Bacterial microbiota and proinflammatory cytokines in the anal sacs of treated and untreated atopic dogs: Comparison with a healthy control group.

The pathogenesis of anal sacculitis has not been extensively investigated, although atopic dogs seem to be predisposed to the disease. The aim of this study was therefore to characterize and compare the bacterial microbiota and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the anal sacs of dogs from three groups (healthy dogs, untreated atopic dogs and atopic dogs receiving antipruritic treatment or allergen-specific immunotherapy) in order to determine whether changes could be at the origin of anal sacculitis in atopic dogs. Bacterial populations of anal sac secretions from fifteen healthy dogs, fourteen untreated and six treated atopic dogs were characterized by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using Illumina technology. Proinflammatory cytokines were analyzed with the Luminex multiplex test. Community membership and structure were significantly different between the anal sacs of healthy and untreated atopic dogs (P = 0.002 and P = 0.003, respectively) and between those of untreated and treated atopic dogs (P = 0.012 and P = 0.017, respectively). However, the community structure was similar in healthy and treated atopic dogs (P = 0.332). Among the proinflammatory cytokines assessed, there was no significant difference between groups, except for interleukin 8 which was higher in the anal sacs of untreated atopic dogs compared to treated atopic dogs (P = 0.02), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha which was lower in the anal sacs of healthy dogs compared to treated atopic dogs (P = 0.04). These results reveal a dysbiosis in the anal sacs of atopic dogs, which may partially explain the predisposition of atopic dogs to develop bacterial anal sacculitis. Treatments received by atopic dogs (oclacitinib, desloratadine and allergen-specific immunotherapy) shift the microbiota of the anal sacs towards that of healthy dogs. Further studies are required to identify significant cytokines contributing to anal sacculitis in atopic dogs.

Comparison of intradermal and serum testing for environmental allergen-specific immunoglobulin E determination in a laboratory colony of cats with naturally acquired atopic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Allergen testing is used to select antigens included in the desensitisation vaccine. Intradermal skin test (IDT) is the gold standard in cats, yet allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E serological testing (ASIS) is often used. Feline data are lacking regarding the agreement between IDT and ASIS results. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The first objective of the study was to establish a colony of cats with naturally acquired feline atopic syndrome (FAS). Further objectives were to define their hypersensitivity disorder to detail the allergen tests results, and to assess similarity between the allergen tests. ANIMALS: Thirty-five cats with FAS and 10 control cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enrolled cats went through a five phase-screening and quarantine process before joining the colony. An elimination diet trial was performed on all FAS cats. ASIS and IDT were consecutively performed on all cats under sedation. RESULTS: Reactions to 34 allergens were compiled for the 45 cats. Global sensitivity and specificity of ASIS were 34.7% and 78.9%, respectively. Only flea (ICC = 0.26, p = 0.040) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (ICC = 0.48, p < 0.001) allergens had a significant intraclass correlation (weak agreement). Two FAS cats had negative tests including one cat with a concomitant food allergy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study depicts the first reported colony of cats with naturally acquired FAS. This is the first feline study to compare and show the poor agreement between allergen tests with a panel of 34 allergens. This colony also harbours two cats with FAS with negative allergen tests. These may represent the first described cats with an intrinsic form of atopic syndrome.

Prevalence of cutaneous and mucosal lesions in dairy cattle admitted to a Canadian Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 2018 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence, anatomical distribution, or nature of cutaneous, hair and oral mucosal abnormalities (CHMAs) in cattle is uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To determine how often dairy cattle admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital (VTH) had CHMAs (except for foot and ear canal) on physical examination and if there was an age-related difference. ANIMALS: Four hundred and thirty-three cattle: cattle <3 months (n = 85), cattle 3 to 24 months (n = 73), and cattle >24 months (n = 275). METHODS: In this descriptive, observational, prospective study, CHMAs of dairy cattle admitted to the VTH of the Université de Montréal were recorded over 1 year. Prevalences were calculated. Dermatological examinations were performed within 48 hours of admission, according to a glossary. Chi-square tests were used to compare prevalence between age groups. RESULTS: The 433 cattle were mostly females (97.5%) and of the Holstein breed (89.8%). The prevalence of cattle <3 months presenting with at least 1 identifiable CHMA was 65% (55/85). In cattle 3 to 24 months old, it was 90% (66/73), and in cattle >24 months, it was 99.3% (273/275). There were significant differences (P < .001) between the prevalence of CHMAs localized on the ischia, ilia, stifles, hocks, carpi, flank, lateral neck, dorsal cervical, and cornual regions in cattle >24 months vs <3 months. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CHMAs were highly prevalent and age-specific. Calluses on the carpi and hocks of cattle >24 months were the most common CHMAs.

