[Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning in dogs: Retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory diagnostic data]. / Vergiftung mit Cumarinderivaten beim Hund: Retrospektive Analyse klinischer und labordiagnostischer Daten.

OBJECTIVE: In this retrospective study, patient records of dogs suffering from poisoning with coumarin derivatives were evaluated to characterize the clinical appearance more precisely. MATERIAL UND METHODS: Retrospective data analysis included 52 dogs with hemostaseologically proven anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning which were treated as inpatients at the Clinic for Small Animals between September 2011 and October 2018. RESULTS: In only 2 dogs (4%) the intake of poison could be observed with certainty. The most common clinical signs observed were reduced general behavior (79%), pallor of the mucosa (79%), anorexia (60%), and dyspnea/tachypnea (60%). In contrast, macroscopically visible internal and external bleedings occurred less frequently. Initially, all cases showed a highly altered prothrombin time and most patients a considerably prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time. Anemia was present in 75% of patients. All dogs included in the study received initially an intravenous treatment with 10 mg/kg vitamin K1. Pretreatment with 1 mg/kg prednisolone was given for prophylaxis of possible incompatibility reactions. No patient showed signs of anaphylactic reaction. Transfusions of whole blood or concentrated red cells were given to only 10 of the 52 animals; only one received 2 transfusions of erythrocytes. 94% of the animals could be discharged home for outpatient therapy after a median length of hospitalization of 3 days (1-9 days) with physiological or almost physiological coagulation test results. CONCLUSION: Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning is often associated with non-specific symptoms and good prognosis if treated adequately. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Coagulation diagnostics is always indicated in cases with unclear disorders. In life-threatening emergencies, immediate intravenous infusion of high-dose vitamin K1 is a very effective treatment and results in a rapid increase in coagulation factor activity.

Dilated cardiomyopathy of possible dietary origin in a cat.

An 11-year-old spayed female domestic shorthaired cat was diagnosed with severe dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and congestive heart failure. The cat had been eating cat foods that were high in pulses (e.g. peas, lentils, chickpeas). Neither plasma nor whole blood taurine concentrations were deficient. Primary treatment included furosemide, pimobendan, and clopidogrel, and changing to diets that did not contain pulses (a taurine supplements was not administered). The cat's clinical signs improved, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I concentrations decreased, and echocardiographic measurements stayed relatively stable for over one year after initiating cardiac medications and changing the diet. Ultimately, the cat was euthanized for worsening congestive heart failure 374 days after the diagnosis of DCM. Infectious disease testing during the time of clinical surveillance was negative. Routine histopathology of the heart was unremarkable, but electron microscopy of the left ventricle showed large numbers of mitochondria of variable size and structure. A moderate number of lamellar bodies and autophagic vacuoles also were noted. This case report illustrates an unusual case of a cat with DCM unrelated to taurine deficiency. The relative roles of diet change, cardiac medications, and a dedicated owner are unclear, but this cat's relatively long survival time is similar to that seen after diet change in dogs and cats with DCM eating high-pulse diets.

Randomized controlled trial of hydrolyzed fish diets in dogs with chronic enteropathy.

BACKGROUND: The role of diet in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic enteropathies (CE) in dogs is unresolved. OBJECTIVES: To compare the ability of diets composed of hydrolyzed fish, rice starch, and fish oil without (HF) or with prebiotics, turmeric, and high cobalamin (HF+) against a limited ingredient diet containing mixed nonhydrolyzed antigens and oils (control) to resolve clinical signs and maintain serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in dogs with nonprotein losing CE (non-PLE). To determine the ability of hydrolyzed fish diets to support recovery and remission in dogs with PLE. ANIMALS: Thirty-one client-owned dogs with CE: 23 non-PLE, 8 PLE. METHODS: Randomized, blinded, controlled trial. Diets were fed for 2 weeks; responders continued for 12 weeks. Nonresponders were crossed over to another diet for 12 weeks. Response was determined by standardized clinical evaluation with long-term follow-up at 26 weeks. Concurrent medications were allowed in PLE. RESULTS: Nineteen of 23 (83%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 60%-94%) non-PLE CE responded clinically to their initial diet, with no difference between diets (P > .05). Four nonresponders responded to another diet, with sustained remission of 18/18 (100%; 95%CI, 78%-100%) at 26 weeks. Serum cobalamin concentration was increased (P < .05) and maintained by diet. Serum folate concentration decreased posttreatment (P < .05) but was restored by dietary supplementation. Hydrolyzed fish diets supported weight gain, serum albumin concentration, and recovery (P < .05) in dogs with PLE. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Changing diet, independent of antigen restriction or supplemental ingredients, induced long-term remission in dogs with non-PLE CE. Serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were maintained by diet. Hydrolyzed fish diets supported clinical recovery and remission in PLE.

