Open trial of recombinant Der f 2 pullulan-conjugated immunotherapy in cats.

BACKGROUND: Allermmune HDM (Zenoaq) is a recombinant Dermatophagoides farinae 2 (Der f 2) pullulan-based immunotherapy vaccine whose efficacy on house dust mite allergic dogs has been demonstrated. There is no published information on its use in cats. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and short-term effects of Allermmune HDM in Dermatophagoides farinae (Df)-sensitised cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven cats diagnosed with atopic skin syndrome received Allermmune weekly for six weeks then monthly for three months (total duration 18 weeks). On Weeks 0, 6 and 18 clinical lesions were assessed by the Feline Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (FEDESI); owners assessed pruritus with a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (pVAS). Concurrent medication use was recorded. The allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E were measured before study inclusion with a commercial serological assay. RESULTS: There were no evident adverse effects. FEDESI and pVAS improved significantly after six weeks (p = 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). The pretreatment Df-specific IgE levels were significantly higher in the cats with improved clinical scores than in the cats with no clinical score change (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Allermmune HDM may be safe in cats and has the potential to alleviate signs of atopic skin syndrome. Allergen-specific IgE levels may represent an efficacy marker. Controlled studies of longer duration and larger sample size are worth pursuing.

Independent DSG4 frameshift variants in cats with hair shaft dystrophy.

Investigations of hereditary phenotypes in spontaneous mutants may help to better understand the physiological functions of the altered genes. We investigated two unrelated domestic shorthair cats with bulbous swellings of the hair shafts. The clinical, histopathological, and ultrastructural features were similar to those in mice with lanceolate hair phenotype caused by loss-of-function variants in Dsg4 encoding desmoglein 4. We sequenced the genomes from both affected cats and compared the data of each affected cat to 61 control genomes. A search for private homozygous variants in the DSG4 candidate gene revealed independent frameshift variants in each case, c.76del or p.Ile26fsLeu*4 in case no. 1 and c.1777del or p.His593Thrfs*23 in case no. 2. DSG4 is a transmembrane glycoprotein located primarily in the extracellular part of desmosomes, a complex of adhesion molecules responsible for connecting the keratin intermediate filaments of neighbouring epithelial cells. Desmosomes are essential for normal hair shaft formation. Both identified DSG4 variants in the affected cats lead to premature stop codons and truncate major parts of the open-reading frame. We assume that this leads to a complete loss of DSG4 function, resulting in an incorrect formation of the desmosomes and causing the development of defective hair shafts. Together with the knowledge on the effects of DSG4 variants in other species, our data suggest that the identified DSG4 variants cause the hair shaft dystrophy. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report of pathogenic DSG4 variants in domestic animals.

A novel therapeutic diet can significantly reduce the medication score and pruritus of dogs with atopic dermatitis during a nine-month controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a common chronic relapsing pruritic skin disease for which management commonly relies on life-long use of immunomodulatory drugs. A number of the medications used are associated with adverse effects and the potential for complications during long-term use. HYPOTHESIS: The goal of the study was to determine if a complete and balanced diet formulated for therapeutic benefit could contribute towards management of cAD. We hypothesised that the diet would reduce pruritus while also reducing the requirement for medication during the study period. ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty privately owned dogs, having undergone a comprehensive diagnosis for cAD, were randomly allocated to two groups, each group being fed one of two diets (test or control) for up to nine months. We assessed pruritus, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index-(4th iteration) and medication score, the latter reflecting the medication required to maintain a satisfactory quality of life for the animal. RESULTS: Both diets were well-accepted and -tolerated. There was a significant improvement in the pruritus score after three months of feeding the therapeutic diet (P = 0.0001). No such improvement was observed at any time point in the group of dogs given the control diet. There was a reduced drug requirement for dogs receiving the therapeutic diet after three months (P = 0.058), and that decrease was significant at six months (P = 0.021) and nine months (P = 0.018). No improvement was seen at any time point in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a novel therapeutic diet can assist in the management of cAD by helping to control pruritus and reducing reliance on medication.

