Application of three hygrometers under different skin conditions in dogs: dry, moist and haired skin.

BACKGROUND: Hydration is one parameter of skin barrier function. The Skicon-200EX® and Corneometer CM825® are hygrometers used to measure skin hydration in humans based on different measurement methods. The ASA-MX3® is a hygrometer used to obtain measurements at haired skin sites in humans. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To validate three hygrometers to measure skin dryness in dogs. ANIMALS: Six clinically normal research dogs. METHODS: In vivo evaluation of three hygrometers for three different skin types was performed. Measurement of hydration was performed at five different regional sites. Dry and moist skin were induced by treatment with a sorbent and petrolatum, respectively, and measurements were collected for 120 min. Skin sites with three different hair lengths were evaluated to determine whether hair would interfere with hydration measurements. RESULTS: All three hygrometers obtained measurements at the nonhaired skin sites, except the ASA-MX3® hygrometer at the ear site. At the dry skin sites the Skicon-200EX® hygrometer detected a significant decrease of water content for longer than the other devices. At the moist skin sites the Corneometer CM825® and ASA-MX3® hygrometers showed a significant increase in water content. The ASA-MX3® hygrometer was the only device that could obtain measurements at sites with hair. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The Skicon-200EX® hygrometer was the most sensitive for detecting skin dryness, whereas the Corneometer CM825® and ASA-MX3® hygrometers detected an emollient effect. Only the ASA-MX3® could provide measurements at the haired sites. This study may assist in the selection of a hygrometer based on the purpose of use.

The effect of a herbal paste and oil extract on the lipid content of canine hair fibres.

BACKGROUND: Application of herbal paste and oil to a dog's coat and body before rinsing (often combining with shampooing) is a cosmetic therapy available in Japan. It is highly appreciated by users, who claim that the treatment makes the coat shinier, improves volume and eliminates tangles. However, there has been no scientific evaluation of such treatments. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Improvement of hair condition is derived from oils such as sebum and conditioning oils because chemicals are not used. Therefore, we examined nonpolar lipids (the primary lipids in dog hair) and the botanical oils used in this therapy. ANIMALS: Hair samples were obtained from six beagle dogs. METHODS: Groups were based on different combinations of the following processes: rinsing, shampooing, herbal therapy and herbal therapy with oil extract. Analysis of lipids was performed by high performance thin layer chromatography. RESULTS: The processes of shampooing and herbal therapy were associated with an equivalent reduction in cholesterol ester and triglyceride (TG). However, hair treated by herbal therapy combined with oil extract had an almost three-fold higher TG content, even after shampooing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study demonstrated that the herbal therapy was able to coat hair samples with TG that was not removed with rinsing. Further investigation is required to evaluate the possible benefits of the application of botanical products containing lipids, such as TG, on hair coat quality in dogs.

Measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in cats with experimental skin barrier dysfunction using a closed chamber system.

BACKGROUND: A closed chamber evaporimeter is suitable for measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in cats because of the compact device size, tolerance to sudden movement and short measuring time. TEWL is a representative parameter for skin barrier dysfunction, which is one of the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in humans and dogs. Measurement of feline TEWL has been reported, but applicability of this parameter has not been validated. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine if tape stripping is a valid experimental model in cats for studying TEWL and to determine if a closed chambered system is a suitable measurement tool for cats. ANIMALS: Ten clinically normal cats. METHODS: In order to evaluate variation of the measured values, TEWL was measured at the right and left side of the three clipped regions (axillae, lateral thigh and groin). Subsequently, TEWL was measured using sequential tape stripping of the stratum corneum as a model of acute barrier disruption. RESULTS: The variations between both sides of the three regions showed no significant difference. Sequential tape stripping was associated with increasing values for TEWL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Feline TEWL was shown to reflect changes in the skin barrier in an experimental model using a closed chamber system and has the potential for evaluating skin barrier function in cats with skin diseases.

The modified corneocyte surface area measurement as an index of epidermal barrier properties: inverse correlation with transepidermal water loss.