Faecal microbiome transplantation improves clinical signs of chronic idiopathic large bowel diarrhoea in working dogs.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diarrhoea is a common clinical sign in dogs with chronic enteropathy, and psyllium husk has been shown to improve clinical signs in affected dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether faecal microbiome transplant has a similar effect in alleviating clinical signs in dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhoea. METHOD: Thirty large-breed working dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhoea were divided into a psyllium group (PG) and a faecal microbiome transplant group (FMTG). To the PG, 16 g/day of psyllium husk was administered for 30 days. The FMTG received faecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) once via enema. A daily log of faecal characteristics was kept, and the dogs' canine inflammatory bowel disease index (CIBDAI) and body condition scores (BCS) were determined. A Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to compare group results. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier test was used to evaluate the occurrence rate of 1 day or more of diarrhoea and 2 days or more of diarrhoea by day 30. RESULTS: The sample had a mean age of 3.9 ± 2.1 years and a bodyweight of 25.3 ± 6.8 kg. The FMTG showed a more rapid onset of CIBDAI improvement but no difference in other measures. At 30 days, the FMTG showed a greater improvement in bodyweight and BCS, but no differences were observed in faecal scores, defaecation frequency and time of appearance of episodes of diarrhoea. Time played a significant positive role in the results observed across both groups (p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: This study did not compare the microbiomes of the dogs before and after treatment, so the role of specific types of bacteria cannot be determined. CONCLUSION: Psyllium husk and FMT had similar effects in improving clinical signs of chronic large bowel diarrhoea.

Immunoglobulin E-specific allergens against leaf in serum of dogs with clinical features of grass leaf allergy.

BACKGROUND: Grass leaf has been suspected of causing immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated immediate hypersensitivity reactions in humans and dogs. However, most studies in this area are case-control studies without in vitro data showing the involvement of IgE in the reaction. Laboratory studies have demonstrated the reactivity to a 50-55 kDa protein with clinical signs immediately after contact with grass leaf material. The clinical findings of dogs with atopic-like dermatitis immediately after contact with grass leaf material suggest the involvement of grass leaves as the allergen source. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to test the IgE-reactivity of grass leaf proteins in dogs with clinical signs and positive scratch test results against grass leaf material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The serum of 41 patients with a history of allergy and suspected to grass leaf material was immunoblotted against grass leaf extracts from five suspected grass species. The IgE-positive blots were separated with 2D gel electrophoresis and analysed with mass spectrometry (MS). Commercially supplied proteins were used to validate immunoblot activity. RESULTS: The serum of 25 dogs diagnosed with grass dermatitis had positive IgE-specific immunoblot against one or more grass leaf extracts. The MS data indicated a reactive band at 55 kDa to be beta-amylase or RuBisCO (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) large subunit (RbLS). All tested dog sera showed IgE-reactivity with beta-amylase and some with RbLS. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Canines with clinical signs of grass-related dermatitis had IgE-reactivity against grass leaf proteins. Serum IgE-reactivity to beta-amylase and RuBisCO large subunit may indicate that these proteins act as allergens, possibly causing pruritus and skin lesions.

Iatrogenic symptomatic hypoadrenocorticism after treatment with trilostane for hyperadrenocorticism in dogs: eight cases (2008-2019).