Phaeohyphomycosis caused by Phialophora americana in a dog.

Phaeohyphomycosis was diagnosed in a 6-year-old, male castrated Dachshund on immunosuppressive treatment. The fungus was identified by culture and PCR as Phialophora americana. This is the first reported case of infection with this pathogen in a dog. The infection was successfully managed medically, without surgical intervention.

Une phaéohyphomycose a été diagnostiquée chez un teckel mâle castré de 6 ans sous traitement immunosuppresseur. Le champignon a été identifié par culture et PCR comme Phialophora americana. Il s'agit du premier cas rapporté d'infection par cet agent pathogène chez un chien. L'infection a été prise en charge médicalement avec succès, sans intervention chirurgicale.

Se diagnosticó feohifomicosis en un macho de Teckel castrado de 6 años en tratamiento inmunosupresor. El hongo fue identificado por cultivo y PCR como Phialophora americana. Este es el primer caso reportado de infección por este patógeno en un perro. La infección se manejó con éxito médicamente, sin intervención quirúrgica.

Feohifomicose foi diagnosticada em um cão da raça Dachshund, macho castrado, de seis anos de idade, em tratamento imunossupressivo. O fungo identificado por cultura e PCR foi Phialophora americana. Este é o primeiro relato de caso de infecção por este patógeno em um cão. A infecção foi bem conduzida com tratamento medicamentoso, sem intervenção cirúrgica.

Venom immunotherapy for Hymenoptera allergy in a dog.

A 1.5-year-old male castrated dog was presented in anaphylactic shock after suffering an apparent bee sting. Immunotherapy with bee venom was initiated based upon history, skin testing and serological testing for allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E. The dog was maintained on venom immunotherapy for five years and showed no signs of adverse effects from therapy or from repeated bee stings.

Un chien castré de 1,5 ans a été présenté pour choc anaphylactique après avoir été piqué par une abeille. L'immunothérapie avec le venin d'abeille a été initié en fonction des commémoratifs, des tests cutanés et des tests sérologiques pour les immunoglobulines (Ig)E spécifiques d'allergènes. Le chien a été maintenu sous immunothérapie au venin pendant cinq ans et n'a montré aucun effet indésirable du traitement ou a la suite d'autres piqures d'abeilles.

Un perro macho castrado de 1,5 años se presentó en shock anafiláctico luego de sufrir una aparente picadura de abeja. La inmunoterapia con veneno de abeja se inició basándose en el historial, las pruebas cutáneas y las pruebas serológicas para la inmunoglobulina (Ig)E específica de alérgenos. El perro se mantuvo con inmunoterapia con veneno durante cinco años y no experimentó efectos adversos con la terapia o con repetidas picaduras de abeja.

Um cão macho castrado de 1 ano e meio de idade foi apresentado em choque anafilático após aparentemente ter sido picado por abelha. Iniciou-se a imunoterapia com veneno de abelha baseado na história clínica, testes alérgicos cutâneos e sorológicos para imunoglobulina (Ig)E alérgeno-específica. O cão foi mantido em imunoterapia com veneno por cinco anos e não apresentou nenhum efeito adverso do tratamento ou de novas picadas de abelha.

Sensitivity and specificity of a shortened elimination diet protocol for the diagnosis of food-induced atopic dermatitis (FIAD).

BACKGROUND: The gold standard to diagnose food allergy in dogs is an eight week elimination diet trial (EDT) followed by a re-challenge. A recent study demonstrated that a shorter EDT is possible if prednisolone is administered initially. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The goal was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the EDT based on the number of relapses after prednisolone discontinuation. In addition, the aim was to determine whether the initial treatment length or the replacement of prednisolone with oclacitinib would influence the outcome. ANIMALS: Eighty-seven dogs with atopic dermatitis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Dogs were fed an elimination diet and treated with either prednisolone or oclacitinib for two to three weeks. Relapsing dogs were treated a second time. In the absence of a relapse after two weeks off medication, dogs then were challenged. Dogs never achieving two weeks off treatment without relapse received the regular EDT. RESULTS: Fifty-eight of 87 dogs completed the study. Thirty-nine of 58 dogs received prednisolone; 21 of these were diagnosed with FIAD and had no relapse (n = 14), one relapse (n = 6) or two relapses (n = 1). Nineteen of 58 dogs received oclacitinib; 11 of these were deemed food-allergic and had no relapse (n = 7) or two relapses (n = 4). The initial treatment duration did not influence the outcome. The threshold of one relapse or less for the diagnosis of FIAD was associated with a sensitivity of 95% for prednisolone and 63% for oclacitinib. The specificity was 100% for both drugs. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Initial prednisolone or oclacitinib use in EDT shortens the time to diagnosis of FIAD.