BACKGROUND: Corneocyte surface area (CSA) is as established parameter for skin barrier function in humans. Measurement of canine CSA has been previously reported but has not been validated. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of CSA as a barrier function parameter in dogs. ANIMALS: Six clinically normal beagle dogs. METHODS: CSA was measured and compared with transepidermal water loss (TEWL) using sequential tape stripping of the stratum corneum as a model of acute barrier disruption. Then, CSA and TEWL were measured at four anatomical sites (groin, lower back, nasal bridge and pinna). The correlation between the two indices was also evaluated. RESULTS: From the results of sequential tape stripping, CSA values gradually decreased with increasing number of tape strippings. The CSA values were inversely correlated with the TEWL ones. The two indices at different sites were variable and were strongly correlated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Canine CSA was demonstrated to be a useful parameter for the canine skin barrier function. The results from the anatomical sites imply that the cephalic sites (nasal bridge and pinna) were lower than others in skin barrier function.

Treatment of Ezetimibe lowers total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic dogs with hyperadorenocorticism.

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that blocks the intestinal absorption of both biliary and dietary cholesterol, thereby lowering primarily low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-chol) in human studies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ezetimibe on dyslipidemia control in nine dogs with hypercholesterolemia. Changes in total cholesterol (T-chol) and each lipoprotein fractions were evaluated at 0, 2, and 4 months following initiation of ezetimibe treatment. A significant decrease in T-chol was observed, and a mean T-chol concentration below 400 mg/dL was achieved at 2 and 4 months. Furthermore, a significant decrease in LDL-chol was observed (-53.3% and -64.3% at 2 and 4 months, respectively). Taken together, treatment of ezetimibe could lower LDL-chol levels in dogs with hypercholesterolemia.

Transepidermal water loss in cats: comparison of three differently clipped sites to assess the influence of hair coat on transepidermal water loss values.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is one of the parameters that can be used to assess skin barrier function. The variability and reliability of TEWL measurements in dogs have been controversial, and the hair coat has been considered as one of the factors that may cause variation of TEWL values. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to establish a suitable procedure for measuring feline TEWL, to evaluate the influence of hair coat on TEWL measurements and to assess variations of TEWL at different anatomical sites. METHODS: Transepidermal water loss was measured using a closed-chamber evaporimeter, the VapoMeter(®). We compared three adjacent sites in the groin area of 10 clinically normal, domestic short hair cats. One site was unclipped, the second was trimmed with scissors and the third was shaved using electric clippers. Values of TEWL were obtained for 48 h after trimming with scissors and clippers. Five sites were clipped (upper back, lumbar back, lateral thigh, axillae and groin), and the TEWL was measured. RESULTS: The mean and SD of TEWL values of the clipper-trimmed site were the smallest, followed in order by the site trimmed with scissors and the unclipped site. The TEWL values were statistically constant in the clipper-trimmed site, while the values in the unclipped sites were not. There was no statistically significant difference in TEWL values between all of the anatomical sites except for the axillae. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Hair clipping of sites with electric clippers is recommended for TEWL measurement in cats.

Successful treatment of feline hyperadrenocorticism with pituitary macroadenoma using radiation therapy: a case study.

A 10-year-old castrated male cat showing behavioral (irritation, prowling, and tumbling) and cutaneous abnormalities such as dermal fragility was diagnosed as hyperadrenocorticism with pituitary macroadenoma, concurrent with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Pituitary enlargement (18.0 mm) was observed during magnetic resonance imaging. High endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone levels (>2,500 pg/ml) were also observed. Although trilostane treatment (5-10 mg/head, daily) was commenced, the clinical signs did not disappear. Insulin and trilostane treatment were discontinued on day 86 after first day of radiation therapy (4 Gy/12 fractions). After radiation therapy, a decreased pituitary tumor size (10.7 mm) was observed on day 301; neurological and dermatological signs exhibited remission. Radiation therapy is the treatment of choice for feline hyperadrenocorticism with pituitary macroadenoma with neurological signs.

