BACKGROUND:Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic, pruritic and inflammatory skin disease in both humans and dogs. In people, AD is increasingly recognised as a systemic inflammatory disease in which immune dysregulation drives chronic inflammation extending beyond the skin, particularly in moderate-to-severe disease. Whether a comparable systemic inflammation exists in canine AD, however, remains poorly characterised. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:We hypothesised that serum cytokine concentrations would differ between dogs with varying AD severity and healthy controls. This study aimed to identify systemic inflammatory markers correlating with AD severity, by comparing cytokine profiles in dogs with mild AD and moderate-to-severe AD against healthy dogs (negative control) and dogs with active pemphigus foliaceus (PF) lesions (positive control). ANIMALS:Forty client-owned dogs were enrolled, with 10 dogs in each of four groups: healthy controls, mild AD, moderate-to-severe AD and PF. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF-β/lymphotoxin-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) were measured using standardised immunoassays to evaluate systemic inflammation across groups. RESULTS:Marked interindividual variability was observed across all groups. No statistically significant differences in serum concentrations of any of the six cytokines were detected between the healthy, mild AD, moderate-to-severe AD and PF groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:In a limited cytokine panel, no evidence of differential systemic inflammation was detected across groups, including dogs with moderate-to-severe AD compared to healthy controls. These findings may reflect true lack of systemic inflammation in dogs or may be attributable to the small sample size, high interindividual variability or the limited scope of the cytokine panel evaluated.
BACKGROUND:Currently used methods for the interpretation of intradermal allergen test results either ignore the erythema of the wheals (objective method) or evaluate it subjectively (subjective method, and global wheal score [GWS]). OBJECTIVES:To compare the efficacy of GWSs in differentiating between wheals induced by intradermal injection of a negative control and histamine at three different concentrations, using either the objective colorimetric measurement of erythema or the subjective evaluation of erythema as absent, weak, or strong. ANIMALS:Seven clinically healthy dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Duplicate intradermal injections of a negative control, histamine 0.0001%, histamine 0.001%, and histamine 0.01% were administered on the lateral thorax of the dogs. A colorimeter was used to measure erythema before and 15 min after the injection and, at the same time, three blinded investigators scored erythema subjectively. RESULTS:The subtraction of the first colorimetric measurement of erythema obtained before intradermal injection from the first postinjection objective measurement (ΔEfirst) outperformed three other objective measurement methods and yielded GWSs capable of differentiation among the four solutions with efficiencies comparable to those of GWSs based on subjective erythema assessment. However, the stronger correlation between the later and wheal diameters may indicate bias in the subjective evaluation of erythema. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:A single colorimetric measurement of erythema before and after intradermal injection of a negative control and histamine at three different concentrations, followed by calculation of their difference, can replace the subjective evaluation of erythema for the calculation of GWSs and avoid possible bias.
BACKGROUND:In dogs with adverse food reactions (AFRs), immunoglobulin (Ig)E serology, prick test and patch test with food allergens have shown variable diagnostic performance for the identification of the offending foods, when the latter were identified using open food challenges. OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the diagnostic performance of these tests in dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) and AFRs, using the double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) as the gold standard. ANIMALS:Twelve dogs with AD and AFRs underwent DBPCFCs with eight food items. MATERIALS AND METHODS:IgE serology, prick test and patch test with the same eight food allergens were performed after the diagnosis of AD and before the diagnostic investigation for AFRs and the DBPCFCs. RESULTS:The sensitivity (3%-60.6%), specificity (54.8%-98.4%), positive predictive value (25%-66.7%) and negative predictive value (64.1%-72.3%) of the three tests and of their combination were unsatisfactory. Furthermore, their positive and negative likelihood ratio values were not in the clinically informative range, apart from the prick test having a weakly informative positive likelihood ratio value of 3.81. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Under the conditions of this study, the diagnostic performance of IgE serology, prick test and/or patch test with food allergens was poor using the DBPCFC as gold standard.