Hair follicle dystrophy in a litter of domestic cats resembling lanceolate hair mutant mice.

BACKGROUND: A new congenital hair-shaft abnormality resembling the lanceolate hair phenotype of rodents is described in a litter of four domestic short hair (DSH) cats. Data relating to hair shaft and follicle disorders remain scarce in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES: To describe and compare structural abnormalities in these cats with other hair dystrophies in cats and other mammals. ANIMALS: A DSH cat litter with progressive noninflammatory alopecia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Histopathological evaluation, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray based element analysis defined the hair and skin changes in cats born with alopecia. Findings were compared to archival data from normal cats and lanceolate hair (Dsg4lahJ ) and Keratin 75 (Krt75tm1Der ) mutant mice. RESULTS: Light and scanning electron microscopy of the hairs revealed lance- or spear-head shaped defects of the hair tip. Histological findings were swollen hair shafts, initially above the hair bulb matrix and later found in the distal parts of the telogen hair follicles, similar to those observed in Dsg4lahJ Krt75tm1Der mutant mice. Transmission electron microscopy of the hair shaft and hair follicles showed a loss in the normal structure of the guard hairs in the alopecic cats. There was a statistically significant decrease in sulfur content just below the defects in the hair shafts (trichothiodystrophy). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A rare form of congenital alopecia resulting in follicular dystrophy is described in cats which is similar to hair follicle and hair-shaft changes reported in several mutant mouse strains with single gene mutations in adhesion molecules or keratin genes.

Atopic dermatitis in West Highland white terriers - Part III: early life peripheral blood regulatory T cells are reduced in atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Regulatory T (Treg) cells are involved in homeostasis of immune regulation and suppression of inflammation and T-cell polarisation. Current knowledge regarding the role of Treg cells in the initiation of allergic disease is limited for both people and dogs. OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of circulating Treg cells and their possible influencing factors, on the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study followed part of a birth cohort of West Highland white terrier dogs and classified them according to eventual clinical signs of AD (i.e. allergic versus healthy). The Treg phenotypes were assessed longitudinally by flow cytometry at 3, 3-12 and 12-36 months of age, and associated with development of AD. Different early life antigenic factors [endotoxins and allergens in house dust, Toxocara canis-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E/IgG, allergen-specific and total IgE, skin microbiota] were measured at three months of age, and a possible association with Treg cell levels was assessed. RESULTS: The percentages of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells in healthy dogs were significantly higher at in 3-month-old (mean 4.5% healthy versus 3.3% allergic; P = 0.021) and <1-year-old (4.0% healthy versus 2.9% allergic; P = 0.028) dogs when compared to percentages of Treg cells in dogs that developed AD. There was a significantly positive correlation between the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae on the skin and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells in puppies that became allergic (r = 0.568, P = 0.017). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Further large-scale studies are needed to identify the practical value of these findings in AD diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