Utility of a corticotropin-releasing hormone test to differentiate pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism from cortisol-producing adrenal tumors in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is a common endocrine disorder in dogs; however, there are no reports on the use of the corticotropin-releasing hormone test (CRHT) to differentiate between pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and cortisol-producing adrenal tumors (CPATs), both causative of HAC. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of CRHT as a tool to differentiate between PDH and CPAT in dogs and to determine the reference intervals for CRHT in healthy, PDH, and CPAT dogs. ANIMALS: Dogs diagnosed with PDH (n = 21), CPAT (n = 6), and healthy beagle dogs (n = 33). METHODS: This prospective study included dogs with a definitive diagnosis of PDH and CPAT and healthy beagle dogs, in which CRHT was performed, were prospectively evaluated. We investigated the correlations of CRHT (endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] concentration, endogenous ACTH concentration [EAC], and poststimulation ACTH concentration [PAC]) with pituitary-to-brain ratio (PBR) (in PDH) and with indices of adrenal ultrasonography (smaller and larger adrenal gland dorsoventral thickness in PDH and CPAT). RESULTS: For EAC, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.95, with a cutoff value of 26.3 pg/mL (sensitivity: 90.62%, specificity: 87.50%). The AUC for PAC was 0.96 with a cutoff value of 54.5 pg/mL (sensitivity: 100.00%, specificity: 66.67%). The 95% reference interval for CRHT in healthy (control) dogs ranged 5.00 to 79.8 pg/mL (1.10-17.57 pmol/L) for EAC, and 1.92 to 153.42 pg/mL (0.42-33.78 pmol/L) for PAC. There was no significant correlation between PBR and CRHT, nor adrenal size and CRHT. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CRHT appears to be a rapid and reliable test for differentiating PDH from CPAT in dogs.

Evaluation of artificial pancreas technology for continuous blood glucose monitoring in dogs.

Artificial pancreas technology, involving "closed-loop" controls with real-time blood glucose monitoring, has been increasing in reliability as its potential for clinical use and application grows. One such device, based on this technology, is the STG-22 (Nikkiso Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) artificial pancreas apparatus. In order to assess the reliability and accuracy of the device for measuring blood glucose, it is important to compare its readings to those obtained using a 'gold standard' method, such as the hexokinase method. Therefore, in the present study, canine blood [glucose] measurements using the STG-22 were compared to those obtained using a previously established commercial reagent, Quickauto-Neo GLU-HK. Furthermore, two different sample types (whole blood versus plasma constituent) were compared to determine which sample type results in more accurate and optimal readings with the STG-22. Given that the STG-22 was not primarily designed for canine blood samples, results for canine blood samples were not accurate. Measurements performed by the STG-22 with whole blood were significantly lower than reference [glucose] counterparts. Alternatively, an opposite trend was observed with plasma measurements that were significantly higher. A conversion format using the following formula, Hexokinase [glucose] = STG-22 [glucose] × 1.407 + 1.532, was observed with canine samples in our study.

Comparison of cholesterol levels among lipoprotein fractions separated by anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography in periparturient Holstein-Friesian dairy cows.

Changes in lipoprotein profiles occur in dairy cows during the periparturient period and in cows with transition cow disease. Here, the lipoprotein profiles of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows during the periparturient period were obtained by anion-exchange, high-performance liquid chromatography to evaluate the usefulness of lipoprotein profile evaluation during the periparturient period and in cows with fatty liver and milk fever. Lipoprotein levels (including total and high- (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol) in 10 healthy cows were low 4 weeks prepartum, with the lowest values at calving or within 1 week of calving; the values increased at 8 weeks postpartum. The lipoprotein levels were measured in 16 cows diagnosed with fatty liver (n=10) or milk fever (n=6) and compared to 10 healthy dairy cows. A significant difference was observed in HDL-C between healthy cows (at calving and 1 week postpartum), and the fatty liver and milk fever cows. Cows with fatty liver and milk fever had a lower mean HDL-C than the 10 healthy dairy cows at calving and 1 week postpartum. HDL-C might be a good indicator of energy balance for differentiating healthy cows from those with transition cow disease.

Relationship between anti-insulin antibody production and severe insulin resistance in a diabetic cat.