Bilateral mastocytic and fibroblastic nodular proliferative dermatosis affecting ear margins in three domestic cats.

This case series describes the clinical appearance, histopathological findings and therapeutic trials of proliferative nodular lesions on bilateral ear margins of three domestic cats including two littermates. All therapeutic trials were unsuccessful. While the aetiology remains unclear, this report highlights different hypotheses in presenting this unusual inflammatory and fibroblastic dermatosis in cats.

Whole genome sequencing of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus isolated from 4 horses in a veterinary teaching hospital and its ambulatory service.

Genomic characterization was conducted on 2 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from 2 horses hospitalized during an overlapping period of time and 2 methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) strains isolated from 2 distinct horses. Phylogenetic proximity was traced and the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of the antimicrobial resistance of the strains were compared. Whole genome sequencing of MRSA strains for this report was similar but differed from whole genome sequencing of MSSA strains. The MRSA strains were closely related, belonging to sequence type (ST) 612, spa type t1257, and SCCmec type IVd2B. The MSSA strains were also closely related, belonging to ST1660, spa type t3043, and having no detectable staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec elements. All MSRA and MSSA strains were Panton-Valentine leukocidin negative. There were discrepancies in the genotypic analysis and the antimicrobial susceptibility testing (phenotypic analysis) of MRSA strains for rifampin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin, amikacin, and enrofloxacin.

La caractérisation génomique a été effectuée sur deux souches de Staphylococcus aureus résistantes à la méticilline (SARM) isolées de deux chevaux hospitalisés sur une période de chevauchement, et de deux S. aureus sensibles à la méticilline (SASM) isolés de deux chevaux distincts. Leur proximité phylogénétique a été retracée. Les caractéristiques génotypiques et phénotypiques de la résistance aux antimicrobiens de ces souches ont été comparées.Le séquençage complet du génome des souches de SARM pour ce rapport était similaire, mais différent du séquençage complet du génome des souches de SASM. Les souches de SARM étaient étroitement apparentées, appartenant à la séquence type (ST) 612, au spa type t1257 et au SCCmec type IVd2B. Les souches MSSA étaient étroitement apparentées appartenant au ST1660, spa type t3043 et aucun élément de la cassette contenant le gène mec n'a été détecté. Toutes les souches MSRA et MSSA étaient négatives pour la leucocidine Panton-Valentine. Il y avait des divergences entre l'analyse génotypique et les tests de sensibilité aux antimicrobiens (phénotype) des souches de SARM pour la rifampicine, le triméthoprime-sulfaméthoxazole, la gentamicine, l'amikacine et l'enrofloxacine.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Description of the bacterial microbiota of anal sacs in healthy dogs.

The aim of the present study was to characterize the bacterial microbiota of anal sacs in healthy dogs using NGS. Swabs were used to sample the rectum and secretions from each anal sac in 15 healthy dogs. DNA was extracted from swabs and the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced with Illumina MiSeq. Overall, 14 different bacterial phyla were identified in the rectum and in both anal sacs, the 5 main ones being Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria. The rectum had higher microbial diversity and richness than the left and right anal sacs. Community membership and structure significantly differed between the rectum and both anal sacs, but not between the right and the left anal sacs. This study showed that the diversity and richness of the bacterial microbiota of the anal sacs in dogs is greater than what has been reported in previous studies with culture-based methods. In conclusion, the bacterial microbiota of the anal sacs in dogs varies between individuals and differs from the rectal bacterial microbiota.