A comparative study of subcutaneous, intralymphatic and sublingual immunotherapy for the long-term control of dogs with nonseasonal atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only causative treatment of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). Different routes for administration of ASIT have been used; however, comparative studies are lacking. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The present study compared the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous (SCIT), intralymphatic (ILIT) and sublingual (SLIT) immunotherapy. ANIMALS: 30 atopic dogs were included and allocation to three groups (SCIT, n = 8; ILIT, n = 12; SLIT, n = 10) was determined by the owners. METHODS AND MATERIALS: ASIT was administered using routine protocols. The pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI), concurrent medications and adverse events were recorded initially and one, three, six and 12 months later. The main outcome measure was return to a normal status, which included CADESI <12, PVAS <2.5 and medication score <10. RESULTS: Drop-outs were distributed evenly and 23 dogs finished the study (SCIT, n = 6; ILIT, n = 10; SLIT, n = 7). Adverse reactions to treatment were rare. At the start of the study, the three groups were homogeneous with respect to clinical signs and concurrent medications. After 12 months of ASIT, the CADESI and PVAS had decreased with a stable medication score in the ILIT and SCIT groups (P < 0.05), while all three scores had increased in the SLIT group. Return to normal state was achieved in one of six (17%) dogs receiving SCIT, in six of 10 (60%) dogs receiving ILIT and in one of seven (14%) dogs receiving SLIT. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These findings suggest that SCIT and ILIT improved clinical signs of cAD, whereas ILIT had a much higher return to normal rate.

Atopic dermatitis in West Highland white terriers - part I: natural history of atopic dermatitis in the first three years of life.

BACKGROUND: Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a common allergic skin disease that is known to affect individuals early in life; the natural history of its initial development has not been documented. Some breeds such as West Highland white terriers (WHWTs) are highly predisposed to cAD. OBJECTIVES: To follow 100 WHWT puppies during their first three years and to record the onset of clinical signs of cAD. ANIMALS: One hundred and eight puppies from 29 litters were included and 90 were followed for three years. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Puppies were examined initially while with their breeders. After adoption, the owners were contacted twice each year and dogs were examined by veterinarians if signs compatible with cAD were detected; diagnosis of cAD was by two different definitions. The onset, location of the clinical signs and severity of cAD, as well as co-morbidities were recorded. RESULTS: The prevalence of cAD in the cohort was 52%. Most affected dogs (60%) developed signs of cAD during their first year of life and males were over-represented. The location of clinical signs mirrored those of previous descriptions. The severity of cAD was mild in 36% and severe in 13% of affected WHWTs. Dogs with cAD often exhibited other atopic diseases, but only gastro-intestinal signs were significantly different between WHWTs with and without cAD. Adverse reaction to foods was diagnosed in 24% of dogs. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This longitudinal study of puppies from a predisposed breed sheds new light on the early development of cAD in WHWTs.

Atopic dermatitis in a cohort of West Highland white terriers in Switzerland. Part II: estimates of early life factors and heritability.

BACKGROUND: There is accumulating evidence in studies of allergic diseases in humans and dogs that environmental experiences during the first months of life can influence the development of allergic disease. No prospective study has evaluated this in veterinary medicine. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To assess early-life risk factors for canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) and estimate its heritability. ANIMALS: A West Highland white terrier birth cohort (n = 107) followed up to three years of age recording the development of cAD. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The effect of environmental factors [house dust mites (HDM), hygiene, feeding, lifestyle] and early-life determinants [breeder, mode of delivery, birth season, sex, litter size, early-life immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels] were assessed, using Stata SE 15.1 statistical analysis. Heritabilities were estimated using the R program packages MCMCglmm and QGglmm. RESULTS: Maternal allergic status [P = 0.013, odds ratio (OR 3.3)], male sex (P = 0.06), mode of delivery (P = 0.12), breeder (P = 0.06), presence of HDM (P = 0.11) and environmental hygiene level (P = 0.15) were identified as possible influence factors by bivariate analyses. In the multivariate analysis the male sex was significantly associated with the development of cAD in the offspring (P = 0.03, OR 2.4). The heritabilities on the observed scale were 0.31 (direct), 0.04 (maternal genetic effects) and 0.03 (maternal permanent environmental effects). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These results suggest that several environmental factors could influence the development of cAD but clearly demonstrate the genetic influence of the individual and the dam. Further studies are needed to identify specific environmental factors, which could be potential targets for primary disease intervention.

