Responses of atopic dogs to regional allergens: 268 cases (1981-1984).

Responses of atopic dogs to intradermal challenge with 60 allergens were determined and compared for 4 regions of the United States Twenty-seven allergens incited significantly higher responses in atopic dogs residing in northern Florida, when compared with dogs in Illinois; responses to 28 allergens were more significant in dogs residing in southern Florida vs Illinois. Only 1 allergen caused more responses in atopic dogs in northern Florida, compared with dogs in southern Florida. Females had a higher tendency to develop clinical signs of atopy. Dogs of the West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, English Setter, Irish Setter, Dalmatian, Lhasa Apso, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever breeds were found to be predisposed to develop clinical signs of atopy. Dogs of the Poodle, Pug, German Shepherd Dog, Cocker Spaniel, Bulldog, Schnauzer, Doberman Pinscher breeds, of mixed breeding, and of terrier breeds other than the 2 aforementioned were not found to have a higher prevalence, when compared with the general hospital population. Of the atopic dogs evaluated in Florida, 79% had a significant response to flea antigen, compared with only 9% of atopic dogs evaluated in Illinois.

Demodicosis in two cats seropositive for feline immunodeficiency virus.

Two cats were diagnosed with generalized demodicosis. Serotest results were negative for FeLV and positive for feline immunodeficiency virus. In one cat, demodicosis resolved in response to topical application of lime-sulfur solution, but the other cat was euthanatized.

Calcinosis cutis secondary to percutaneous penetration of calcium chloride in dogs.

Accidental exposure of the skin of a dog to a commercial hygroscopic landscaping product (77-80% CaCl2) caused contact-irritant dermatitis within 24 hours. Papules and eroded to ulcerated plaques with hyperproliferative margins developed on various areas of the skin that had come in contact with CaCl2. Histopathologic findings were typical of calcinosis cutis. Reproducible lesions similar to those observed on the referred dog were induced on 5 clinically normal dogs exposed to small amounts of the compound. Histopathologic documentation of the percutaneous penetration of CaCl2, with evidence of calcinosis cutis, was found in the dogs as early as 24 hours after continuous skin contact with the offending substance. Electron-microscopic evidence of crystalline deposits within dermal collagen also was found in skin biopsy specimens obtained 24 hours after contact with CaCl2. Serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations in the 5 dogs remained within normal limits before and after topical application of CaCl2.

Cutaneous lymphosarcoma and leukemia in a cat.

A cat with cutaneous lymphosarcoma and leukemia, similar to Sézary syndrome in human beings, had initial clinical signs that included pruritus and exfoliative dermatosis, associated with weight loss and lymphadenopathy. Dermatopathologic findings and ultrastructural morphologic features of the circulating cells and cellular infiltrate were consistent with Sézary cells. Cutaneous lymphosarcoma and leukemia should be considered in cats with chronic pruritic exfoliative dermatoses.

Diabetes mellitus induced in a dog after administration of corticosteroids and methylprednisolone pulse therapy.

An 8-year-old ovariohysterectomized Chow Chow was referred because of dermatologic lesions diagnosed as pemphigus foliaceus. Intolerance to orally administered corticosteroids necessitated the use of methylprednisolone pulse therapy. One week after treatment, diabetes mellitus was diagnosed on the basis of blood and urine test results. For 3 years after treatment, the dog has remained a well-regulated diabetic. Complete remission of pemphigus foliaceus is maintained by alternate-day, orally administered prednisone (0.5 mg/kg of body weight).

Use of metyrapone to treat pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in a cat with large cutaneous wounds.

Metyrapone, a drug that inhibits cortisol production, was used to lower plasma cortisol concentration and alleviate skin lesions caused by pituitary-dependent hyper-adrenocorticism in a cat. Plasma cortisol concentration was documented by ACTH stimulation test results. During metyrapone treatment, alopecia, thin skin, and large cutaneous wounds resolved. Metyrapone was administered orally at a dosage of 65 mg/kg of body weight, every 12 hours. Metyrapone may be used in conjunction with surgery in the management of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in cats.