OBJECTIVES: Trilostane is the medical treatment of choice for hyperadrenocorticism. Iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism is thought to be rare, with most cases being transient and only a few cases of permanent hypoadrenocorticism have been reported. This study reports findings from eight cases of iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism and examines the presence of concurrent diseases at the time of diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs treated for hyperadrenocorticism with trilostane since 2008 were reviewed, and cases of clinical iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism were extracted. Cases were considered permanent if long-term replacement therapy was required. RESULTS: Eight dogs met the inclusion criteria. The time between the beginning of trilostane treatment and the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism ranged from 4 days to 13 months, and the dosage of trilostane ranged between 1 and 8 mg/kg/day. Six dogs had a suspicion of concurrent disease at the time of hypoadrenocorticism diagnosis. The trilostane dose was decreased in two dogs; trilostane was withdrawn in one case without further relapse of hyperadrenocorticism; and glucocorticoids with or without mineralocorticoid supplementation were prescribed in five dogs. Two of these five dogs were lost to follow-up, and the other three had a diagnosis of permanent hypoadrenocorticism. Adrenal gland ultrasonography in these three dogs showed a progressive reduction in gland sizes with heterogeneous echogenicity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of trilostane treatment in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. The occurrence of a concurrent disease might trigger the development of clinical signs of hypoadrenocorticism in previously subclinical dogs.

A comparative review of evaporative dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction in dogs and humans.

Dry eye disease is a complex ophthalmic disorder that consists of two main subtypes, aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE) and evaporative dry eye disease (EDED). Due to the complex underlying physiology, human dry eye disease can be difficult to model in laboratory animal species. Thus, the identification and characterization of a spontaneous large animal model of dry eye disease is desirable. Dogs have been described as an ideal spontaneous model of ADDE due to the similar pathophysiology between dogs and humans. Recently, EDED and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) have been increasingly recognized and reported in dogs. These reports on EDED and MGD in dogs have identified similarities in pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and diagnostic parameters to humans with the comparable disorders. Additionally, the tests that are used to diagnose EDED and MGD in humans are more easily applicable to dogs than to laboratory species due to the comparable globe sizes between dogs and humans. The reported response of dogs to EDED and MGD therapies are similar to humans, suggesting that they would be a valuable preclinical model for the development of additional therapeutics. Further research and clinical awareness of EDED and MGD in dogs would increase their ability to be utilized as a preclinical model, improving the positive predictive value of therapeutics for EDED and MGD in both humans and dogs.

Localized cutaneous calcinosis associated with leptospirosis in a 4-month-old beagle puppy.

A 4-month-old male beagle dog was presented for a 15-day history of firm cutaneous nodules. Histopathological examination of skin biopsies revealed calcinosis cutis. However, re-evaluation 40 d later confirmed spontaneous resolution of the lesions without specific treatment. Two weeks before development of the skin lesions, this dog had been hospitalized and treated for acute renal and hepatic disease attributed to leptospirosis, with both PCR and serology positive for Leptospira australis. Calcinosis cutis secondary to a systemic disease (leptospirosis, blastomycosis) has been rarely reported. In this case, the suspected pathogenesis included organic stress (cortisol hypersecretion) and abnormal calcium/phosphorus metabolism during acute renal failure. To our knowledge, this is the third published case of cutis calcinosis associated with leptospirosis in dogs. Key clinical message: Previous leptospirosis should be considered in a dog with calcinosis cutis. The cutaneous lesions appeared after acute leptospirosis and regressed spontaneously.

Calcinose cutanée localisée associée à une leptospirose chez un chiot Beagle de 4 mois. Un Beagle mâle de 4 mois a été présenté en consultation à la suite de l'apparition de nodules cutanés fermes 15 jours auparavant. L'examen histopathologique de biopsies cutanées a révélé une calcinose cutanée. Le contrôle à 40 jours a confirmé une résolution spontanée des lésions sans traitement spécifique. Deux semaines avant le développement des lésions cutanées, ce chien avait été hospitalisé et traité pour une maladie rénale et hépatique, attribuée à une leptospirose. Les examens PCR et sérologique étaient positifs pour Leptospira australis. La calcinose cutanée secondaire à une maladie systémique (leptospirose, blastomycose) est rarement rapportée et le mécanisme étiopathogénique suspecté comprenait un stress organique (hypersécrétion de cortisol) et un déséquilibre du métabolisme phosphocalcique lors de l'épisode d'insuffisance rénale aiguë. À notre connaissance, il s'agit du troisième cas publié de calcinose cutanée associée à la leptospirose chez le chien.Message clinique clé:Une potentielle leptospirose antérieure doit être mentionnée chez un chien atteint de calcinose cutanée. Les lésions cutanées semblent apparaître de manière décalée et régresser spontanément.(Traduit par Claude Muller).