L'objectif de la présente étude était de caractériser le microbiote bactérien des sacs anaux de chiens en santé en utilisant le séquençage d'ADN à haut débit. Des écouvillons ont été utilisés pour échantillonner le rectum et les sécrétions provenant de chaque sac anal chez 15 chiens en santé. L'ADN a été extrait des écouvillons et la région hypervariable V4 du gène codant pour l'ARN ribosomique 16S a été amplifiée et séquencée avec Illumina MiSeq. En tout, 14 phyla bactériens différents ont été identifiés dans les sacs anaux droit et gauche et le rectum, les cinq principaux étant Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria et Fusobacteria. Le microbiote bactérien du rectum avait une diversité et une richesse plus importantes que le microbiote bactérien des deux sacs anaux. L'appartenance à la communauté et sa structure différaient significativement entre le rectum et les sacs anaux, mais pas entre le sac anal droit et le sac anal gauche. Cette étude a démontré que la diversité et la richesse du microbiote bactérien des sacs anaux chez le chien sont plus importantes que ce qui a été rapportées dans les études précédentes avec des cultures. En conclusion, le microbiote bactérien des sacs anaux chez le chien varie d'un individu à l'autre et diffère de celui du rectum.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Vulvar calcinosis cutis in a female dog with urinary incontinence secondary to an ectopic ureter.

A 2-year-old, spayed female standard schnauzer dog was presented with a history of urinary incontinence and painful whitish lesions localized to the vulvar region. An ectopic ureter was diagnosed by cystoscopy. Histopathology of the biopsy specimens from the vulvar lesions was compatible with calcinosis cutis. Seven weeks following the cystoscopic laser ablation of the ectopic ureter and resolution of the urinary incontinence, the calcinosis cutis lesions completely resolved without any specific treatment. To the authors' knowledge, vulvar calcinosis cutis secondary to urinary incontinence has not been previously reported in a dog. Key clinical message: This is the first case report in the veterinary literature of vulvar calcinosis cutis in a female dog due to urinary incontinence.

Calcinose cutanée au niveau de la région vulvaire chez une chienne présentant une incontinence urinaire secondaire à un uretère ectopique. Une femelle stérilisée Schnauzer standard âgée de 2 ans a été présentée pour une histoire d'incontinence urinaire et des lésions blanchâtres douloureuses localisées en région vulvaire. Un uretère ectopique a été diagnostiqué par cystoscopie. L'analyse histopathologique des biopsies des lésions de la vulve était compatible avec une calcinose cutanée. Lors de la réévaluation 7 semaines après la résection cystoscopique de l'uretère ectopique par ablation au laser, les lésions de calcinose cutanée étaient complètement résolues sans traitement spécifique. D'après les auteurs, une calcinose cutanée secondaire à une incontinence urinaire et affectant la région vulvaire chez une chienne n'a pas été rapportée à ce jour.Message clinique clé:Ceci constitue le premier rapport dans la littérature vétérinaire d'un cas de calcinose cutanée vulvaire chez une chienne due à de l'incontinence urinaire.(Traduit par les auteurs).

A retrospective study on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. isolated from horses admitted to a Canadian veterinary teaching hospital between 2008 and 2018.

The goals of this retrospective study were to: determine the frequency of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. (MRS) isolated from horses admitted to an equine veterinary teaching hospital in Quebec from 2008 to 2018, investigate the patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and evaluate the distribution of MRS and methicillin-sensitive Staphyloccocus spp. (MSS) by body site. During this period, 311 Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from 273 horses and 127 of these isolates were submitted to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Of these 127 isolates, 24 (18.9%) were MRS, and among the S. aureus (n = 76), 19 (25%) were MRS. The odds of detecting an MRS increased (25%) each year [95% confidence interval (CI) (1% to 55%), P = 0.039]. The highest frequencies of resistance were to tetracycline and gentamicin. Among the MRS isolates, 12% were susceptible to both tetracycline and gentamicin. The most frequently sampled body sites were "soft-tissues." There was no significant difference (P = 0.93) in the body site distribution of MRS and MSS isolates.

