An in-depth investigation of the microbiota and its virulence factors associated with severe udder cleft dermatitis lesions.

Udder cleft dermatitis (UCD) is a skin condition affecting the anterior parts of the udder in dairy cattle. In the present study, we aimed to shed light on the microbiota in severe UCD lesions versus healthy udder skin by putting forward a taxonomic and functional profile based on a virulence factor analysis. Through shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we found a high proportion of bacteria in addition to a low abundance of archaea. A distinct clustering of healthy udder skin versus UCD lesion samples was shown by applying principal component analysis and (sparse) partial least squares analysis on the metagenomic data. Proteobacteria, Bacillota, and Actinomycetota were among the most abundant phyla in healthy udder skin samples. In UCD samples, Bacteroidota was the most abundant phylum. At genus level, Bifidobacterium spp. had the highest relative abundance in healthy skin samples, whereas Porphyromonas spp. and Corynebacterium spp. had the highest relative abundance in UCD samples. In the differential abundance analysis, Porphyromonas spp. and Bacteroides spp. were significantly differentially abundant in UCD samples, whereas Bifidobacterium spp., Staphylococcus sp. AntiMn-1, and Staphylococcus equorum were more commonly found in healthy samples. Moreover, the abundance of several treponeme phylotypes was significantly higher in lesion samples. The streptococcal cysteine protease speB was among the most abundant virulence factors present in severe UCD lesions, while a plethora of virulence factors such as the antitoxin relB were downregulated, possibly contributing to creating the ideal wound climate for the dysbiotic community. Network analysis showed healthy lesion samples had a large network ofpositive, correlations between the abundances of beneficial species such as Aerococcus urinaeequi and Bifidobacterium angulatum, indicating that the healthy skin microbiome forms an active protective bacterial network, which is disrupted in case of UCD. In UCD samples, a smaller microbial network mainly consisting of positive correlations between the abundances of Bacteroides fragilis and anaerobic Bacteroidota was exposed. Moreover, a high correlation between the taxonomic data and virulence factors was revealed, concurrently with 2 separate networks of microbes and virulence factors. One network, matching with the taxonomic findings in the healthy udder skin samples, showcased a community of harmless or beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium spp. and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, associated with hcnB, hcnC, relB, glyoxalase, and cupin 2. The other network, corresponding to UCD samples, consisted of pathogenic or facultative pathogenic and mainly anaerobic bacteria such as Treponema spp., Mycoplasmopsis spp., and bovine gammaherpesvirus 4, that correlated with virulence factors SpvB, fhaB, and haemagglutination activity domain-associated factor. Our results point toward a dysbiotic community with a notable decrease in diversity and evenness, with a loss of normal skin inhabitants and innocuous or useful species making way for predominantly anaerobic, facultative pathogens. The shift in the abundance of virulence factors such as fhaB and SpvB could play a role in the manifestation of a local micro-environment favorable to the microbiome associated with udder skin lesions. Lastly, the presence of specific networks between microbial species, and between microbes and virulence factors was shown.

Quantifying and mapping digital dermatitis-associated bacteria in lesion and nonlesion body sites and dairy farm environment.

The source of infection of digital dermatitis (DD), an infectious lameness condition, is still uncertain. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to identify potential reservoirs of DD bacteria in dairy cattle body sites with different stages of the disease and farm environments. We collected skin swabs from 85 dairy cows from 5 herds, 3 with and 2 without DD, from foot, hock, and udder cleft skin (with lesions or not), saliva, urine, and feces. We also obtained environmental samples. Real-time quantitative PCR targeted Treponema phagedenis, Treponema medium, Treponema pedis, Porphyromonas levii, Bacteroides pyogenes, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and Fusobacterium mortiferum. Digital dermatitis-associated Treponema spp. were exclusively detected in DD-affected herds in DD-foot and other skin lesions, healthy skin, saliva, and environmental samples. In contrast, the non-Treponema spp. were found in samples from both DD-negative and affected herds. As expected, DD lesions had higher bacterial loads than healthy skin. Interestingly, similar counts were observed in udder cleft lesions, indicating a potential opportunistic behavior on compromised skin. None of the targeted species were detected in fecal samples, but P. levii, B. pyogenes, and F. necrophorum were detected in urine. All 7 species were detected in saliva, although in low quantities. No associations were observed between the presence of each bacterial species in DD lesions and urine; however, there was an association between the presence of DD-Treponema spp. in lesions and saliva, hock, and udder skin. Feces and urine do not seem to be a DD bacteria primary source, but saliva and other skin lesions may play a role. Longitudinal studies would improve our understanding of DD-associated bacteria's transient or persistent presence in these sites. Investigating the sources of DD-associated bacteria will guide future interventions to minimize bacterial shedding and transmission, ultimately more effectively reducing bacterial load, transmission, and sources of infection in dairy herds.