Atypical chorioretinal lesions in Siberian Husky dogs with primary angle-closure glaucoma: a case series.

BACKGROUND: A number of etiologies for different canine chorioretinal lesions have been proved or suggested but some fundic lesions remain unclear in terms of an etiologic diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis. The purpose of this case series is to describe atypical chorioretinal lesions observed in dogs with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). CASE PRESENTATION: Two spayed-female Siberian Huskies (3- and 4-year-old) and one Siberian Husky/Australian Shepherd mixed breed dog (11-month-old) that had multifocal depigmented retinal lesions and PACG were included. PROCEDURES: Ophthalmic examination, gross, and histopathologic examination findings are described. One of the dogs underwent further clinical diagnostics. Advanced clinical diagnostics on the fellow, presumed to be non-glaucomatous eye of a dog revealed: pectinate ligament dysplasia by gonioscopy, retinal thinning in the depigmented area and wedge shaped retinal thinning with delayed choroidal vascular perfusion by optical coherence tomography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. Quantifiable maze testing for the same eye revealed mild nyctalopia but the full-field electroretinogram showed no generalized decrease of retinal function. Genetic testing for mutations within the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator gene causing X-linked progressive retinal atrophy in Siberian Huskies was negative. Histopathologic evaluations on enucleated eyes in two dogs confirmed goniodysgenesis, PACG with optic nerve head cupping, and diffuse inner retinal atrophy. In addition, segmental profound retinal atrophy, loss of retinal pigment epithelium, and adhesion of the retina to Bruch's membrane was observed and coincided with multifocal depigmented lesions noted on fundic examination. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first case series with clinical and histopathologic data of chorioretinal lesions, most likely caused by severely impaired choroidal perfusion. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the etiology and pathophysiology, including its possible association with PACG.

Diagnosis and Conservative Management of Primary Lymphedema Resulting From Multiple Aplastic Lymphocenters in a Dog.

A 6-week-old 7.4-kg (16.3-lb) sexually intact male Great Dane with a history of severe peripheral edema within the head, neck, limbs, and tail since birth was referred for further evaluation. A whole-body computed tomography examination documented severe subcutaneous edema multifocally associated with numerous hypoplastic and aplastic lymphocenters, particularly the left axillary, iliosacral, inguinal, and popliteal lymphocenters bilaterally. A congenital anomaly of the lymphatic system resulting in lymphedema was strongly suspected. The dog was managed with a combination of low-fat diet, rutin, and furosemide initially. In addition, the owner used a combination of compression socks and therapeutic massage several times daily along with carprofen and gabapentin for pain and inflammation. The patient was hospitalized to receive supportive care several times over a 2-year period for treatment of fever associated with cellulitis resulting in secondary wounds and infections. To the author's knowledge, this report represents the first case of presumed congenital lymphedema diagnosed with computed tomography and successful long-term medical management without surgical intervention.

The effect of photobiomodulation therapy on the management of chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhea in dogs.