The usefulness of short-course prednisolone during the initial phase of an elimination diet trial in dogs with food-induced atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy is a possible cause of atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs; it is typically diagnosed following an eight-week elimination diet trial (EDT) and a provocation with the original diet. This lengthy procedure is difficult for owners and its interpretation may be unclear. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To test the effect of prednisolone used in the first weeks of an EDT in order to reduce the total time period for diagnosis. The goal was to perform food challenges earlier than after the traditionally recommended eight weeks. ANIMALS: Fifty-three dogs with AD were included in the study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All dogs were fed a commercially available extensively hydrolyzed protein-based commercial pet food and treated with prednisolone for at least two weeks to control pruritus and inflammation. Dogs were challenged two weeks after prednisolone finished, provided that no flare had occurred. Dogs with relapsing signs were fed the hydrolyzate for at least eight weeks with or without further prednisolone treatment. RESULTS: Ten of 53 dogs (19%) had no relapse after two weeks off prednisolone: they were subsequently challenged with their regular food, had a relapse of signs and were diagnosed with a food-induced AD within four to six weeks of starting the EDT. In the other dogs, signs remained uncontrolled without prednisolone or relapsed rapidly after its discontinuation: they were considered nonfood-allergic after an eight week EDT. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study demonstrates that a shorter EDT is possible if the allergic pruritus and inflammation are initially controlled with a short course of glucocorticoids. This shortened trial is likely to improve owner adherence and facilitate the diagnosis of food allergy.

Circulating CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T regulatory cell levels in an experimental model of canine atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is characterized immunologically by an imbalanced T-cell response. Mechanisms of immune regulation in cAD have not yet been completely elucidated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate peripheral blood T regulatory (Treg) cells and their associated cytokines (TGF-ß and IL-10) in an experimental model of cAD. ANIMALS: Eight beagle dogs that were initially naïve and subsequently sensitized to house dust mites (HDM). METHODS AND MATERIALS: T regulatory cell phenotyping was performed by flow-cytometric analysis on peripheral blood; serum cytokine levels were measured by ELISA, before sensitization and after challenge with HDM allergens. Additionally, clinical scores and allergen-specific IgE were determined. RESULTS: After challenge of sensitized dogs to HDM allergen, a significant increase of Treg cells and simultaneous decrease in the serum TGF-ß were observed. However, in most dogs, serum IL-10 values were below the detection limit. Treg cell proportions before sensitization were significantly negatively correlated with the HDM-specific IgE levels and clinical scores after induction of AD signs. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The results confirm that Treg responses are involved in the pathogenesis of an experimental model cAD. Further investigations are required to clarify the precise immune modulating function of canine Treg cells and their interplay with other immune cell types.

An open study on the efficacy of a recombinant Der f 2 (Dermatophagoides farinae) immunotherapy in atopic dogs in Hungary and Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Previously published studies evaluating a recombinant Der f 2-based immunotherapy have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of dogs experimentally and naturally sensitized to house dust mites (HDM). Der f 2 sensitization is thought to play a minor role in European atopic dogs sensitized to HDM. OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the short-term efficacy of a recombinant Der f 2 product in the treatment of naturally sensitized atopic dogs in Switzerland and Hungary. ANIMALS: Fifteen atopic dogs with positive test reactions to Dermatophagoides farinae (Df). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Recombinant Der f 2 allergens were injected subcutaneously at increasing doses once weekly for 6 weeks. Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-04), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) and medication scores were assessed at days 0 and 42. Efficacy was recorded as excellent, good, fair or poor, depending on the number of scores decreasing by more than 50%. RESULTS: Mean CADESI, pVAS and medication scores at inclusion were 35, 6 and 15 (SD = 30, 2, 7), respectively. At Day 42 the scores decreased to 8, 3 and 5, respectively (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank tests P = 0.0002, 0.002 and 0.001). Four dogs were classified as excellent responders with a reduction of >50% in all three scores. Nine dogs were classified as good (five) or fair (four) responders and scores deteriorated in two dogs. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that recombinant Der f2 allergens may be as effective and show benefit faster than traditional allergen immunotherapy in European dogs sensitized to Df.