Diascopy and histopathological evaluation of nonblanching erythematous dermatoses in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Diascopy is a point-of-care diagnostic test used to differentiate skin erythema due to vascular dilation from haemorrhage. In the veterinary literature, only a handful of diseases have been described to be associated with a negative (nonblanching) diascopy result, and histological investigation of haemorrhage has been inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: Retrospective study to undertake a histopathological investigation of canine, nonblanching erythematous dermatoses for the presence or absence of haemorrhage and vascular changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin biopsies from dogs presented with moderate-to-severe nonblanching erythema were evaluated histologically. Additionally, clinical data about each patient were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty cases were identified with nonblanching erythema. Diagnoses included vasculopathy (n = 6), canine eosinophilic dermatitis (n = 3), cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma (n = 2), and one case each of sterile granuloma and pyogranuloma syndrome, German shepherd dog pyoderma, multiple mast cell tumours, haemangiosarcoma, exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus, canine leishmaniosis with sebaceous adenitis, sebaceous adenitis with concurrent dermatophytosis, calcinosis cutis and canine atopic dermatitis with insect-bite reaction. One or more vascular changes were present in all 20 cases and included perivascular oedema, endothelial swelling and neutrophilic infiltration of vessel walls. Haemorrhage was identified in 17 of 20 cases (85%). Three cases without dermal haemorrhage were calcinosis cutis, sebaceous adenitis with dermatophytosis and canine atopic dermatitis with insect-bite reaction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Negative diascopy was associated with haemorrhage and vascular pathological findings in the majority of cases, yet not all. Haemorrhage was identified histologically in all diseases previously reported as nonblanching as well as in a few additional diseases.

Cytotoxic dermatitis: Review of the interface dermatitis pattern in veterinary skin diseases.

Interface dermatitis or lichenoid interface dermatitis refers to a cutaneous inflammatory pattern in which keratinocyte cell death is the essential feature. These terms have evolved from the originally described lichenoid tissue reaction. These lesions are the basis for an important group of skin diseases in animals and people where cytotoxic T-cell-mediated epidermal damage is a major pathomechanism. Yet, for largely historical reasons these commonly used morphological diagnostic terms do not reflect the essential nature of the lesion. An emphasis on subsidiary lesions, such as the presence of a lichenoid band, and definitions based on anatomical features, such as location at the dermo-epidermal location, may cause confusion and even misdiagnosis. This review covers historical aspects of the terminology, including the origin of terms such as "lichenoid." The types of cell death involved and the histopathologic lesions are described. Etiopathogenesis is discussed in terms of aberrations of immune/inflammatory mechanisms focusing on cutaneous lupus erythematosus, erythema multiforme, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. Mechanisms have most extensively been studied in humans and laboratory animals and the discussion is centered on these species. As interface dermatitis is firmly entrenched in dermatological parlance, rather than using "cytotoxic" as its substitute, the terminologies "interface cytotoxic dermatitis" and "panepidermal cytotoxic dermatitis" are recommended, based on location and extent of epithelium affected.