Étude rétrospective sur les Staphylococcus spp. résistants à la méthicilline isolés de chevaux admis à un hôpital d'enseignement vétérinaire au Canada entre 2008 et 2018. Les buts de cette étude rétrospective étaient : déterminer la fréquence de Staphylococcus spp. résistants à la méthicilline (MRS) isolés de chevaux admis à un hôpital d'enseignement vétérinaire au Québec entre 2008 et 2018, étudier les patrons de résistance aux antimicrobiens (AMR) et évalué la distribution de MRS et de Staphylococcus spp, sensible à la méthicilline (MSS) par site corporel. Durant la période visée, 311 Staphylococcus spp. furent isolés de 273 chevaux et 127 de ces isolats furent soumis à un test de sensibilité aux antimicrobiens. De ces 127 isolats, 24 (18,9 %) étaient de MRS, et parmi les S. aureus (n = 76), 19 (25 %) étaient des MRS. Les probabilités de détecter un MRS augmentaient (25 %) chaque année [intervalle de confiance 95 % (CI) (1 % à 55 %), P = 0,039]. Les fréquences les plus élevées de résistance étaient envers la tétracycline et la gentamycine. Parmi les isolats de MRS, 12 % étaient sensibles à la tétracycline et à la gentamycine. Les sites corporels les plus souvent échantillonnés étaient les « tissus mous ¼. Il n'y avait pas de différence significative (P = 0,93) entre les MRS et les MSS en ce qui a trait à la distribution selon les sites corporels.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Equine herpesvirus 1-associated ulcerative dermatitis in a horse.

This case report describes the clinical and histopathological findings of an infection caused by equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in a horse showing respiratory signs and a papular, crusted and ulcerative dermatitis involving mucosae. This diagnosis was supported by real-time PCR positive for EHV-1 on nasal swabs and tissues.

Cet article décrit les données cliniques et histopathologiques d'une infection due à EHV-1 (equine herpesvirus - 1) chez un cheval présentant des signes respiratoires et une dermatite papuleuse, croûteuse et ulcérative s'étendant aux muqueuses. Le diagnostic a été supporté par une PCR en temps réel positive pour EHV-1 sur tissus et écouvillon nasal. Dieser Fallbericht beschreibt die klinischen und histopathologischen Befunde einer Infektion durch das equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) bei einem Pferd, welches respiratorische Zeichen zeigte und eine papulöse, krustige und ulzerative Dermatitis, von der auch die Schleimhäute betroffen waren. Die Diagnose wurde durch eine Real-time PCR Untersuchung, die an Tupfern aus der Nase und aus Gewebe positiv auf EHV-1 verlief, unterstützt.

Este informe de caso describe los hallazgos clínicos e histopatológicos de una infección causada por herpesvirus equino tipo-1 (EHV-1) en un caballo que mostraba signos respiratorios y una dermatitis papular, con costras y ulceras afectando las mucosas. Este diagnóstico fue corroborado por una PCR en tiempo real positiva para EHV-1 en hisopos nasales y tejidos.

Este relato de caso descreve os achados clínicos e histopatológicos de uma infecção causada por herpesvírus equino tipo-1 (EHV-1) em um cavalo que apresentou sinais respiratórios e dermatite papular, crostosa e ulcerativa envolvendo mucosas. Este diagnóstico foi confirmado por PCR em tempo real positivo para EHV-1 em swabs nasais e tecidos.

Comparative short-term efficacy of Oridermyl(®) auricular ointment and Revolution(®) selamectin spot-on against feline Otodectes cynotis and its associated secondary otitis externa.