Total and Toxocara canis larval excretory/secretory antigen- and allergen-specific IgE in atopic and non-atopic dogs.

BACKGROUND: Total IgE concentrations are higher in dogs than in humans. Persistent Toxocara canis larval infection is prevalent in dogs and is associated with substantial specific antibody reactions. A correlation, however, between total IgE and T. canis-specific antibody levels in dogs has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between total IgE, T. canis-specific IgG and IgE, and allergen-specific IgE levels in atopic and non-atopic dogs, and to evaluate possible confounding factors. ANIMALS: Sera of 30 atopic and 30 non-atopic client-owned dogs. METHODS: Total IgE, T. canis-specific antibody and allergen-specific IgE levels were evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS: Total IgE, T. canis-specific antibody and allergen-specific IgE levels were significantly higher in non-atopic compared to atopic dogs. A positive correlation was demonstrated between T. canis-specific IgG and T. canis-specific IgE; T. canis-specific IgG and total IgE; T. canis-specific IgE and total IgE; and allergen-specific IgE and total IgE. No differences were detected on the basis of age, gender, vaccination status; deworming or season between atopic and non-atopic dogs. Previous immunomodulatory treatment and cause of atopy did not influence antibody levels of atopic dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Toxocara canis-specific IgE appears to be a major component of total IgE in dogs. Total and T. canis-specific IgE levels are higher in non-atopic compared to atopic dogs. It is speculated that T. canis infection may have a protective effect against the development of canine atopic dermatitis and/or that elevations in total serum IgE level are often not associated with atopic dermatitis.

A pilot study of total and allergen-specific IgE serum levels during anestrous, estrous and pregnancy in healthy female dogs.

BACKGROUND: Allergen-specific IgE serology is used for the determination of sensitization status in dogs with atopic dermatitis; the influence of the female reproductive cycle on the results of such methods has not been studied in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To compare the total and allergen-specific IgE of healthy bitches during anestrous, estrous and pregnancy. ANIMALS: Eight privately owned, healthy bitches. METHODS: Total and allergen-specific IgE levels were determined in eight bitches at three different time-points of their reproductive cycle: anestrous, estrous and pregnancy. RESULTS: Total IgE was significantly decreased (median: 74%) in female dogs during pregnancy when compared to anestrous. In 14 of 216 (6%), allergen-specific IgE test results were variably positive and negative at different stages of the reproductive cycle. This variation, however, was not related to changes in total serum IgE levels. CONCLUSIONS: Total IgE serum levels are reduced during pregnancy in female dogs. However, results of one allergen-specific IgE test did not appear to be markedly altered by the reproductive cycle in healthy bitches.

Probable walnut-induced anaphylactic reaction in a dog.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis due to nuts is frequent in humans; to the best of the authors' knowledge, it has not been reported previously in dogs. CASE REPORT: A 5-year-old female, intact, Vizsla dog was presented with acute diarrhoea, vomiting, respiratory distress and erythematous wheals. The dog had eaten walnuts, which she had been fed in small amounts for years, hours before the onset of clinical signs. A diagnosis of generalized anaphylaxis was made. Skin testing and Western blotting revealed positive results with walnuts and hazelnuts. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This case report illustrates the need for a thorough food history and for recognition that a dog may experience severe allergic reactions to unusual and regularly fed food items. It also shows that allergen specific tests may help to confirm the diagnosis and help in planning the dog's future dietary regime.

Triggers, risk factors and clinico-pathological features of urticaria in dogs - a prospective observational study of 24 cases.

