Patulous Eustachian tube and palatine defect in a Dachshund with chronic unilateral otitis externa and otitis media.

BACKGROUND: Patulous Eustachian tube (pET) is a rare dysfunction of the Eustachian tube described in humans. It is characterized by failure of the ET to close, resulting in unrestricted passage of air, sound and material between the nasopharynx and the middle ear. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of pET associated with otitis in a dog. ANIMAL: A 6-year old-female spayed Dachshund dog. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Otoscopic examination, cytological evaluation, culture and susceptibility, computerized tomography (CT), video-otoscopic flushing and surgery. RESULTS: Left ear otoscopic examination revealed erythema, purulent frothy discharge, ceruminous gland hyperplasia, stenosis and a partial tear of the tympanum. Cytological evaluation from the left external canal showed neutrophils, macrophages, rods and cocci. Aerobic culture showed predominantly multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The CT findings of the left ear included chronic changes in the external canal, marked lysis of the tympanic bulla and marked dilation of the ET. During video-otoscope flushing, saline drained through the mouth. Bilateral incomplete hypoplasia of the soft palate was noted. Total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy with ET dissection were curative. Histopathological findings were compatible with chronic otitis externa (OE) and media. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of pET described in animals. The ET dysfunction and palatine defect were likely the cause of the otitis in this dog. Clinicians should investigate pET in animals with signs of OE characterized by frothy liquid and food fragments in the ear canal in addition to sneezing after drinking water.

Retrospective analysis of necropsy reports suggestive of abuse in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE To identify historical and necropsy findings suggestive of neglect or abuse of dogs and cats by retrospective analysis of necropsy reports from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SAMPLE 119 necropsy reports of dogs and cats. PROCEDURES Necropsy reports from February 2001 to May 2012 were electronically searched to identify potential animal abuse or neglect cases. Cases were selected and categorized according to a previously proposed method for classification of animal abuse. Inclusion criteria included signs of neglect, nonaccidental injury (NAI; blunt-force or sharp-force trauma, gunshot, burns, drowning, asphyxiation, and suspicious intoxications), and sexual abuse. Poor preservation of cadavers, age < 6 weeks, and signs of chronic illness (eg, cachexia) or injuries consistent with history indicating natural or accidental causes resulted in exclusion. Variables of interest were compared between identified cases and a reference population. RESULTS Prevalence of potential abuse cases, determined on the basis of all necropsies performed in the study period, was 73 of 8,417 (0.87%) in dogs and 46 of 4,905 (0.94%) in cats. Neglect and NAI were commonly identified in cats; NAI was most commonly found in dogs. Gunshot and blunt-force trauma were the most common NAIs in dogs and cats, respectively. Pit bull-type dogs (29/73 [40%]) were overrepresented in several abuse categories. Most cats (29/46 [63%]) were domestic shorthair, but no breed association was found. Most (41/71 [58%]) affected animals with age data available were ≤ 2 years old. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Approximately 1% of dogs and cats necropsied in the study period had signs suggestive of abuse. Medical findings alone are not necessarily indicative of abuse, but some findings can increase the index of suspicion.

Evaluation of intraepidermal nerve fibres in the skin of normal and atopic dogs.

BACKGROUND: Interest in intraepidermal nerve fibres (IENFs) is rising in human medicine, because variations in fibre density occur in some diseases and these neurites might contribute to disease pathogenesis. An increase in IENF density is seen in human atopic dermatitis (AD); there are no such data in atopic dogs. OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of IENFs in normal and atopic canine skin. METHODS: Eight millimetre skin punch biopsies were taken from six sites of 25 healthy dogs without dermatitis and compared to lesional and nonlesional skin samples of dogs with AD (23 and 14 dogs, respectively). Thirty micrometre-thick paraffin-embedded sections were stained by indirect immunofluorescence for neuronal beta-3 tubulin. Only sections with detectable dermal nerves were then screened for the presence of IENFs. RESULTS: IENFs were identified in all 25 normal nasal planum sections, but in only one biopsy collected from each of the normal canine haired skin (NCHS) sites. As there was no significant difference in IENF prevalence between NCHS areas, they were grouped together. The rate of detection of IENFs was significantly higher (one-tailed Fisher's test, P = 0.004) in lesional AD specimens (18 of 23; 78%) than in nonlesional AD (four of 14; 29%) and NCHS specimens (four of 111; 4%, P < 0.0001). The prevalence of IENF detection in nonlesional AD samples was significantly higher than in normal canine skin (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: IENFs are detected more commonly in canine AD than in normal haired skin; these results are comparable to those seen for human AD.

