A case series of canine cutaneous inverted papilloma with one case showing evidence of recurrence.

BACKGROUND: This article describes a case of multiple, recurrent, cutaneous inverted papillomas (CIPs) in a German shepherd dog, combined with a retrospective follow-up assessment of eight cases. METHODS: A 3-year-old, black, female German shepherd dog presented with four rapidly growing, alopecic, domed, hyperpigmented, shiny nodules, compatible with CIP. The dog was managed for pruritus, associated with atopic dermatitis, with long-term prednisolone therapy and this therapy was continued after the surgical excision. Twelve months after the initial presentation the dog was represented for two new CIP lesions, coinciding with an increased dosage of prednisolone during an allergic flare-up period. RESULTS: Histopathological evaluation was conducted on both the original and subsequent lesions from the case with recurrence. Eight cases of CIP, based on histopathological findings, were identified retrospectively from the authors' diagnostic pathology service over the previous two years. All nine cases had lesions that exhibited varying degrees of inverted epithelial hyperplasia, multiple, endophytic, papillary epidermal projections, a cup-shaped base with central hyperkeratosis and active viral pathological findings (koilocytes). The submitting veterinarians were contacted and follow-up regarding recurrence and concurrent medications was obtained. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CIP is uncommonly reported, typically as a single lesion with no previous reports of recurrence, although one group of dogs with severe combined immunodeficiency developed invasive malignancies. In seven of eight retrospective cases no recurrence of CIP was recorded. The authors speculate that the recurrence in the German shepherd dog may have been associated with chronic (although low-dose) glucocorticoid administration.

Recurrent polyp formation with Candida tropicalis infection and otitis in a dog.

To describe a case of a recurrent Candida tropicalis otitis externa, media and interna in a dog with an ear polyp. A 9-year-old Irish Setter was presented with 2 episodes of otitis sinistra, left-sided vestibular syndrome and Horner syndrome 7 months apart. At the first episode a benign ear polyp was extracted and Candida tropicalis cultured from the left middle ear. The neurological signs disappeared within 7 days, the Candida infection was more difficult to treat. Seven months later, a polyp was found in the ear again and cytology was consistent with Candida tropicalis. A unilateral left total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy was performed and a middle ear culture confirmed Candida tropicalis. Treatment led to resolution of clinical signs. Candida tropicalis, an emerging pathogen, should be considered in cases of recurrent yeast otitis and may be difficult to treat.

Serum concentrations of IL-31 in dogs with nonpruritic mast cell tumours or lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare serum interleukin (IL)-31 concentrations in dogs with lymphoma and mast cell tumours (MCT) without pruritus to those of healthy dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine if IL-31 plays a role in tumour pathogenesis and if IL-31 could be a biological marker for disease progression. ANIMALS: Forty-eight healthy dogs and 36 dogs with neoplasia [multicentric lymphoma (14), MCT (15) and cutaneous lymphoma (7)] were included in the study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Dogs with neoplasia were assigned to three different groups. Group 1 consisted of patients with multicentric lymphoma, which were diagnosed by cytological, histopathological and clonality investigations. Thoracic radiographs, ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, and fine-needle aspirates from liver and spleen were used to determine the lymphoma stage Patients with cutaneous lymphoma, diagnosed by cytological and histopathological findings, were included in Group 2. Patients with MCT, diagnosed by cytological and histopathological findings, were included in Group 3. Serum was frozen at -80ºC before measuring the concentration of IL-31 via a Simoa ultra-sensitive, fully automated two-step immunoassay. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of IL-31, regardless of the disease and its staging, were within the normal range in all patients; there was no difference between any of the different tumour groups and healthy dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: IL-31 is not likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of canine MCT or lymphoma without pruritus.

Nasal transmissible venereal tumours in 12 dogs - a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was a retrospective analysis of clinical manifestation and treatment outcome of the nasal form of transmissible venereal tumours (TVT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve dogs suffering from nasal TVT were included in this study. Patients with primary genital lesions were excluded from the study. Signalment, physical examination and laboratory findings, results of further diagnostics, and treatment results were recorded in all patients. RESULTS: The study population comprised 9 male and 4 female dogs with an (estimated) age ranging from 3 to 7 years. With one exception all dogs originated from Ukraine. Symptoms of nasal TVT included sneezing, nasal bleeding (all cases), skull infiltration (9 cases), oronasal fistulas (9 cases) and cutaneous fistulas (5 cases). Animals received vincristine sulfate at 0.7 mg/m2 i. v. weekly. The treatment course consisted of 4-9 cycles (median 5 cycles). Complete remission was achieved in all cases. All dogs were disease-free during the follow-up period (median 23.5 months, range 12-56 months). All patients tolerated the treatment very well. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, our data suggest that nasal TVT can have a good response to vincristine treatment. TVT should be considered as a differential diagnosis in sneezing dogs with nasal discharge or bleeding especially in young dogs and in dogs with suspected nasal tumours, even in countries without a stray animal population.

Dermatophytosis in dogs and cats - an update. / Dermatophytose bei Hund und Katze ­ ein Update.

Dermatophytosis is a cutaneous infection, caused by several types of keratophilic fungi (dermatophytes). It represents a serious and common contagious skin disease in dogs and cats. The significance of this disease for pet owners is based on the zoonotic potential. The prevalence varies with climate and local dermatophyte infestation. The most common infection in dogs and cats are caused by the genera Microsporum (M.), Nannizzia (N.) or Trichophyton (T.). The aim of this article is to summarise novel taxonomy, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations as well as the recently revised recommendations of the World Association of Veterinary Dermatology.

[Targeting the skin - erythema multiforme in dogs and cats]. / Die Haut als Zielscheibe ­ Erythema multiforme bei Hund und Katze.

This review article will describe the complex nature of erythema multiforme in dogs and cats. The disease pattern will be illustrated in terms of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnostics and therapy. Erythema multiforme is a rare, immune-mediated skin disorder with an acute specific reaction pattern of skin and mucous membranes against different underlying causes. Reported triggering factors include drugs, food ingredients and neoplasias, but viral or bacterial infections and vaccine reactions were also identified. In over 20% of the cases the cause cannot be identified. The German Shepherd dog and Pembroke Welsh Corgi seem to be predisposed. Erythematous macules, slightly elevated and peripherally spreading papules as well as circular to arciform patterns were described frequently in the dog. Wheals, plaques, vesicles and bullae that develop into ulcers, are also seen. Frequently affected areas in the dog are the ventrum, mucocutaneous junctions, mouth, pinnae and foot pads. Histopathological findings include single cell necrosis in all layers of the epidermis with lymphocytic satellitosis and a cell-poor interface dermatitis. Elimination of the causative factors and concurrent symptomatic therapy are recommended. The prognosis varies from guarded to fair, depending on the underlying cause, presenting clinical signs and response to therapy.