To evaluate photobiomodulation therapy's effectiveness (PBMT) in managing chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhea. Thirty dogs were selected and divided into a control (CG) and treatment group (TG). CG received psyllium husk at the dose of 4 tablespoons/day for 30 days. TG received PBMT with a Class IV therapeutic laser, divided into three sessions on week 1, two sessions on week 2, and one session on week 3. A daily log of fecal characteristics was maintained, and on days 0, 8, 15, and 30, a canine inflammatory bowel disease index (CIBDAI) and body condition scores (BCS) were obtained. Results were compared using a Mann-Whitney test. Multiple regression was run to predict CIBDAI, Bristol stool scores, and diarrhea from different parameters. The Kaplan-Meier test was used to compare the occurrence rate of ≥ 1 day of diarrhea and ≥ 2 days of diarrhea by 30 days. Cox regression analysis to investigate interest covariates influences the same outcome. A p < 0.05 was set. The sample included 15 Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs, 10 German Shepherd Dogs, and 5 Dutch Shepherd Dog, with a mean age of 3.6 ± 2.3 years and a bodyweight of 24.6 ± 8.0 kg. TG showed an improvement in all scores and clinical signs, increased body weight, and BCS. An increased time of appearance of a second episode of diarrhea was observed in both groups. Activity level contributed to the prediction of defecation frequency and CIBDAI. PBMT significantly improved clinical signs and frequency of diarrhea episodes compared to psyllium husk.

Unusual case of polyarthritis and hepatorenal syndrome associated with Leptospira interrogans infection in a dog: A case report.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by spirochetal bacterial of the genus Leptospira affecting virtually all mammals. The infection has a broad range of effects, from mild clinical manifestation to multiple organ failure, and ultimately death. A 5-months-old male unvaccinated dog was admitted to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital presenting dullness, dehydration, jaundiced mucous, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and hyporexia. Microscopic agglutination test (MAT) detected serological titers of 1:1.600 for serogroup Canicola. After five days of monitoring by the medical team he developed fever and swelling of carpal and tarsal joints, accompanied by functional limitation. Initial antimicrobial treatment was instituted for leptospirosis. Polyarthritis responsiveness to glucocorticoid therapy was observed through decreasing signs of inflammation of the affected joints. The diagnosis of leptospirosis was further confirmed by molecular investigation for Leptospira spp. on blood and synovial fluid samples. Amplification and sequencing of the secY partial gene characterized the infective bacterial as Leptospira interrogans. From the 7th day the respiratory condition worsened and on Day 14 the patient evolved to death, when necropsy and histological evaluation were performed. Prominent anatomopathological findings included: fibrinous polyarthritis, bronchointerstitial pneumonia, intense hepatocyte dissociation, cholestasis, and periportal multifocal hepatitis, diffuse acute tubular necrosis, and significant dystrophic mineralization in the renal parenchyma, lungs, and atrial endocardium. Here, we present a case report of systemic clinical manifestations polyarthritis associated with the presence of leptospiras in the synovial fluid. We highlight the need for richer knowledge about the different clinical manifestations of leptospirosis.

Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome in a cross-breed dog.

Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease reported only in certain pure-breed dogs. An 18-month-old, male neutered beagle cross-breed was presented for evaluation of severe lethargy, progressive weakness and anorexia. Main clinicopathological findings included low body condition score (2.5/9), severe muscle atrophy, several neurological abnormalities, mild normochromic, normocytic, non-regenerative anaemia, severe hypocobalaminemia and mild proteinuria. Extensive diagnostic tests ruled out most of differential diagnoses for the aforementioned clinicopathological abnormalities and genetic evaluation showed that the dog was heterozygous for two previously described mutations affecting the CUBN gene, the beagle and the border collie variants. The dog showed an excellent clinical response to oral cobalamin supplementation with no relapse after 4 months. In conclusion, this case creates awareness that Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome should be considered even in mixed-breed dogs with compatible clinical signs and that two different pathogenic CUBN mutations in compound heterozygosity can lead to a typical Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome phenotype.

Thiamine deficiency in a dog associated with exclusive consumption of boiled sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas): Serial changes in clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging findings and blood lactate and thiamine concentrations.