Papillomavirus-associated diseases.

This article reviews various aspects of 3 clinical disorders associated with papillomavirus in horses commonly known as classical viral papillomatosis, genital papillomas/papillomatosis, and aural plaques. Classical papillomatosis is usually asymptomatic and spontaneously resolves within 1 to 9 months; therefore, treatment is often not required. Genital papillomas/papillomatosis have not been reported to spontaneously resolve, and there is increasing evidence that genital papillomas may evolve to in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinomas. Horses with aural plaques may be asymptomatic or may present with signs of ear and head hypersensitivity.

Altered expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

BACKGROUND: Reports indicate that human and canine patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have reduced production of several skin antimicrobial peptides, but more recent data have called those results into question. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To compare the mRNA expression of seven antimicrobial peptide genes in lesional and adjacent nonlesional skin biopsy specimens from dogs with AD with those from normal dogs and from dogs experiencing other inflammatory skin conditions. ANIMALS: Normal dogs and patients with AD or other inflammatory skin conditions were enrolled with owner permission and approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. METHODS: Transcripts were measured by quantitative RT-PCR using a standard curve assessment. RESULTS: Normal transcript levels for all seven antimicrobial peptides varied depending on the body site assessed. Transcripts for secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) and skin-derived antileucoproteinase (SKALP; also known as elafin) were typically ~10-fold greater in number than transcripts for the canine ß-defensins (CBD)-1, -102, -103, -122 and -124. Transcripts for SKALP, SLPI, CBD-1, CBD-103 and CBD-122 were lower in both lesional and adjacent nonlesional skin from dogs with AD in comparison to normal skin. Transcripts were reduced to a similar extent versus normal dogs in skin of dogs with inflammatory skin conditions from both lesional and nonlesional biopsies, except for CBD-122, which was reduced only in lesional skin. Compared with normal dog skin, transcripts for CBD-102 and CBD-124 were unaffected in dogs with AD. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Both SKALP and SLPI may be important contributors to skin innate immunity, but their decreased expression in AD patients does not account for increased skin infections compared with other skin conditions.

Gene transcription abnormalities in canine atopic dermatitis and related human eosinophilic allergic diseases.

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is clinically similar to human AD, implicating it as a useful model of human eosinophilic allergic disease. To identify cutaneous gene transcription changes in relatively early inflammation of canine AD, microarrays were used to monitor transcription in normal skin (n=13) and in acute lesional AD (ALAD) and nearby visibly nonlesional AD (NLAD) skin (n=13) from dogs. Scanning the putative abnormally transcribed genes, several potentially relevant genes, some abnormally transcribed in both NLAD and ALAD (e.g. IL6, NFAM1, MSRA, and SYK), were observed. Comparison for abnormally transcribed genes common to two related human diseases, human AD and asthmatic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (aCRSwNP), further identified genes or gene sets likely relevant to eosinophilic allergic inflammation. These included: (1) genes associated with alternatively activated monocyte-derived cells, including members of the monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP) gene cluster, (2) members of the IL1 family gene cluster, (3) eosinophil-associated seven transmembrane receptor EMR1 and EMR3 genes, (4) interferon-inducible genes, and (5) keratin genes associated with hair and nail formation. Overall, numerous abnormally transcribed genes were observed only in canine AD; however, many others are common to related human eosinophilic allergic diseases and represent therapeutic targets testable in dogs with AD.

