lateral thighs, lateral elbows, palmar carpi, and rostral maxilla for a period of 12 mo. Significant repigmentation of the treatment areas was achieved.