BACKGROUND:Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) is a complex disease that exclusively affects the claws of dogs and represents a therapeutic challenge. Biopsy sampling of the third phalanx for histopathological evaluation has historically been the recommended diagnostic test, yet clinical diagnosis is currently encouraged. Numerous treatment protocols of varying success have been proposed for dogs with this condition. OBJECTIVES:The goals of this study are to report clinical findings, treatment protocols and outcomes of dogs with SLO, to propose a rationale for the clinical diagnosis and to discuss therapies for SLO. ANIMALS:Thirty-one dogs examined at a veterinary hospital from May 2004 to April 2024. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Retrospective analysis of medical records from dogs diagnosed with SLO. RESULTS:The average age of dogs at disease onset and diagnosis was 7 years old. Nineteen breeds were represented. Thirty dogs were clinically diagnosed with SLO, mostly presenting with onychodystrophy and onychomadesis, and in one a biopsy sample was collected. Different therapeutic combinations including tetracyclines alone or with niacinamide, pentoxifylline, essential fatty acids (EFAs), vitamin E, biotin and ciclosporin were used for the initial and/or maintenance treatment of SLO. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The distinctive presentation of SLO supports its clinical diagnosis. Medical treatment seems to support a favourable long-term outcome, despite the wide variation in protocols and doses. EFAs were commonly used as initial and maintenance therapy, and tetracyclines could often be excluded from the treatment protocol, thus complying with good antimicrobial stewardship practice.
BACKGROUND:Canine epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma (CETL) is an aggressive and generally incurable disease in dogs. CCNU (lomustine) is commonly used for management, even though it carries a significant risk of adverse effects. Several reports describe oclacitinib producing clinical improvement in affected dogs, yet comparative data between the two treatments are lacking. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical outcomes in dogs with CETL treated with oclacitinib or CCNU, focussing on tumour reduction (response), survival time and time-to-relapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This retrospective review (2008-2024) included 23 client-owned dogs with confirmed CETL treated with either CCNU (n = 11) or oclacitinib (n = 12). Outcomes included response (reduction in measurable tumour burden), survival (time from histopathological diagnosis to death) and time-to-relapse (for dogs with complete or good responses). Clinical presentation and adverse effects also were recorded. Additionally, sex, age and weight were compared between treatment groups to investigate potential confounding factors. RESULTS:No statistically significant differences were identified between oclacitinib and CCNU for response, survival or time-to-relapse (p > 0.05 for all). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no significant difference in overall survival (log-rank test, p = 0.20). Oclacitinib was associated with fewer adverse effects and reduced monitoring intensity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:These findings suggest oclacitinib may offer outcomes comparable to CCNU for CETL, with fewer adverse effects and less intensive monitoring. The small, retrospective sample limits firm conclusions, yet these results indicate that oclacitinib could be a reasonable, possibly safer palliative option warranting further prospective study.
BACKGROUND:The first veterinary multiplex molecular microarray serum allergy test (SAT), Pet Allergy Xplorer, is commercially available. However, no comparative evaluations of this test versus whole extract-based SAT (eSAT) platforms and intradermal allergen testing (IDAT) currently exist. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:Evaluate agreement between IDAT, conventional eSAT (Stallergenes Greer Laboratories) and extract and recombinant-containing SAT (erSAT) for shared environmental allergens in atopic dogs. ANIMALS:Fifty-four dogs with non-seasonal (with or without seasonal exacerbation) and five dogs with seasonal atopic dermatitis were enrolled. MATERIALS AND METHODS:IDAT, eSAT and erSAT were performed on the same day. Two independent investigators (Inv A and Inv B) recorded IDAT results. Per manufacturer guidance, 80 and 300 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) absorbance units (eSAT80 and eSAT300) and 28 ng/mL (erSAT) were used as SAT cut-off values. Cohen's kappa (κ) and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) were used to test agreement. RESULTS:Between IDAT investigators, there was almost perfect agreement across all allergens (κ = 0.81; PABAK = 0.87). Moderate agreement (κ = 0.58) between erSAT and eSAT300 across all allergens improved to almost perfect with PABAK (0.84). IDAT Inv A had the strongest agreement with eSAT300 (κ = 0.44, PABAK = 0.75) compared to erSAT (κ = 0.29, PABAK = 0.64) and eSAT80 (κ = 0.13, PABAK = 0.11); results were similar with Inv B. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Agreement between testing platforms varied depending on the kappa statistic used, with low κ agreement for most comparisons, highlighting disagreements on what was considered positive. PABAK was generally higher, showcasing high overall concordance. Agreement to the new erSAT was strongest with eSAT300; agreement was moderate (κ) to almost perfect (PABAK).