BACKGROUND: Urticaria and anaphylaxis are frequently encountered in veterinary practice, but little is known about the causes and relative frequencies of these reactions. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to improve current knowledge on the triggers, risk factors and clinico-pathological features of urticaria. ANIMALS: Twenty four dogs with signs of urticaria with or without anaphylaxis. METHODS: The study included dogs with cutaneous immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions. The cases were grouped by clinical severity into either an urticaria or an anaphylaxis group. All treatments and diagnostic tests (haematology, biochemical profile, allergy investigation) were recorded. A causality algorithm for urticaria and anaphylaxis (ALUA) was designed to determine the probability of the identified triggers and cofactors. Disease incidence, breed, age and gender predispositions were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: Sixteen of 24 urticaria cases were associated with anaphylaxis whilst 8 of 24 were confined to the skin. The annual hospital incidence was 0.12%. Females seemed to be over-represented (2.4:1) and most of the dog breeds were pure breed (22 of 24), with Rhodesian ridgeback, boxer, beagle, Jack Russell terrier, French bulldog and Vizslas over-represented. In addition to skin lesions, the most frequently and severely affected organ systems were the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. The predominant blood abnormalities were elevated lipase and alanine aminotransferase values. Insects, food and drugs were the most commonly identified triggers. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing the trigger factors and clinico-pathological features of dogs with urticaria in veterinary medicine. Insects, food and drugs were the most frequently detected triggers.

Western blot analysis of sera from dogs with suspected food allergy.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy is often suspected in dogs with clinical signs of atopic dermatitis. This diagnosis is confirmed with an elimination diet and a subsequent challenge with regular food. Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of food allergy in dogs are unreliable and/or technically difficult. Cyno-DIAL® is a Western blot method that might assist with the selection of an appropriate elimination diet. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of Cyno-DIAL® for the selection of an elimination diet and diagnosis of food allergy. ANIMALS/METHODS: Thirty eight dogs with atopic dermatitis completed an elimination diet. Combining the results of the diet trials and the challenges, 14 dogs were classified as food allergic (FA), 22 as nonfood-allergic and two as ambiguous cases. RESULTS: Amongst all dogs and amongst dogs with a clinical diagnosis of FA, 3% and 7% (respectively) were positive to Royal Canin Anallergenic® , Vet-Concept Kanguru® or Vet-Concept Dog Sana® ; 8% and 7% to Hill's d/d Duck and Rice® ; 8% and 21% to Hill's z/d Ultra Allergen Free® ; 53% and 64% to Eukanuba Dermatosis FP® ; and 32% and 43% to a home-cooked diet of horse meat, potatoes and zucchini. The specificity and sensitivity of Cyno-DIAL® for diagnosing food allergy were 73% and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although Cyno-DIAL® was considered potentially useful for identifying appropriate foods for elimination diet trials, it cannot be recommended for the diagnosis of food allergy. The Cyno-DIAL® test performed better than some previously evaluated ELISA-based tests.

Macrococcus canis and M. caseolyticus in dogs: occurrence, genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of a new Macrococcus canis species isolated from skin and infection sites of dogs led us to question if Macrococcus spp. are common in dogs and are resistant to antibiotics. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the occurrence of Macrococcus spp. in dogs, determine antibiotic resistance profiles and genetic relationships. ANIMALS: One hundred and sixty two dogs (mainly West Highland white terriers and Newfoundland dogs) were screened for the presence of Macrococcus, including six dogs with Macrococcus infections. METHODS: Samples were taken from skin, ear canal and oral mucosa using swabs. Macrococci were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, 16S rRNA sequencing and nuc-PCR. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of 19 antibiotics were determined using broth microdilution. Resistance mechanisms were identified by microarray and sequencing of the fluoroquinolone-determining region of gyrA and grlA. Sequence type (ST) was determined by multilocus sequence typing. RESULTS: Out of the 162 dogs, six harboured M. caseolyticus (n = 6) and 13 harboured M. canis (n = 16). Six isolates of M. canis and one of M. caseolyticus were obtained from infection sites. The 22 M. canis strains belonged to 20 different STs and the seven M. caseolyticus strains to three STs. Resistance to antibiotics was mostly associated with the detection of known genes, with mecB-mediated meticillin resistance being the most frequent. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study gives some insights into the occurrence and genetic characteristics of antibiotic-resistant Macrococcus from dogs. Presence of M. canis in infection sites and resistance to antibiotics emphasized that more attention should be paid to this novel bacteria species.