Characterization of the serum and skin inflammatory profile in canine pemphigus foliaceus using multiplex assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Canine pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a common autoimmune skin disease characterized by autoantibodies binding to epithelial adhesion molecules resulting inflammatory response. The immune network of cytokine and chemokine abnormalities that characterize the immune response in canine PF are poorly explored. This study evaluated serum and lesional skin cytokine and chemokine profiles of dogs diagnosed with PF compared to healthy control dogs. Serum samples obtained from 11 PF dogs and 16 healthy control dogs were analyzed using commercially available canine multiplex assay for 13 biomarkers (Canine Milliplex assay). Eight lesional skin samples from seven PF dogs and five healthy site-matched samples from five healthy dogs were evaluated for 20 immune markers using quantitative real-time PCR. Immunomodulating medications were suspended for at least four weeks in all dogs before obtaining serum and skin samples. PF patients showed significantly higher serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)- 6, IL-8, IL-18, CCL2, KC-like, and granulocyte-macrophages colony-stimulating factor when compared to healthy controls (Mann-Whitney U test; p < 0.05 for all). Lesional PF skin exhibited significant expression and upregulation of pro-inflammatory/T helper (Th1) 1 markers IL-1ß, MX1, GZMB, OAS1, and IFN-γ as well as Th2 cytokines IL-13, IL-33, TSLP, IL-31 and Th17/22 markers IL-17A and IL-22 (Mann-Whitney U test; p < 0.05 for all). Taken together, the findings from this study describe the role of numerous cytokines and chemokines associated with immune response in the skin and serum of canine PF patients. Further larger-sample proteomics and RNA-sequencing transcriptomics studies are needed to understand the immune pathogenesis of canine PF skin lesions.

Performance of fine-needle aspirate testing compared with superficial swab testing for quantification of BPV-1/-2 viral load in equine sarcoids.

Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 are causally associated with equine sarcoid, the most common mesenchymal neoplasm of horses, but the viral load (VL) differs between lesions. Sensitive and accurate BPV detection and quantification is essential for clinicians to confirm clinical suspicion, as well as in research settings for stratifying these skin lesions. Due to the limitations of histopathology in sarcoid diagnosis, PCR screening of superficial swabs constitutes the principal sampling method for BPV detection. This study aimed to investigate the ability of superficial swabs and fine-needle aspirates (FNA) to accurately detect the VL in equine sarcoids, considering the main clinical types: occult, nodular, verrucous and fibroblastic. Superficial swabs and FNAs from a series of sarcoid-affected horses were tested in parallel for BPV DNA quantification. Quantitative real-time PCR screening of postoperative tissue biopsies served as reference standard for the accuracy assessment of the viral titters. Our results indicate that VL is not a predictor of the clinical type. Student's t-test results gave evidence of a significant difference between both sample methods (P < 0.001) with FNA giving the best approximation of the actual VL (P < 0.01). In contrast to superficial swabs, the reference standard correlated moderately with FNA in general (P < 0.05; r = 0.39) and strongly with FNA results within the occult sarcoid group (P < 0.05; r = 0.59). In conclusion, the correlation of FNA with the reference standard was strong enough to suggest this is the preferred method for quantifying VL in sarcoids.

Rabbit Dermatology.

The majority of rabbit skin disease presentations can be divided into pruritus, alopecia, scaling, and nodules. Some disease will have more than one of these clinical signs. Ectoparasites, bacterial and fungal infections, and neoplasia account for most of the causes seen. Diagnostic tests include skin scraping and cytology, microbial culture, and biopsy. Therapy is dependent on cause. In addition to discussing the various causes and their treatments, important clinical care points are noted.

Immunogenicity analysis of BPV-1 positive equine sarcoid-derived cultured fibroblasts.

Sarcoids are the most common equine skin tumours Although they do not metastasize, they can be locally aggressive and cause significant clinical symptoms in affected horses. Despite being common, very little is known about the host immune response and the biological mechanisms underlying persistence and recurrence of equine sarcoids. The latter reflects the need for further research in this field. This in-vitro study used sarcoid explants from horses with naturally occurring sarcoids (n = 12) to evaluate the induction of a humoral immune response directed against equine sarcoid-derived bovine papilloma-virus (BPV)- 1 infected fibroblasts using a flow cytometric crossmatch assay. The presence of antibodies against exogenous bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibroblast-like mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) was also evaluated by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. The viral load in the sarcoid explants, the corresponding cultured sarcoid fibroblasts, and matched peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from affected horses were determined by quantitative BPV-1/- 2 PCR analysis. Antibodies against autologous sarcoid cells were present in six out of twelve sarcoid-affected horses. Serum from all horses showed cross reactivity with allogeneic sarcoid cells, while only a part reacted with BSA or MSCs. Screening of host PBMCs demonstrated the absence of BPV E1 nucleic acids. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly higher mean viral load in the parental sarcoid tissue compared to the low passage fibroblasts (P < 0.001). These results support the hypothesis that sarcoid-affected horses may develop antibodies recognizing tumour-specific antigens. In contrast to sarcoid explants, equine PBMCs do not seem to contain complete BPV genomes. These results provide a basis for future investigations on the clinical relevance of these antibodies.