Frequency of urinary tract infection in dogs with inflammatory skin disorders treated with ciclosporin alone or in combination with glucocorticoid therapy: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the frequency of urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs receiving long-term ciclosporin therapy. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The goal of the study was to investigate the frequency of UTI in dogs receiving ciclosporin with or without glucocorticoids. A secondary goal was to determine whether bacteriuria, pyuria and urine specific gravity were good predictors of UTI, and if ciclosporin dose, concurrent ketoconazole therapy, sex or duration of therapy affected the frequency of UTI. Animals - Eighty-seven dogs with various inflammatory skin disorders and 59 control dogs with inflammatory skin conditions that had not received glucocorticoids or ciclosporin for 6 months were enrolled. METHODS: This study was retrospective. The first urine culture from dogs receiving ciclosporin was compared with control dogs using Fisher's exact test. A logistic mixed model was used to test for association between a positive bacterial culture and duration of treatment, dose of ciclosporin, concurrent ketoconazole therapy and sex. The sensitivities and specificities for bacteriuria, pyuria and urine specific gravity were determined. RESULTS: Twenty-six of 87 (30%) ciclosporin-treated dogs had at least one positive culture. Compared with 3% positive control samples, 15% were positive in treated dogs (P=0.027). The sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 64.1 and 98.1% for bacteriuria, 74.4 and 70.9% for pyuria, and 56.4 and 65.3% for urine specific gravity. All other analysed parameters were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The results suggest that routine urine cultures and assessment of bacteriuria by cystocentesis should be part of the monitoring for dogs on long-term ciclosporin with and without glucocorticoids.

Efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of equine sarcoids: a pilot study.

Imiquimod is an immune response modifier with potent antiviral and antitumour activity. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of an imiquimod 5% cream (Aldaratrade mark: 3M, Saint Paul, MN, USA) as a topical treatment for equine sarcoids. Fifteen horses with a total of 19 tumours were enrolled, including mixed (7), fibroblastic (5), flat (3), verrucous (2), and nodular (2) types. Baseline data included history, physical examination, tumour location, measurement and digital photography. Imiquimod was applied by the owners three times a week until complete resolution of the tumour or 32 weeks, whichever occurred first. Tumours were measured and photographed every 4 weeks. Treatment efficacy was defined as 75% or greater reduction of tumour size by the end of the trial. Four sarcoids were withdrawn from the study. Twelve of the remaining 15 tumours (80%) showed more than 75% reduction in size and nine (60%) totally resolved between 8 and 32 weeks. The most common adverse effects of exudation, erythema, erosions, depigmentation and alopecia were limited to the tumour and adjacent areas. The results suggest that topical imiquimod is a therapeutic option for the treatment of equine sarcoids, although more detailed studies are required to corroborate these initial findings.

The impact of body site, topical melatonin and brushing on hair regrowth after clipping normal Siberian Husky dogs.

The aims of this study were to determine the impact of body site, vigorous brushing and topical melatonin treatment on hair regrowth after clipping normal dogs. Siberian Husky dogs were randomly assigned to three groups of eight dogs each. All dogs had the lumbosacral region and both lateral thighs clipped. The left thigh and lumbosacral area received no treatment and were compared in all 24 dogs. Eight dogs had the right thigh treated with 0.1% melatonin twice daily for 2 months, and hair regrowth was compared with the left thigh. Eight dogs had the right thigh brushed twice daily for 2 months, and hair regrowth was compared with the left thigh. Eight dogs had neither thigh treated. Hairs were plucked before and 2 months postclipping, and the proportion of hair growth from the original length was calculated and compared as described above. Biopsy samples were collected before and after treatment to determine if brushing induced dermal inflammation and melatonin increased the proportion of anagen follicles. Proportionally, left thigh hairs were significantly longer compared to lumbosacral hairs 2 months postclipping. No significant differences in hair regrowth were noted between the nontreated thigh and the thigh treated with melatonin or brushed. No significant difference in dermal inflammation was noted before and after brushing. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of anagen follicles before and after topical melatonin treatment. Our results showed that the hairs in the lumbosacral region were proportionally shorter than lateral thigh hairs 2 months postclipping. Moreover, topical melatonin and brushing had no impact on hair regrowth after clipping normal dogs.

Hypothyroidism in a dog associated with trimethoprimsulphadiazine therapy.

