Acral congenital superficial dermal lymphatic malformations in two unrelated cats: clinicopathological, dermoscopic and ultrastructural findings.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous vascular malformations (CVM) represent a spectrum of human diseases identified at birth or in paediatric patients and classified according to the type of vessel affected. Confusing classification in human medicine has led to misdiagnoses and frequent nomenclature revision. Cutaneous lymphatic malformations (CLM) are reported sporadically in humans. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinicopathological findings of superficial dermal cutaneous lymphatic malformations (SDCLM) in two cats. ANIMALS: Two unrelated adult domestic short hair cats. METHODS: The two cats were evaluated clinically and with a dermoscope for recurrent swelling and presence of vesicles oozing serosanguineous fluid affecting the right and left hind foot, respectively, since birth. Skin biopsy specimens were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation and electron microscopy. RESULTS: A CVM was suspected based on the age of onset, clinical signs, results of diagnostic imaging and histopathological findings. Dermoscopy was used to describe the alterations of the skin surface. The involvement of the lymphatic vessels was confirmed using immunohistochemical findings and electron microscopy. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of the clinical, dermoscopic, histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics of SDCLM in cats resembling the human counterpart. SDCLMs are rare conditions and appropriate histopathological and immunohistochemical confirmation is required to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

The usefulness of dermoscopy in canine pattern alopecia: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Dermoscopic studies evaluating noninflammatory, nonpruritic progressive alopecia attributable to pattern alopecia are currently unavailable. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the dermoscopic features observed in healthy skin of short coated dogs and compare these findings with those observed in dogs affected by pattern alopecia diagnosed by clinical and dermatopathological examination. ANIMALS: Thirty male and female, healthy, breed matched, young adult, short coated dogs (controls) and 30 male and female, young adult, short coated dogs affected by pattern alopecia. METHODS: Dermoscopy was performed with a Fotofinder II videodermoscope equipped with software that allowed the measurement of structures visualized in magnified images (20×-40×-70×). Skin biopsy samples were obtained from the thorax and evaluated dermoscopically for dermoscopic-histological correlation in affected dogs. RESULTS: Dermoscopic findings in canine pattern alopecia were hair shaft thinning, circle hairs and follicular keratin plugs; in the affected sun exposed areas there was a honeycomb-like pattern of pigmentation. Arborizing red lines reflecting vascularization were classified as a nonspecific finding because they were also common in healthy dogs. Dermoscopic features correlated with histology for selected hair follicle abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although canine pattern alopecia is a visually striking disease, this study supports the value of dermoscopy for clinical examination and also opens promising perspectives for the identification of diagnostic dermoscopic patterns that may be useful for other skin disorders.

Emergence of cutaneous neosporosis in a dog receiving immunosuppressive therapy: molecular identification and management.

BACKGROUND: Neosporosis is a multisystemic disease caused by the intracellular protozoan Neospora caninum. In dogs the disease primarily affects the central nervous system. Canine cutaneous neosporosis is a rare condition often associated with old age or concurrent immunosuppressive treatments for different underlying conditions. ANIMALS: A 10-year-old female spayed golden retriever dog affected by primary immune-mediated myelofibrosis and treated with immunosuppressive therapies for 6 weeks that developed severe cutaneous lesions. METHODS: Definitive diagnosis was based on several investigation techniques including serology (immunoblotting), immunohistochemistry (IHC), species-specific conventional and real-time PCR, and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Remission of cutaneous neosporosis was obtained with the administration of clindamycin while the concurrent immunosuppressive therapy was maintained to manage the underlying primary condition. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first report of species-specific PCR and DNA sequencing used as diagnostic methods for canine cutaneous neosporosis emerging in a dog receiving immunosuppressive therapy.