The efficacy of Oridermyl(®) (acaricidal/antibiotic/antifungal/anti-inflammatory ointment) and Revolution(®) (selamectin spot-on) was compared in a blinded randomized study on 24 adult cats with otoacariasis. Twelve cats were treated once daily for 10 d with Oridermyl(®) and 12 cats were treated on Day 0 with Revolution(®). Otitis was assessed with cytological counts of mean number of bacteria and yeast on Days 0 and 10, and scored clinically every other day. All auricular secretions were removed for mite count on Day 10. On Day 0, cytological examination confirmed the presence of secondary bacterial (24/24) and fungal (21/24) infections. No live mites were observed otoscopically after Day 4 and in auricular secretions at Day 10 in both groups. On Day 10, secondary infections were resolved for all cats treated with Oridermyl(®) but were present in all cats treated with Revolution(®). Improvement in clinical signs of otitis over time was superior in the Oridermyl(®) group (P < 0.001).

Canine sterile neutrophilic dermatitis (resembling Sweet's syndrome) in a Dachshund.

A 6-year-old Dachshund was presented with a 2-day history of lethargy, anorexia and cutaneous erythema, edema, and multifocal erythematous papules affecting the ventral abdomen, axillae, and groin. Microscopic examination revealed a sterile neutrophilic dermatitis resembling Sweet's syndrome; however, extracutaneous lesions were not present. The condition responded rapidly to corticosteroid therapy.

Acral mutilation and analgesia in 13 French spaniels.

Acral mutilation and analgesia (AMA) is reported in 13 French spaniels in Canada. This newly recognized disorder shares striking similarities in clinical features and biopsy findings to the other acral mutilation syndromes or hereditary sensory neuropathies reported in German short-haired pointer dogs, English pointer dogs and English springer spaniels. Clinical signs are first noted between 3.5 and 12 months of age. Affected dogs lick, bite and severely self-mutilate their distal extremities resulting in ulcers with secondary bacterial infection. Auto-amputation of claws, digits and footpads occurs in severe cases. Single or multiple feet can be affected. Affected dogs walked on their severely mutilated feet without evidence of pain, lameness, or ataxia. The majority of the dogs were euthanized within days to months of diagnosis.

Effects of oral administration of meloxicam, carprofen, and a nutraceutical on thyroid function in dogs with osteoarthritis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the administration of meloxicam; carprofen; and a slow-acting disease modifying osteoarthritis agent, that contains chondroitin sulfate, purified glucosamine, and manganese ascorbate (CS-G-M), on thyroid function in dogs. Forty-six healthy (except for osteoarthritis) euthyroid dogs were blindly assigned to 3 treatment groups: meloxicam, carprofen, and CS-G-M. Each group received the recommended dose of the drug for 60 days. Sixteen other osteoarthritic euthyroid dogs, which received a placebo, were used as a control group to validate the study. For all groups, blood samples were collected on days 0, 30, and 60 to evaluate the serum total and free thyroxine, and endogenous thyrotropin concentrations. There were no significant differences among the treatment groups at each time or within each group over a 60-day period for all parameters. Moreover, none of these values were within the hypothyroid range. Based on the results of this study, the administration of meloxicam, carprofen, and CS-G-M did not affect canine thyroid function evaluation.

Effects of moderate to severe osteoarthritis on canine thyroid function.

Several nonthyroidal illnesses in euthyroid dogs can affect the results of thyroid function testing, making interpretation of the results more difficult with an increased risk of overdiagnosing hypothyroidism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic, moderate to severe, osteoarthritis on canine thyroid function. Ninety-six, healthy, client-owned dogs, 65 of which were suffering from moderate to severe osteoarthritis and 31 euthyroid dogs without any physical evidence of osteoarthritis, were used in this study. Blood samples were collected to evaluate serum basal total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyrotropin (TSHc) concentrations. Basal serum TT4 concentration was not affected by osteoarthritis in dogs. Mild, but statistically significant, differences were noticed in FT4 and TSHc concentrations among the 2 groups. However, this had limited clinical relevance, since virtually all values were within their reference range, and no dogs would have been misdiagnosed as hypothyroid. Therefore, based on the results of our study, osteoarthritis does not need to be considered a factor influencing thyroid function evaluation in dogs.