Transcriptome analysis of selected cytokine and chemokines in the eosinophilic plaques of cats with atopic skin syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Previous evaluations of cytokine and chemokine gene expressions [messenger (m)RNA] in the skin of allergic cats were mostly unsuccessful in detecting the T-helper 2 (Th2) pathway, which is associated with the major effector cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in the mRNA expression in eosinophilic plaques of cats diagnosed with feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS) compared to healthy controls. ANIMALS: Four client-owned cats with FASS with eosinophilic plaques and five healthy control cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gene expressions (mRNA) of 14 cytokines and chemokines from eosinophilic plaque skin of cats with FASS and site-matched skin samples from healthy controls were analysed using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis. RESULTS: Eosinophilic plaques were characterized by upregulation of Th2 cytokines IL-4 (p ≤ 0.01), IL-5 (p ≤ 0.01) and IL-13 (p ≤ 0.01) and Th2-attracting chemokine CCL17 (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, there was higher expression of S100 calcium-binding protein A 8 (p ≤ 0.01) as well as C-X-C Motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10; p ≤ 0.01), IL-10 (p ≤ 0.05) and the Th17 cytokine IL-17A (p ≤ 0.01) in lesional skin compared to healthy samples. There was no difference in gene expressions of IL-12A, IL-31, IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or CCL5. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results demonstrate that eosinophilic plaques feature dominant Th2 and IL-17A inflammatory responses in the skin. Further larger-sample transcriptome studies are needed to advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of different skin lesions in FASS.

The potential of three whole blood microRNAs to predict outcome and monitor treatment response in sarcoid-bearing equids.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as biomarkers for equine sarcoid (ES) disease. In this study, the suitability of three whole blood miRNAs to diagnose ES and to predict and monitor the outcome of therapy was explored. Using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), expression levels of eca-miR-127, eca-miR-379, and eca-miR-432 in whole blood of ES-affected equids before and at least one year after therapy were compared to those of unaffected control equids. Associations of age, sex, species, diagnosis, and therapy outcome with miRNA expression levels were examined using general linear models. In total, 48 ES-affected equids and 47 control equids were recruited. From the affected animals, 31 responded favorably to treatment, and 17 demonstrated a failure of therapy. None of the tested miRNAs were influenced by age. Male equids showed increased expression of eca-miR-127 compared to females and horses showed higher expression levels of eca-miR-379 and eca-miR-432 than donkeys. Eca-miR-127 was confirmed as a diagnostic discriminator between ES-affected and control equids. No difference in miRNA profiles before therapy was found when comparing ES-affected equids with success vs. failure of therapy. Eca-miR-379 and eca-miR-432 decreased over time in horses where therapy was successful, but not in those cases where it failed. Biological variables influence equine whole blood miRNA expression, which may complicate biomarker validation. While none of the tested miRNAs could predict the response to therapy in ES-affected equids and eca-miR-127 showed poor diagnostic accuracy for ES, eca-miR-379 and eca-miR-432 miRNAs might allow refinement of monitoring of success of ES therapy.

Nodular and neoplastic skin lesions in an aquarium-managed group of Sabana Surinam toads Pipa parva.