Abstract Hypothyroidism and a neuromuscular disorder developed in a 4-year-old Golden Retriever after it received potentiated sulphonamide and metronidazole for 18 and 14 weeks, respectively. Serum total T4 concentrations were non-detectable before and 6 h after exogenous administration of 4IU bovine thyroidstimulating hormone. Thyroid gland biopsy revealed changes consistent with diffuse hyperplastic goitre. Serum T4 concentrations were normal 7 days after discontinuation of therapy. The long-term trimethoprim-sulphadiazine therapy was considered the most likely cause of this dog's hyperplastic goitre. The cause of the neuromuscular disorder was not determined. It is recommended that discontinuation of potentiated sulphonamide takes place at least 7 days prior to any assessment of thyroid function. Résumé- Une hypothyroïdie et des troubles neuromusculaires sont observés sur un Golden Retriever de 4 ans, après une thérapeutique à base de sulfonamides potentialisés et de métronidazole, respectivement de 18 et 14 semaines. Des concentrations sériques de T4 totale ne sont pas détectables avant et après 6 heures d'une stimulation à la TSH bovine (4 UI). Des biopsies de la thyroïde montrent un goitre hyperplasique diffus. Les concentrations sériques de T4 sont de nouveau normales 7 jours après l'arrêt du traitement. L'administration à long terme de triméthoprim-sulphadiazine semble être la cause la plus vraisemblable du goitre hyperplasique. La cause des troubles neuromusculaires n'a pas été déterminée. Il est recommandé d'arrêter l'administration de sulfonamides potentialisés au moins 7 jours avant une exploration de la function thyroïdienne. [Torres, S.M.F. Hypothyroidism in a dog associated with triméthoprim-sulphadiazine therapy (Hypothyroi'die en relation avec un traitement triméthoprim-sulphadiazine chez un chien). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7: 105-108.] Resumen Un perro Golden Retriever de 4 años desarrolló hipotiroidismo y una afección neuromuscular después de recibir un tratamiento con sulfonamidas potenciadas y metronidazol 18 y 14 semanas, respectivamente. Las concentraciones séricas totales de T4 eran indetectables antes y a las 6 horas después de la administración exógena de 4 UI de TSH bovina. La biopsia de tiroides mostró alteraciones indicativas de gota hiperplásica difusa. Las concentraciones séricas de T4 fueron normales a los 7 dias de retirar la terapia. La terapia prolongada con trimetoprim-sulfadiazina fue considerada la causa más probable de gota hiperplásica en este perro. No se determinó la causa del cuadro neuromuscular. Se recomienda retirar la terapia con sulfonamida potenciada al menos 7 días antes de la evaluación de la función tiroidea. [Torres, S.M.F. Hypothyroidism in a dog associated with trimethoprim-sulphadiazine therapy (Hipotiroidismo en un perro asociado a la terapia con trimetoprim-sulfadiazina). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7: 105-108.] Zusammenfassung- Hypothyreose und eine neuromuskuläre Störung entwickelten sich bei einem 4 Jahre alten Golden Retriever, nachdem er potenzierte Sulfonamide und Metronidazol über 18 beziehungsweise 14 Wochen erhalten hatte. Die Gesamt T4-Konzentrationen waren vor und 6 Stunden nach exogener Verabreichung von 4 IE bovinen TSH nicht meßbar. Eine Biopsie der Schilddrüse zeigte Veränderungen, die parallel mit diffusem hyperplasischem Kropf auftreten. Die Serum T4-Konzentrationen waren 7 Tage nach Abbruch der Therapie wieder normal. Die Langzeit-Trimethoprim-Sulfadiazin-Therapie wurde als wahr-scheinlichste Ursache dieses hyperplastischen Kropfes beim Hund angesehen. Die Ursache der neuro-muskulären Störung konnte nicht festgestellt werden. Es wird empfohlen, potenzierte Sulfonamide mindestens 7 Tage vor einer überprüfung der Schilddrüsenfunktion abzusetzen. [Torres, S. M. F. Hypothyroidism in a dog associated with trimethoprim-sulphadiazine therapy (Hyperthyreose bei einem Hund in Verbindung mit einer Trimethoprim-Sulfadiazin-Therapie). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7: 105-108.].