Thiamine (vitamin B1 ) is an essential nutrient that significantly influences ATP production in the body. It needs to be supplemented consistently through an exogenous source to prevent deficiency; however, it is easily affected by a variety of mitigating factors. Additionally, thiamine requirements can be influenced by an individual's dietary composition. The nervous system is particularly vulnerable to thiamine deficiency due to its high metabolic demand. Thiamine deficiency is typically diagnosed based on clinical signs, dietary history and response to thiamine administration. A 5-year-old neutered male Maltese Terrier dog presented with an acute onset of seizures and generalized ataxia. The dog was exclusively fed boiled sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) as a primary diet source for 4 weeks. MR findings and hyperlactatemic conditions were consistent with thiamine deficiency, and the diagnosis was confirmed by measuring thiamine concentrations in blood using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Appropriate thiamine supplementation and diet changes resulted in a rapid improvement in neurological signs. Repeated MR imaging 2 weeks after starting the treatment completely resolved the previously identified abnormalities, and repeated measurements of blood lactate and thiamine levels revealed complete recovery of the thiamine-deficient status.

Effect of an oral probiotic nutraceutical containing Aspergillus-derived ingredients on a serum and urine galactomannan antigen assay in dogs.

A commercial Aspergillus galactomannan antigen (GMA) enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is used to support a diagnosis of systemic aspergillosis in dogs. In human patients, false positive results have been associated with administration of medications derived from molds. We sought to determine the effect of administration of a commercially available oral probiotic nutraceutical that contained Aspergillus-derived ingredients on serum and urine Aspergillus GMA levels in dogs by conducting a prospective, cross-over study. Galactomannan index (GMI) was measured on the solubilized probiotic nutraceutical and was positive (GMI ≥ 0.5) with a mean of 7.91. Serum and urine galactomannan indices were measured in 10 healthy dogs before (day 0) and after 1 week (day 7) of probiotic nutraceutical administration, then again 2 weeks after the probiotic nutraceutical was discontinued (day 21). Median (range) serum GMI were 0.19 (0.08-0.62), 0.22 (0.07-1.15) and 0.17 (0.14-0.63) at day 0, 7 and 21, respectively. Two of 10 dogs developed positive GMI (≥0.5) results after probiotic nutraceutical administration; however, no significant changes were noted over the study period. Median (range) urine GMI results were 0.06 (0.04-0.22), 0.07 (0.05-0.41) and 0.06 (0.03-0.16) at day 0, 7 and 21, respectively. A trend towards an increase urine GMI was noted between day 0 and 7 (P = 0.18), and decrease was noted between day 7 and 21 (P = 0.09). Administration of probiotics containing Aspergillus-derived ingredients to dogs did not reliably result in elevated Aspergillus GMA levels.

Detection and Inhibition of IgE for cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants evident in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of allergen-specific IgE in the sera of dogs and cats.

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated recently that immunoglobulin (Ig)E specific for cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) is present in the serum of allergen-sensitized dogs and cats, and that these CCD-specific antibodies might confound serological testing. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: The objective was to document the prevalence of CCD detectable in a monoclonal cocktail-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay designed for the detection of allergen-specific IgE in the sera of dogs and cats, and to define a means for successful inhibition of these CCD. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The incidence of reactivity to bromelain and a commercially available inhibitor of carbohydrate-specific antibodies (RIDA-CCD) was evaluated in 100 dog sera samples before and after inhibition with RIDA-CCD and a proprietary inhibitor containing carbohydrates derived from bromelain (BROM-CCD). Subsequently, sera from 600 dogs and 600 cats were evaluated using a serum diluent with and without BROM-CCD. RESULTS: Both the RIDA-CCD and BROM-CCD inhibitors demonstrated successful reduction of CCD reactivity, although a more efficient profile of inhibition was evident with BROM-CCD. Mite reactivity in dog and cat sera was largely unaffected; however, substantial inhibition for pollen allergens (trees, grasses and weeds) was shown. After BROM-CCD inhibition, 1% of canine samples and 13% of feline samples were rendered completely negative for allergen reactivity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The results demonstrate that BROM-CCD is effective in reducing reactions with irrelevant carbohydrates, and that inhibition of CCD reactivity might substantially alter the outcome of the in vitro reactivity profile used for selection of allergens to be included in an immunotherapeutic regime.

Medical honey for canine nasal intertrigo: A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, adaptive clinical trial to support antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary dermatology.