Although skin disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in amphibians, published reports of integumentary conditions affecting skin-brooding anurans are extremely limited. This case series describes the clinical, macroscopic, and histopathologic features of nodular skin lesions in an aquarium-managed population of Sabana Surinam toads Pipa parva, a fully aquatic, skin-brooding species native to South America. The skin lesions represented an ongoing clinical concern in this group, affecting approximately 10-20% of animals throughout the study period, and were observed exclusively in females, suggesting an association with the females' specialized cutaneous reproductive anatomy. Multiple animals died or were euthanized due to skin lesions, which were histologically complex and encompassed a range of hyperplastic, cystic, and neoplastic changes (with internal metastases in one animal). Cultures and special stains showed evidence of mixed polymicrobial infection, including occasional fungal hyphae and acid-fast organisms, but were predominated by Gram-negative bacteria. Lack of a significant response to various environmental modulations and therapeutic interventions indicates that the pathogenesis of the skin lesions is multifactorial. Additional research into the reproductive physiology and ideal environmental conditions (both social and physical) for this species will likely help identify new strategies for prevention and treatment of skin disease.

Retrospective study of cutaneous neoplasms in horses treated at the Livestock Development Center of the Federal University of Bahia / Estudo retrospectivo das neoplasias cutâneas em equinos atendidos no Centro de Desenvolvimento da Pecuária da Universidade Federal da Bahia

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cutaneous neoplasms in horses treated at the Center for the Development of Livestock at the Federal University of Bahia, as well as to correlate it with the coat color, breed, and age of the animal. For that, the attendance records for the last ten years were reviewed. When evaluating the files, 13 cases of cutaneous tumor in horses confirmed by histopathology and cytology were observed. The most prevalent skin tumors were sarcoid (38.5%), melanoma (23%), and fibrosarcoma (15.4%). Regarding the equine coat color, gray and sorrel horses were the most frequent with 30.7% and 23.1% of cases, respectively. As for the equine breed, the mangalarga marchador was the most prevalent (38.4%). Regarding age, 38.46% of the horses were up to 5 years old, 30.77% of the animals were between 4 and 10 years old, and 30.76% were between 11 and 16 years old. In the end, it can be concluded that sarcoid and melanoma were the most prevalent neoplasms.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar a prevalência de neoplasias cutâneas em equinos atendidos no Centro de Desenvolvimento da Pecuária da Universidade Federal da Bahia, bem como correlaciona-la com a pelagem, raça e idade do animal. Para tanto revisou-se as fichas de atendimento dos últimos dez anos. Ao avaliar as fichas, observou-se 13 casos de tumor cutâneo em equinos confirmado por histopatologia ou citologia. Os tumores cutâneos mais prevalentes foram sarcoide (38,5%), melanoma (23%) e fibrossarcoma (15,4%). Com relação a pelagem, equinos tordilhos e alazões foram os mais frequentes com 30,7% e 23,1% dos casos, respectivamente. Quanto as raças, a mangalarga marchador foi a mais prevalente (38,4%). Em relação a idade, 38,46% dos equinos possuíam até 5 anos de idade, 30,77% dos animais apresentavam idade entre 4 e 10 anos e, 30,76% apresentavam idade entre 11 e 16 anos. Ao fim, pode-se concluir que o sarcoide e o melanoma foram as neoplasias mais prevalentes.

Hoof lesions in partly housed pasture-based dairy cows.