BACKGROUND:Atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs is a prevalent allergic disorder associated with environmental allergens, including the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae (Df). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:To describe clinical and immunological changes over time in dogs with canine (c)AD sensitised to Df undergoing Df allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) and to test the hypothesis that ASIT is associated with changes in Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04), pruritus and medication scores and selected immunological markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Fifteen dogs with cAD sensitised to Df received ASIT for 12 months. Clinical evaluations included CADESI-04 and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS). Gene expression of interleukin (IL)-31, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was analysed using real-time PCR. Serum levels of Df-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E, total IgG and IgG subclass 1 were measured using immunoassays. Evaluations were performed at 0, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS:Significant reductions in pruritus scores and IL-31 expression were observed, while IFN-γ expression increased. CADESI-04 scores decreased, although the change was not statistically significant. A reduction in medication scores was observed over time. Serum analysis showed increased concentrations of IgG and IgG1, while Df-specific IgE remained elevated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Dermatophagoides farinae ASIT resulted in a reduction in pruritus and medication use over a 12 month period. Associated with this, PBMCs IL-31 was reduced and IFN-γ elevated. An increased serum IgG and IgG1 were measured, and Df-specific IgE remained elevated. These findings support an immunological effect of ASIT, yet further studies with a larger cohort are required to validate the findings.
BACKGROUND:Otitis externa (OE) is common in dogs, yet accurate otoscopic diagnosis remains challenging. Artificial intelligence (AI) may augment clinical decision-making in otoscopy. Previous work suggested that dataset size and duplicate images affect model performance. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:External validation of four YOLOv8n models using new images and comparison with six veterinary professionals of varying experience. We expected that models trained on larger, deduplicated datasets would demonstrate superior performance, and that the best-performing model would outperform non-specialist veterinary professionals while remaining comparable to board-certified referral clinicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Four YOLOv8n models (A-D) were trained using different dataset compositions and externally validated on 300 previously unseen otoscopic images (100 healthy, 100 OE, 100 ear canal masses). Predictions were compared with reference labels assigned by a board-certified referral clinician. Six veterinary professionals independently classified the same images, blinded to ground truth and AI outputs. Performance was assessed across multiple confidence thresholds (0.25-0.75) using overall agreement, Cohen's κ, sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS:Model D (largest deduplicated dataset) demonstrated the highest external performance, achieving 66.3% agreement and κ = 0.508 at a 0.25 confidence threshold. Classwise sensitivity/specificity for Model D (0.25) were: healthy (90.0%/69.0%), OE (59.0%/75.5%) and mass (50.0%/93.5%). Veterinary professionals outperformed all AI models (median agreement 77.2%, κ = 0.658), with the referral clinician achieving the highest concordance. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Model D generalised best during external validation yet remained inferior to veterinary professionals. These results support the model's role as a decision-support tool rather than a replacement for clinical expertise.
BACKGROUND:Gammaherpesviruses have been associated with granulomatous inflammation in the skin of various species. Equine sarcoidosis (idiopathic granulomatous disease) can cause granulomatous dermatitis, and its cause remains unknown. OBJECTIVE:This retrospective study aimed to investigate the possible association between equine gammaherpesviruses-2 and -5 (EHV-2, -5) and cutaneous equine sarcoidosis (cES). ANIMALS:Thirty client-owned equids. MATERIALS AND METHODS:All animals had histologically and clinically confirmed cES. Signalment, geographical location and clinical features were recorded. Gram, Ziehl-Nielsen and Grocott-Gömöri methenamine silver histochemical stains, quantitative (q)PCR and in situ hybridisation were performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples. RESULTS:Quarter horses and thoroughbreds were overrepresented, and ages ranged from 10 months to 31 years old, with minimal difference in sex distribution. Localised, partially generalised, and generalised forms were noted in 13, 11 and six animals, respectively. The most common lesions were alopecia, crust and scale, and the limbs were the most affected site. Neither bacteria nor fungi were detected with histochemical stains. EHV-5 and -2 DNA were detected by qPCR in eight and four of 30 animals, respectively. Of those eight horses, EHV-5 hybridisation signals were found within skin lesions of five. ISH did not detect EHV-2 in any of the 29 animals tested. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Although the exact cause of sarcoidosis remains uncertain, these findings suggest that EHV-5 may play some role in the pathogenesis of cES. This study also reports a single case of cES in a donkey.
