Lorises have specialized lower incisors and canines forming a toothcomb for grooming of the fur (both self- and social grooming occurs). Hairs are removed from the toothcomb with the help of the sublingua, a passively moved structure under the tongue, and are swallowed. Faeces usually contain hair. In rare cases, formation of trichobezoars has occurred. With increasing size, such bezoars may close the intestinal tract and become fatal. Two lorises at Ruhr-University who died of such a bezoar showed no apparent behavioural changes with the exception of slightly reduced food consumption, occasional short coughing and subsequent chewing in one animal.
 
 
 
 

Loris and related species: health

Last amendment: 5 May 2000