Lameness is a symptom of a painful disorder affecting the limbs, which impacts dairy cow welfare and productivity. Lameness is primarily caused by hoof lesions. The prevalence of different lesion types can differ depending on environmental conditions and farm management practices. The aims of this observational study were to establish the cow-level and herd-level lesion prevalence during both housing and grazing periods in a partly housed, pasture-based system, establish the prevalence of lesions always associated with pain ("alarm" lesion), identify the lesions associated with a higher lameness score, determine relationships between lesions, and identify risk factors for digital dermatitis. On 98 farms during the grazing period and on 74 of the same farms during the housing period, every cow was lameness scored (0-3 lameness scoring scale), and the hind hooves of lame cows (score 2 and 3) were examined (maximum 20 cows per visit) and the prevalence of each lesion type recorded. To gather data on potential predictors for the risk factor analysis, a questionnaire with the farmer was conducted on lameness management practices and infrastructure measurements were taken at each visit. Cow-level data were also collected (e.g., parity, breed, milk yield, and so on). Noninfectious lesions were found to be more prevalent than infectious lesions in this system type. The most prevalent lesion types during both grazing and housing periods were white line separation, sole hemorrhages and overgrown claws; all remaining lesions had a cow-level prevalence of less than 15%. The cow-level prevalence of alarm lesions was 19% during the grazing period and 25% during the housing period; the most prevalent alarm lesion was sole ulcers during both periods. We found significantly more foreign bodies within the hoof sole (grazing = 14%, housing = 7%) and overgrown claws (grazing = 71%, housing = 55%) during the grazing period compared with the housing period. Cows with foul of the foot, sole ulcer, white line abscess, toe necrosis or an amputated claw had higher odds of being more severely lame, compared with mildly lame. The strongest correlation between lesions were between toe necrosis and digital dermatitis (r = 0.40), overgrown claws and corkscrew claws (r = 0.33), and interdigital hyperplasia and digital dermatitis (r = 0.31) at herd level. At the cow level, the strongest correlation was between overgrown claws and corkscrew claws (r = 0.27), and digital dermatitis and heel erosion (r = 0.22). The farmers' perception of the presence of digital dermatitis (and lameness) was significantly correlated with the actual presence of digital dermatitis recorded. Additional risk factors for the presence of digital dermatitis were cow track and verge width near the collecting yard, and stone presence on the cow tracks. Results from this study help further our understanding of the causes of lameness in partly housed, pasture-based dairy cows, and can be used to guide prevention and treatment protocols.

Subungual Pigmented Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Dog.

An 11-year-old spayed female Miniature Schnauzer dog was presented with loss of a claw caused by a nail bed mass. Histopathological evaluation revealed that the mass comprised neoplastic squamous cells with abundant cytoplasmic melanin pigment. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin and negative for vimentin and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, supporting a diagnosis of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of subungual pigmented squamous cell carcinoma in animals.

Giraffe skin disease: Clinicopathologic characterization of cutaneous filariasis in the critically endangered Nubian giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis).

Giraffe skin disease (GSD) is an emerging disease of free-ranging giraffe recognized in the last 25 years in several species, including the critically endangered Nubian giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis) of Uganda. Identifying the cause of GSD and understanding its impact on health were deemed paramount to supporting these vulnerable populations. Sixty-four giraffes were immobilized in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, from 2017 to 2019, and GSD lesions were opportunistically biopsied. Fifty-five giraffes (86%) had GSD lesions on the neck, axilla, chest, and cranial trunk. Lesions were categorized into early, intermediary, and dormant stages based on gross and histological characteristics. Early lesions were smaller, crusted nodules with eosinophilic and pyogranulomatous dermatitis and furunculosis. Intermediary lesions were thick plaques of proliferative and fissured hyperkeratosis and acanthosis with dense dermal granulation tissue and severe eosinophilic and granulomatous dermatitis. Lesions appeared to resolve to dormancy, with dormant lesions consisting of hairless plaques of hyperkeratosis with dermal scarring and residual inflammation. The periphery of early and intermediary lesions included follicular granulomas containing adult filarid nematodes, with myriad encysted microfilariae in the superficial dermis. Stage L3 larvae were common in early and intermediary lesions, and dormant lesions had remnant encysted microfilariae with no adult or stage L3 larvae. Nematodes were morphologically and genetically novel with close identity to Stephanofilaria spp. and Brugia malayi, which cause infectious filariasis. Identification of potential insect vectors, long-term monitoring of GSD lesions, and evaluating response to therapy is ongoing in the efforts to help conserve the Nubian giraffe.

Multiple follicular abnormalities in a 1-year old cat consistent with basaloid follicular hamartomas.