BACKGROUND:Computed tomography is an imaging tool that has been used in veterinary medicine with excellent results to evaluate changes associated with inflammatory aural polyps (IPs) in feline patients. There is no known veterinary literature investigating the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to identify osseous changes in the middle and inner ear associated with IPs in cats. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:This study evaluates the utility of CBCT to identify osseous changes in the middle and inner ear associated with IPs in young cats, and to determine the frequency of osseous changes in young cats. ANIMALS:Review of 38 medical records of cats diagnosed with IPs presented to a private practice dermatological service. MATERIALS AND METHODS:CBCT bone window studies at a 0.3-mm isotropic slice thickness were performed without contrast and later evaluated by a board-certified veterinary radiologist. RESULTS:CBCT images were adequate to identify normal and affected structures in the middle and inner ear of cats. The most common osseous changes in descending order of occurrence were mild-to-severe bulla thickening (65.7%), auditory tube widening (52.6%), and cochlear and ossicular chain lysis (7.8%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:This study demonstrates that CBCT is useful as an initial imaging diagnostic when an IP is suspected in cats. Osseous changes such as tympanic bulla thickening, cochlear and ossicular chain lysis, and auditory tube and internal acoustic meatus widening on CBCT imaging could be indicatory of an inflammatory aural polyp.
BACKGROUND:Fluorescent light energy (FLE; Phovia, Vetoquinol) is a photobiomodulation therapy that promotes healing and reduces inflammation. Cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma (CTCL) is a neoplastic skin disease with limited treatment options. Although FLE is not considered genotoxic, its use in neoplastic conditions is off-label. HYPOTHESIS:To assess the safety and clinical effect of FLE as an adjunctive treatment for canine CTCL. ANIMALS:Eight client-owned dogs were diagnosed with CTCL via biopsy analysis and immunohistochemical analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Each dog had one CTCL lesion treated with FLE with a lesion serving as a vehicle-control. Treatments were administered weekly for 6 weeks, followed by 3 months follow-up. Focal nodular lesions were assessed weekly using Response Evaluation Criteria of Solid Tumours (RECIST), while diffuse lesions were evaluated using the Canine Epitheliotropic Lymphoma Extent and Severity Index (CELESI). Owner-perceived efficacy and quality of life were assessed using the Owner Global Assessment of Treatment Efficacy (OGATE) and a quality-of-life (QoL) survey. RESULTS:No statistically significant differences in estimated marginal means were observed between sites at any time point (p > 0.05). Within-subject analyses suggested more favourable lesion progression at FLE-treated sites, and 75% of RECIST-evaluated FLE lesions maintained stable disease. Diffuse FLE-treated lesions demonstrated clinical severity reductions of ≤ 35.3%. Over 66% of owners rated treatment response as 'fair' to 'excellent' on the OGATE. One dog was withdrawn at Week 3 as a consequence of unrelated worsening. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:FLE appears to be a safe adjunctive therapy for canine CTCL, although statistically significant treatment effects were not demonstrated.
BACKGROUND:Lokivetmab is considered an effective systemic therapy for dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD); however, utilisation of lokivetmab with adjunctive topical anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids has not been investigated in canine AD. OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy of lokivetmab and 0.015% triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) spray in dogs with AD. ANIMALS:Twenty dogs with nonseasonal AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This study was a randomised, single-blinded (investigators only) 4-week controlled trial. Dogs were randomised to receive lokivetmab monotherapy or lokivetmab-TCA spray per manufacturer instructions. Clinical assessments included the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04), CADESI-04E (i.e., extracted erythema grade alone) and the 10-grade pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS10) at Day (D)0, D14 and D28. Complete blood count and serum biochemical analysis were performed on D0 and D28. RESULTS:The median CADESI-04 and CADESI-04E scores in the lokivetmab-TCA group were significantly reduced on D14 (p < 0.05 for both) and D28 (p < 0.01 for both) compared to baseline; there were no significant differences in lesional scores at any time point for the lokivetmab monotherapy group. Lokivetmab-TCA significantly reduced CADESI-04E values compared to the lokivetmab monotherapy group on D28 (p = 0.04). Both interventions significantly reduced PVAS10 scores on D14 and D28 compared to D0 (p < 0.05 for both groups). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Topical application of TCA spray may be a useful and safe adjunctive therapy for systemic lokivetmab to alleviate pruritus and clinical lesions in the initial management of canine AD patients.