Intertrigo is a skin fold dermatitis often requiring recurrent treatment with topical antiseptics or antibiotics, which can select antimicrobial resistance. To minimize this risk, we tested the effectiveness of medical-grade Manuka honey at treating intertrigo as compared to a placebo hydrogel. We additionally characterized the culturable microbial flora of intertrigo and recorded any adverse effect with either treatment. During this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, adaptive group-sequential trial, the owners washed the affected sites on their dog with water, dried and applied a thin film of either the honey or the placebo product once daily for 21 days. Cytological and lesional composite scores, owner-assessed pruritus, and microbial cultures were assessed prior to treatment and on Day-22. The fixed effects of time, treatment, and animal-related variables on the pruritus and on each composite score, accounting for random dog effect, were estimated separately with generalized linear mixed models for repeated count outcomes (α = 0.05). The null hypothesis of equal treatment effects was rejected at the first interim analysis. The placebo (n = 16 dogs) outperformed the medical honey (n = 13 dogs) at improving both the cytological score (Treatment×Time = -0.35±0.17; P = 0.04) and clinical score (Treatment×Time = -0.28±0.13; P = 0.04). A microbial burden score higher than 4 increased the severity of the cytological score (dichotomous score: 0.29±0.11; P = 0.01), which in turn increased the severity of the clinical score and pruritus score. For every unit increase in cytological score, the linear predictor of clinical score increased by 0.042±0.019 (P = 0.03), and the one of pruritus score increased by 0.12±0.05 (P = 0.01). However, medical honey outperformed the placebo at alleviating the dog's owner-assessed pruritus after statistically controlling for masking effects (Time = -0.94±0.24; P = 0.002; and Treatment×Time = 0.80±0.36; P = 0.04). Unilateral tests of the least-square mean estimates revealed that honey only significantly improved the pruritus (Hommel-adjusted P = 0.003), while the placebo only improved the cytological and clinical scores (Hommel-adjusted P = 0.01 and 0.002, respectively). Taken together, these results question the value of Manuka honey at treating nasal intertrigo in dogs.

Análise da ocorrência dos critérios de Favrot e das comorbidades apresentadas por cães com dermatite atópica atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Fluminense / Analysis of the occurrence of Favrot's criteria and comorbidities presented by dogs with atopic dermatitis treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Federal Fluminense

O objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar a ocorrência dos critérios de Favrot em cães diagnosticados com Dermatite Atópica Canina (DAC) no Hospital Veterinário Professor Firmino Mársico Filho da Universidade Federal Fluminense, bem como sua associação com doenças concomitantes. Foram analisadas 2199 fichas propedêuticas com queixas dermatológicas, dos anos de 2016 e 2017. Do total, 165 (7,5%) animais foram diagnosticados com DACdos quais 94 (57%) eram fêmeas e 71 (43%) machos. Embora os cães mestiços fossem a maioria dos casos (22,4%), a raça pura mais frequentemente acometida foi a Poodle (12,5%). Foram identificados 134 (81,2%) cães com cinco ou mais critérios de Favrot, sendo 32,7% animais com seis critérios, 26,7% com cinco critérios, 17,0% com sete critérios e 4,8% com oito critérios. Enfatiza-se o aparecimento em mais de 90% dos casos os critérios intradomiciliado, com prurido primário, responsivo à corticoterapia e com bordas das pinas não acometidas. Dos 165 animais avaliados, 115 (69,7%) eram portadores de uma ou mais afecções concomitantes à DAC, sendo a otite externa a principal (73%). Considera-se que os critérios de Favrot podem ser aplicados para a triagem dos pacientes com suspeita de dermatite atópica canina atendidos no HUVET-UFF.