BACKGROUND: In humans, basaloid follicular hamartomas are benign follicular tumours, that can be solitary or multiple, in which case they show autosomal dominant inheritance. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: This study describes clinical and histopathological findings observed in a young cat, which could be consistent with basaloid follicular hamartomas. CASE DESCRIPTION: Multiple follicular abnormalities, consistent with cutaneous diffuse basaloid follicular hamartomas, were observed in skin samples from a one-year old neutered domestic short hair cat. Clinical signs were diffuse symmetrical alopecia with exaggerated skin markings (ventral abdomen, thorax and medial aspects of the limbs) and intense follicular-centred thickening (face and feet). Microscopic lesions were characterised by multiple proliferative follicular abnormalities in all samples. The epidermis showed a very irregular surface with the follicles filled with variably pigmented keratin. The epithelial walls of the follicles had multiple small hyperplastic basaloid cells foci. In the superficial dermis under the epidermis and around the follicles, fibroblastic spindle-shaped mesenchymal cells with a homogeneous moderate density were present in the collagenous connective tissue. The interfollicular epidermis was also abnormal with multiple small proliferating trichoblastic foci originating from the basal layer. RNAscope testing for feline papillomavirus was negative. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case report provides the first evidence of clinical and histopathological findings of multiple follicular abnormalities, consistent with cutaneous diffuse basaloid follicular hamartomas in a cat.

De multiples anomalies folliculaires, compatibles avec des hamartomes folliculaires basaloïdes diffus cutanés, ont été observées dans des échantillons de peau d'un chat domestique à poils courts castré âgé d'un an. Les signes cliniques étaient une alopécie diffuse symétrique avec des marques cutanées exagérées (abdomen ventral, thorax et face médiale des membres) et un épaississement folliculaire intense (face et pieds).

Múltiplas anormalidades foliculares, consistentes com hamartomas cutâneos foliculares basaloides difusos, foram observadas em amostras de pele de um gato doméstico de pelo curto castrado de um ano de idade. Os sinais clínicos foram alopecia simétrica difusa com marcações cutâneas exuberantes (abdômen, tórax e aspecto medial dos membros) e espessamento folicular central intenso (face e patas).

Se observaron múltiples anomalías foliculares, consistentes con hamartomas foliculares basaloides difusos cutáneos, en muestras de piel de un gato doméstico de pelo corto castrado de 1 año. Los signos clínicos fueron alopecia simétrica difusa con marcas cutáneas exageradas (abdomen ventral, tórax y cara medial de las extremidades) e intenso engrosamiento de la piel centrado en los folículos (cara y pies).

Canine memory T-cell subsets in health and disease.

A more complete understanding of canine T-lymphocyte immunity is necessary for improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to canine diseases, developing cell-based canine immunotherapeutics, and evaluating dogs as large mammal models for comparative immunology research. The aim of this study was to utilize CD45RA (indicating antigen inexperience) and CD62L (indicating lymph node homing capability), to quantify canine memory T-cell subsets in healthy dogs and dogs with various diseases. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were prospectively collected from dogs belonging to one of four groups:dermatologic inflammation (n = 9), solid tumors (n = 9), lymphoma (n = 9), and age-/weight-matched healthy control dogs (n = 15). Dogs receiving prednisone or any other immunomodulating medication within two weeks were excluded. Flow cytometry was performed and T-cell subsets were defined as CD4+ or CD8+, and naïve (TN), central memory (CM), effector memory (EM), or terminal effector memory re-expressing CD45RA (TEMRA). T-cell subset proportions were compared between each disease group and their healthy age-/weight-matched controls using a Mann-Whitney test. Significantly increased %CD8+ TN (P = 0.036) and decreased %CD8+ TEMRA (P = 0.045) were detected in dogs with dermatologic inflammation compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, %CD4+ TN positively correlated with Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) score within the inflammation group (ρ = 0.817, P = 0.011). No significant differences between either cancer group and their healthy controls were detected. Taken together, these data indicate that dermatologic inflammation can alter proportions of peripheral blood T-cell subsets, possibly due to the migration of antigen-specific T-cells into tissues. Furthermore, these findings support the utility of CD45RA and CD62L in characterizing clinical canine immune responses.

Efficacy of cryotherapy in the treatment of cutaneous horn associated with papillomatosis in a dog.

Cutaneous horn is a skin disease with low incidence and few citations in the literature. This report describes a dog with multiple cutaneous lesions of papillomatosis and one giant cutaneous horn on the face. Two sessions of cryotherapy achieved complete remission of the lesions.

La corne cutanée est une maladie de la peau à faible incidence et peu citée dans la littérature. Cet article décrit un chien avec de multiples lésions cutanées de papillomatose et une corne cutanée géante sur la face. Deux séances de cryothérapie ont permis d'obtenir une rémission complète des lésions.