BACKGROUND:Commensal populations of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp. (CoPS) in healthy horses are not well-defined. OBJECTIVE:To determine the point prevalence, anatomical distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility and genomic characteristics of CoPS in healthy horses. ANIMALS:One-hundred and fifty privately owned, systemically healthy horses from seven facilities were enrolled in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Horses were sampled from the nares, buccal mucosa and three skin sites. Isolates were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by gradient diffusion. Whole-genome sequencing with multilocus sequence typing (MLST) characterised Staphylococcus aureus lineages. In silico PCR differentiated Group A and Group B Staphylococcus delphini. Sampling site sensitivity was calculated using a multisite composite reference. Mixed-effects logistic regression evaluated associations between demographic factors and carriage. RESULTS:Carriage of any staphylococcal species occurred in 111 of 150 (74%) horses: S. aureus 28 of 150 horses (18.7%) and S. delphini 23 of 150 horses (15.3%). Increasing age was associated with decreased odds of CoPS isolation (odds ratio 0.92/year; 95% confidence interval 0.86-0.98). The nares were the most sensitive single sampling site, whereas multisite sampling improved detection. Meticillin-resistance was absent in all CoPS isolates, and S. delphini isolates were fully susceptible to all antimicrobials tested. MLST revealed multiple S. aureus sequence types, some of which were shared across multiple horses at some boarding facilities. Both groups of S. delphini lineage were identified, although many isolates were nontypable. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Healthy horses harbour S. aureus and S. delphini, with minimal antimicrobial resistance. Shared S. aureus sequence types within facilities suggest possible lateral transmission.
BACKGROUND:Historically, dermatological disease is a common cause for rescue of northern elephant seals (NES) in California, yet its aetiology and pathogenesis remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVES:To provide the first formal histological and ultrastructural description of two hair shaft lesions in NES: crescentic hair shaft defects (CHSD) and fungal (piedra)-like lesions (PLL). ANIMALS:Forty-one animals from The Marine Mammal Center and 10 animals from San Nicolas Island were examined, 38 with skin lesions and 13 without. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Age, sex, comorbidities, cause-of-death, gross skin lesions and evidence of northern elephant seal skin disease (NESSD) were recorded. Histologically, we examined each case for CHSD, PLL, suppurative luminal folliculitis (SLF), furunculosis, bacteria and fungal elements within CHSD, and fungal elements within follicular lesions. Grocott-Gomori methenamine silver, Gram and Fontana-Masson's stains were performed on 17, 11 and 8 cases, respectively. RESULTS:NESSD, CHSD, PLL, SLF and furunculosis were noted in 10 of 38 (26%), 23 of 38 (61%), 23 of 38 (61%), 20 of 38 (53%) and 6 of 38 (16%) animals with skin lesions, respectively. Within CHSD lesions, bacteria were identified in 13 animals and fungi in seven. CHSD and PLL frequently co-occurred, limited to NES over 7.5 months old and often associated with SLF, and were observed exclusively in animals with dermatological disease and present in most cases of NESSD, suggesting a pathological association. Panfungal PCR from 10 animals identified several fungi, including Cladosporium spp., a reported cause of white piedra in humans. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Although the aetiology of CHSD remains unclear, we suggest that fungal and/or bacterial colonisation of the hair shaft may contribute.