A 5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis and severe insulin resistance. Although the conventional treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis was provided, the cat required frequent hospitalization because of severe dehydration and repeated diabetic ketoacidosis. We detected anti-insulin antibodies for human in this cat. Serum insulin-binding IgG levels were markedly elevated compared with those in healthy cats and other diabetic cats. We initiated prednisolone to suppress the effects of anti-insulin antibodies. After initiation of prednisolone, the cat was gradually recovered with increasing activity and appetite. Furthermore, satisfactory glycemic control was achieved with combined subcutaneous injection of insulin detemir and insulin degludec.

Relationship between anti-insulin antibody production and severe insulin resistance in a diabetic cat.

A 5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis and severe insulin resistance. Although the conventional treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis was provided, the cat required frequent hospitalization because of severe dehydration and repeated diabetic ketoacidosis. We detected anti-insulin antibodies for human in this cat. Serum insulin-binding IgG levels were markedly elevated compared with those in healthy cats and other diabetic cats. We initiated prednisolone to suppress the effects of anti-insulin antibodies. After initiation of prednisolone, the cat was gradually recovered with increasing activity and appetite. Furthermore, satisfactory glycemic control was achieved with combined subcutaneous injection of insulin detemir and insulin degludec.

Distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CXCR1 gene and association with calf diseases in Japanese Black cattle.

The chemokine (C-X-C) receptor 1 (CXCR1) expressed on the neutrophil surfaces interacts primarily with interleukin-8 (IL-8) and has an important role in immune response. Two interesting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), SNP CXCR1+777G>C and SNP CXCR1-1768T>A, that exhibit an association with subclinical mastitis and milk quality in dairy cattle, respectively, have been reported in the bovine CXCR1 gene. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the presence of the two SNPs in the CXCR1 gene of Japanese Black cattle and examine the association between the SNPs and clinical diseases including intestinal and respiratory diseases in calves. Genotyping of the SNPs in healthy Japanese Black cattle showed that the SNPs were also present in Japanese Black cattle with gene frequencies of 0.37 and 0.15 for the C-type allele in SNP CXCR1+777 and for the A-type allele in SNP CXCR1-1768, respectively. Statistical analysis of the genotype distribution of the SNPs in the bovine CXCR1 gene in healthy and clinical intestinal or respiratory diseased Japanese Black cattle indicated no significant association of the SNPs with clinical diseases in the calves. However, a significant correlation of the number of A alleles in SNP CXCR1-1768 with white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts was found in the disease group. It is possible that the SNP in the bovine CXCR1 gene plays a role in modulating the hematological profile of WBC and platelet counts.

Application of gel permeation HPLC for lipoprotein profiling in dogs.

A high performance liquid chromatography system with a gel permeation column (GP-HPLC) and an on-line dual enzymatic system was applied to lipoprotein analysis in dogs. A high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction obtained by conventional ultracentrifugation gave a single peak at around 28-29 min. Similarly, a low density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction gave single peak at around 24-25 min. The lipoprotein profiles of healthy dogs were contained large HDL peaks and small LDL peaks, and VLDL and CM were only marginally detected. In diabetic dogs, concentrations of VLDL-triglyceride and VLDL-total-cholesterol were elevated significantly. The lipoprotein profile analysis by GP-HPLC method would be useful in explication of abnormality of lipid metabolism in dogs.

Hypophysectomy for a dog with coexisting Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus.

An 11-year-old male mixed breed dog diagnosed with Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus was treated by hypophysectomy. After surgery, the hypercortisolemia disappeared and the diabetes status improved. The insulin requirement to control hyperglycemia gradually decreased. At 12 weeks after surgery, there was no requirement for insulin and we suspected the diabetes was completely resolved. In the present case, diabetes mellitus seems to be secondary to Cushing's disease. In conclusion, this mixed breed dog with coexisting Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus is the first case showing the effectiveness of hypophysectomy to treat diabetes mellitus secondary to Cushing's disease in dogs.

The effect of Insulin Degludec on glycemic control in diabetic cats over a 12-month period.