Los cuernos cutáneos son una lesion patológica de baja incidencia y con escasas menciones en la literatura. Este artículo describe un caso de un perro con multiples lesiones cutáneas de papilomatosis y un cuerno cutáneo gigante en la cara. Dos sesiones de crioterapia consiguieron una remisión completa de las lesiones.

O corno cutâneo é uma doença cutânea com baixa incidência e poucas citações na literatura. Este relato descreve um cão com múltiplas lesões cutâneas características de papilomatose e um corno cutâneo gigante na face. Houve remissão completa das lesões após duas sessões de crioterapia.

Clinical features and amino acid profiles of dogs with hepatocutaneous syndrome or hepatocutaneous-associated hepatopathy.

BACKGROUND: Superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND), hepatocutaneous-associated hepatopathy (HCH), aminoaciduria, and hypoaminoacidemia define hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS) in dogs. Dogs without SND but that possess all other syndrome components are not well described. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To define an inclusive syndrome, aminoaciduric canine hypoaminoacidemic hepatopathy syndrome (ACHES) for dogs with HCH or HCS. Compare clinical features, salient clinicopathologic variables, and plasma and urine amino acid (AA) profiles among ACHES cases by skin lesion status. ANIMALS: Dogs of various breeds and ages diagnosed with ACHES (n = 41). A control (CON) cohort (n = 12) provided AA profile data. METHODS: Retrospective case series. Available medical records of previously identified cases were reviewed for salient clinical features and clinical pathology data. Plasma and urine AA profiles were performed. Cutaneous lesion status was classified as none, mild, or fulminant. RESULTS: Thirty cases (73%) developed SND at some time. Dogs with fulminant skin lesions at diagnosis (n = 22/41, 54%) had significantly lower hematocrit (P = .05) and mean corpuscular volume (P = .01) than dogs without SND. Principal component analysis of plasma AA profiles identified distinct clustering of CON from ACHES dogs, but not by skin lesion status. Plasma 1-methylhistidine (<7 nmol/mL) and cystathionine (<7.5 nmol/mL) were robust ACHES biomarkers. Urine lysine (>344 nmol/mg creatinine) and methionine (>68 nmol/mg creatinine) also were useful ACHES biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Specific AA biomarkers provide additional diagnostic utility in ACHES. Data suggests that HCH is an early stage, and SND a later stage manifestation of ACHES.

Treatment and outcomes of dogs with hepatocutaneous syndrome or hepatocutaneous-associated hepatopathy.

BACKGROUND: Superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND) in dogs is a rare disorder most commonly associated with hepatocutaneous syndrome. Although often reported as fatal, sporadically reported long-term remissions might be more common than previously believed and linked to treatment regimens. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Evaluate treatments and associated outcomes in dogs with hepatocutaneous-associated hepatopathy (HCH) with or without SND, designated collectively aminoaciduric canine hypoaminoacidemic hepatopathy syndrome (ACHES). ANIMALS: Forty-one dogs of various breeds and ages diagnosed with ACHES. METHODS: Retrospective study. Electronic surveys, medical records (2014-2019), and communication with veterinarians provided data. Three treatment categories were each dichotomized: IV amino acid (IV-AA) infusions (≥2 vs <2), supplements including S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), arginine with ornithine, glutathione, lysine, proline, omega-3 fatty acids, or zinc (≥3 vs <3), and diet type (home-cooked vs commercial). Optimal treatment was defined as receiving ≥2 IV-AA treatments, ≥3 nutritional supplements, and a home-cooked diet. RESULTS: Most dogs (29/41, 71%) received IV-AA infusions (23/29, ≥2 infusions). Twenty-one dogs (51%) were fed commercial diets; 17/41 (41%) were fed home-cooked diets. Most dogs received SAMe (32/41, 78%) and a median of 3 supplements. In 4 dogs, HCH remission occurred. Overall all-cause median survival time (MST) was 359 days, and disease-specific MST was 557 days (range, 1-1783 days). Optimally treated dogs (n = 9) lived significantly longer (MST, >1783 days, P = .02) than variably treated dogs (MST, 214 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Optimized ACHES management can resolve SND and HCH and confer long-term survival.