BACKGROUND:Otitis externa (OE) represents a common clinical problem in dogs. Allergic dogs exhibit reduced diversity of the otic microbiota, and inflammation-induced changes in the ear canal microenvironment result in a further decline in microbial biodiversity. Probiotics have demonstrated efficacy in certain dermatological conditions, including atopic dermatitis, which is, in turn, the leading primary cause of OE in dogs. OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the efficacy of probiotic-based ear drops in controlling clinical signs related to erythroceruminous non-infected OE in dogs. ANIMALS:Thirty-seven privately owned dogs with non-infected OE. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Dogs received probiotic-based ear drops topically every 48 h for 28 days, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Assessments were performed at enrolment (Day [D]0), D14 and D28, including cytological evaluation of ear discharge, pruritus intensity (PVAS, pruritis Visual Analogue Scale), severity of otic lesions (OTIS3, 0-3 Otitis Index Score) and a quality-of-life survey (QoL). RESULTS:At enrolment (D0), mean OTIS3 and PVAS scores for all included animals were 5.11 ± 1.20 and 4.93 ± 1.51, respectively. Both scores decreased significantly by D28, to 1.66 ± 1.75 and 2.09 ± 2.03, respectively. Clinical improvement was evident regardless of concomitant medication use or the type of micro-organism's overgrowth observed during the initial cytological assessment. Owner-reported QoL improved in 80% of the dogs. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:These probiotic-based ear drops may be a useful adjunctive therapy in cases of canine non-infectious erythroceruminous OE.
BACKGROUND:Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is an idiopathic dermatological condition with numerous treatment modalities and variable clinical outcomes. No studies have compared breed response to therapies or evaluated owner perception of the disease. OBJECTIVES:Goals of this retrospective analysis were to evaluate response to therapy in dogs with SA, identify if breed or treatment modality impacted therapeutic outcome and assess owner perception of response to implemented therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Medical records over a 10-year period from a multicentre veterinary dermatology group were evaluated and an owner survey was conducted. Response to therapy was based on percentage reduction in medication scores at the start of treatment compared to maintenance and the number of flares after attaining maintenance. Time to maintenance was calculated for each treatment modality category. Owner survey responses were compared to objective clinical response categories. RESULTS:One hundred and twenty-two dogs with SA were included; 35 respondents completed the survey. The number of cases in objective clinical response categories were as follows: excellent in 23 cases (18.9%), good in 36 (29.5%), fair in 26 (21.3%), no improvement in 13 (10.7%) and progressive in 23 (18.9%). Medication score differences by breed were not statistically significant (p-value 0.114). Dogs treated with multimodal therapy achieved maintenance the fastest. Thirty-nine percent of dogs experienced a flare after reaching maintenance. Owner perceptions did not align significantly with objective response categories. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:In SA, therapeutic outcomes cannot be predicted based on breed or treatment modality, confirming the need for tailored case management and medication adjustments based on individual treatment response.
BACKGROUND:Skin responses to dietary components in dogs are referred to as cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFRs). The most frequently reported offending food allergens in dogs from Australia, Europe and North America are beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat and lamb. OBJECTIVES:To determine the clinical signs and common offending food allergens associated with CAFRs of dogs from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Forty-nine client-owned dogs with nonseasonal pruritus were referred to dermatology speciality practices in Malaysia and Singapore, and general practices in Indonesia between 2022 and 2024. After the exclusion of the other pruritic diseases, the dogs completed an elimination diet trial and relapsed on challenge. The offending protein source was recorded in addition to the breed, age of onset of disease and presenting clinical signs. RESULTS:Chicken protein was the most common allergen reported in Malaysia (65%), Singapore (31%) and Indonesia (63%). The most commonly affected breeds with CAFR were cross-breed in Malaysia (27%) and poodles in Singapore (22%) and Indonesia (38%). The mean age of onset of the dogs with CAFRs from the three countries was between 1 and 3 years of age (45%), with < 1 year of age reported less frequently (37%). Pedal pruritus and/or otitis were the most clinical signs affecting 68% of dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Chicken protein is the common offending food allergen associated with CAFRs in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, and clinical signs of pedal pruritus and, or otitis should warrant investigation of CAFRs once the pruritic dermatoses have been eliminated.