Insulin degludec (IDeg) is a long-acting basal insulin recently developed for use in humans. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IDeg on glycemic control in diabetic cats. Changes in body weight, IDeg dosage, and glycated albumin (GA) were evaluated at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following initiation of IDeg. A significant decrease in GA was observed and a mean GA level below 25% was achieved between 3 and 12 months. Furthermore, a significant increase in body weight was observed between 3 and 12 months. The mean IDeg dose was 0.75 ± 0.68 IU/kg/day at 12 months. Taken together, long-term glycemic control was successfully achieved in diabetic cats using IDeg.

Serum glycated albumin as a glycemic control marker in diabetic cats.

Measurements of glycated proteins such as serum fructosamine, glycated hemoglobin, and glycated albumin (GA) are increasingly used to complement serum glucose concentration for better management of diabetes mellitus. For example, the degree of glycemic control in diabetic cats can be determined by evaluating fructosamine concentration. Unfortunately, fructosamine tests are currently not performed in Japan, and as such, the measurement of GA may serve as a replacement test. The objectives of the current study were 2-fold. First, serum GA and fructosamine level were evaluated for positive correlation in cats as a preliminary gauge on whether serum GA use is applicable. Second, a GA percentage reference range was determined from healthy control cats for possible future diagnostic use. A positive correlation was determined for fructosamine and GA in both normal and diabetic cats. Moreover, the serum GA percentage reference interval based on control cats was determined to be 7.5-13.9% (95% nonparametric interfractile interval). Interestingly, no significant difference in serum GA percentages was observed between samples from diabetic cats with excellent glycemic control and control cats. However, good, fair, and poor glycemic control diabetic cats resulted in a significant increase in serum GA percentages in comparison to control cats. Therefore, these results indicate that serum GA may be a useful glycemic control indicator that could substitute for fructosamine to monitor glycemic control in diabetic cats.

Successful intensive insulin treatment of type 1 diabetic dogs leads to restoration of peripheral leukocyte insulin signaling gene expression and enzyme activities.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether intensive insulin treatment of dogs suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus, resulting in tight glycemic control, could be reflected by changes in peripheral leukocyte metabolism. Specifically, plasma metabolites and enzyme activities were assessed. In addition, quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine changes in insulin signaling gene (insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, IRS-2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) P85alpha) mRNA levels in peripheral leukocytes. Lastly, leukocyte enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism were examined for changes in glucose utilization. Our results indicated that intensive insulin treatment was successful in type 1 DM dogs, leading to tight glycemic control. The mean glucose concentration and glycated albumin percentage significantly decreased to 156 mg/dl and 15.6%, respectively, following treatment. In peripheral leukocytes, the IRS-2 and PI3-K p85alpha mRNA levels significantly increased, and a significant increase in pyruvate kinase and pyruvate carboxylase activity, two enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism, was also observed post treatment. Therefore, the observed changes in insulin signaling pathway activity and cellular energy metabolism enzyme activity in peripheral leukocytes are considered to be characteristics of amelioration of glucose metabolism by insulin action. As such, peripheral leukocytes are sufficiently sensitive to monitor for improving glycemic control during intensive insulin treatment of type 1 DM dogs. Blood cells such as leukocytes are much more readily available than muscle or adipose tissue for studies in dogs.

Long-term management and postmortem examination in a diabetic cat with acromegaly treated with two courses of radiation therapy.

A 12-year-old, castrated male cat with diabetes mellitus was diagnosed with acromegaly and examined with magnetic resonance imaging (enlarged pituitary gland, 8 mm); serum hormone concentrations were measured. After the first course of radiation therapy (4 Gy, 12 fractions), insulin administration was not required from day 420 after diagnosis. Enlarged pituitary tumor (8 mm) recurred, and insulin dosage amount of the cat was increased on day 1,065. The second course of radiation therapy (6 Gy, 4 fractions) was performed on day 1,201 and insulin administration was again discontinued. However, the cat died from lymphoma on day 1,397. Postmortem examination revealed pituitary adenoma. Most tumor cells were positive for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and growth hormone immunohistochemistry. The pancreatic islet cells revealed diffuse hyperplasia. We achieved long-term successful management of an acromegalic cat with two courses of RT. However, a protocol for a second course of RT for feline recurrent pituitary tumor should be further discussed.