The objective of this study was to analyze the occurrence of Favrot criteria in dogs diagnosed with Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD) at the Veterinary Hospital Professor Firmino Mársico Filho of Universidade Federal Fluminense, as well as its association with concomitant diseases. A total of 2199 propaedeutic records with dermatological complaints from 2016 and 2017 were analyzed. Of the total, 165 (7.5%) animals were diagnosed with CAD. Among those diagnosed with CAD, 94 (57%) were females and 71 (43%) males. Although crossbreed dogs were the majority of cases (22.4%), the purebred dog most frequently affected by CAD was the Poodle (12.5%). One hundred and thirty four (81.2%) animals were identified with five or more Favrot criteria, 32.7% animals with six criteria, 26.7% with five criteria, 17.0% with seven criteria and 4.8% with eight criteria. It emphasizes the appearance in more than 90% of criteria, dog living mostly indoors,alesional pruritus, glucocorticoid-responsive pruritus and nonaffected ear margins. Of the 165 animals evaluated, 115 (69.7%) had one or more conditions concomitant with CAD, with otitis externa being the main one (73%). It is considered that the Favrot criteria can be applied for the screening of patients with suspected canine atopic dermatitis treated at HUVET-UFF.

Diagnosis and treatment of demodicosis in dogs and cats: Clinical consensus guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology.

BACKGROUND: Demodicosis is a common disease in small animal veterinary practice worldwide with a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic options. OBJECTIVES: To provide consensus recommendations on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of demodicosis in dogs and cats. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The authors served as a Guideline Panel (GP) and reviewed the literature available before December 2018. The GP prepared a detailed literature review and made recommendations on selected topics. A draft of the document was presented at the North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum in Maui, HI, USA (May 2018) and at the European Veterinary Dermatology Congress in Dubrovnik, Croatia (September 2018) and was made available via the World Wide Web to the member organizations of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology for a period of three months. Comments were solicited and responses were incorporated into the final document. CONCLUSIONS: In young dogs with generalized demodicosis, genetic and immunological factors seem to play a role in the pathogenesis and affected dogs should not be bred. In old dogs and cats, underlying immunosuppressive conditions contributing to demodicosis should be explored. Deep skin scrapings are the diagnostic gold standard for demodicosis, but trichograms and tape squeeze preparations may also be useful under certain circumstances. Amitraz, macrocyclic lactones and more recently isoxazolines have all demonstrated good efficacy in the treatment of canine demodicosis. Therapeutic selection should be guided by local drug legislation, drug availability and individual case parameters. Evidence for successful treatment of feline demodicosis is strongest for lime sulfur dips and amitraz baths.

[Follow-up study in German Hunting Terrier dogs with exercise induced metabolic myopathy]. / Verlaufsuntersuchungen bei Deutschen Jagdterriern mit belastungsabhängiger metabolischer Myopathie.

OBJECTIVE: Exercise induced metabolic myopathy in German Hunting Terrier dogs is an autosomal-recessively inherited disorder, caused by a nonsense variant of the gene encoding for the very long-chain acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (VLCAD) enzyme. Clinical signs include exercise- induced fatigue, muscle pain and weakness. In the present study, the long-term course of this disease was investigated over a period of 1 year in 9 affected German Hunting Terriers. The dogs were treated symptomatically with oral L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10 and a special diet characterized by a low content of long-chain fatty acids and a high proportion of carbohydrates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 9 affected dogs, the phenotype as well as clinical, laboratory parameters, and histopathological findings are described (time point 1) and compared to follow-up examinations 1 year later (time point 2). At both time points clinical and neurological examinations, complete blood cell count, clinical chemistry profile and the concentration of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were investigated. RESULTS: In the follow-up examinations, the same post-exercise clinical signs were present as in the initial presentation of the homozygous dogs. Dark-brownish discoloration of the urine, weakness, myalgia as well as stiff and tetraparetic gait were apparant. All hematological values and the concentration of NT-proBNP were within the relevant reference ranges. Plasma CK and ALT activities were compared between the first presentation and the follow- up examination and no significant differences were detected (pCK = 0.31, pALT = 0.64). Signs of myopathy remained unchanged throughout the examination period. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oral supplementation with L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10 and the special dietary management did not result in any improvement of clinical signs or laboratory parameters. No progression of the disease was observed. The prognosis for affected dogs remains cautious as long-term observations of affected dogs over several years are lacking. Our findings provide further important information on inherited disorders of mitochondrial ß-oxidation in dogs, especially focused on the exercise induced metabolic myopathy in the German Hunting Terrier. This may provide new insights for novel treatment modalities in conjuntion with the development of improved breeding guidelines.