BACKGROUND:Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an established therapy for gastrointestinal disease, yet its role in canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) remains unclear. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:We hypothesised that adjunctive FMT improves clinical severity and reduces symptomatic medication use in dogs with cAD. The objective was to evaluate efficacy and safety versus placebo. ANIMALS:Forty-six client-owned dogs with naturally occurring cAD were enrolled from a referral hospital population; 40 completed the study (FMT n = 20, placebo n = 20). MATERIALS AND METHODS:Prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Dogs received daily oral lyophilised FMT capsules for 90 days plus three monthly rectal FMT administrations (Day [D]0, D30, D60) or placebo capsules with sham handling. Concomitant symptomatic therapies were permitted. Outcomes included Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, fourth iteration (CADESI-04), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), Medication Score (D0-90) and Owner Global Assessment of Treatment Efficacy (OGATE, D90). RESULTS:CADESI-04 scores were lower with FMT at month (M) 2 (7 ± 6 vs. 16 ± 12; p = 0.006) and month 3 (8 ± 6 vs. 15 ± 12; p = 0.020). Sustained responders (≥ 50% CADESI-04 improvement at M2 and M3) were more frequent with FMT (35% vs. 5%; p = 0.044). In the FMT group, the medication scores were lower at M2 (16 ± 10 vs. 23 ± 11; p = 0.033) and M3 (13 ± 10 vs. 24 ± 15; p = 0.007) compared to placebo. PVAS decreased in both groups without between-group differences. OGATE favoured FMT (p = 0.028). FMT was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Adjunctive FMT reduced lesion severity and medication requirements, supporting its use as a safe microbiome-based add-on therapy in cAD.
BACKGROUND:Canine otitis externa (COE) is one of the most frequently recorded disorders in veterinary practices, making it an important focus for antibiotic stewardship. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:To investigate and compare treatment regimens for acute COE in Finland, Norway and Sweden, with a focus on antibiotic use. ANIMALS:1060 dogs with acute COE lasting for ≤ 4 weeks. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was a multicentre cross-sectional study based on a point prevalence survey conducted among Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian veterinary surgeons within a corporate group during spring 2024. In the survey, each practice had been asked to include the first 20 consecutive cases of acute COE and register information about their diagnostic and therapeutic management. RESULTS:Overall, antibiotic treatment was used in 18% of cases (190 of 1060 dogs), predominantly topical, with systemic use only reported in six cases. Antibiotic use was significantly higher in Norway (28%) and Finland (29%) than in Sweden (2%; p < 0.001). The most frequently used antibiotic was polymyxin B. Antibiotic treatment was more strongly associated with cytological findings, especially the presence of neutrophils and rods, than with clinical presentation. Overall, glucocorticoid treatment was used in 94% and ear cleaner in 89% of cases, with some differences between countries. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:In this study, most acute COE cases were managed with glucocorticoids and ear cleaners without antibiotics. Swedish practices stood out with a notably low antibiotic use of 2%. Our results provide valuable information on antibiotic use for acute COE in three Nordic countries, inspiring future antibiotic stewardship efforts.
BACKGROUND:Oclacitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs and may be effective in horses. OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the efficacy of oclacitinib in reducing pruritus and skin lesions in horses with allergic dermatitis. ANIMALS:Sixteen horses aged ≥ 18 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Horses received oclacitinib at 0.25 mg/kg orally once daily for 21 days. Changes in haematological and biochemical parameters were measured on Day (D)0 and D21. The owners were instructed to evaluate the horses using the pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) on D0, D4, D7, D10, D14, D17 and D21. A veterinary surgeon evaluated skin lesions using a veterinarian lesion score (VLS) and veterinarian alopecia score (VAS) on D0, D7, D14 and D21. RESULTS:From baseline to D21, the median (range) PVAS changed from 5 (4-8) to 2.5 (2-4.5), VLS from 19 (2-42) to 10 (1-38) and VAS from 2 (2, 3) to 2 (1, 2). Of all 16 horses, improvements in PVAS, VLS and VAS were observed in 15, 12 and 8 horses, respectively. Blood profiles revealed significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and creatinine levels. White blood cell count, lymphocyte count and blood urea nitrogen significantly decreased. Creatine kinase levels showed individual variability. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Oclacitinib effectively reduced pruritus and improved skin lesions in horses with allergic dermatitis. However, caution is advised when administering the drug to horses with renal, hepatic or muscular disorders.
