Suspected contact scrotal dermatitis in the dog: a retrospective study of 13 cases (1987 to 2003).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and aetiological aspects of contact dermatitis of the scrotum in dogs. METHODS: The medical records of 13 dogs with suspected scrotal contact dermatitis were retrospectively included in the study. For each case, historical findings, results of physical and dermatological examination and of avoidance tests as well as follow-up were included. Results of re-exposure tests and patch tests were also included when available. RESULTS: Avoidance tests to various suspected substances such as floor detergents, bleach, cement, laundry detergent and plastic fabric were performed and led to clinical improvement in all patients. Provocative re-exposure was performed in six cases, with five positive responses. Patch tests were undertaken in three of the five re-exposed cases, with two responding positively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Scrotal skin is thin and with few hair follicles, and is therefore very susceptible to contact dermatitis. A range of substances can induce contact dermatitis. The diagnosis of contact dermatitis is made by results of avoidance and/or provocation tests and/or patch tests. Once an aetiological agent has been identified, treatment is straightforward consisting of avoidance of this agent.

Clinical, histopathological and genetic data of ichthyosis in the golden retriever: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: We described epidemiological, clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural features of ichthyosis in the golden retriever breed in a prospective study. We also investigated the mode of transmission of this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 150 golden retrievers, 73 of which were affected by ichthyosis (35 males and 38 females). We carried out detailed clinical and histopathological examinations for 40 affected dogs. Transmission electron microscopy was performed for two of them. We used pedigree analysis with the Cyrillic software to determine the mode of transmission. RESULTS: Dermatological signs included a mild to moderate or severe generalised scaling with initially small to large whitish scales and progressively blackish scales. The ventral glabrous skin was hyperpigmented and rough, similar to sandpaper. Histopathological features were characterised by moderate to severe laminated or compact orthokeratotic epidermal hyperkeratosis without significant involvement of the stratum granulosum. Ultrastructural findings revealed laminated or compact keratin layers and numerous persistent corneodesmosomes within the stratum corneum. Analysis of the pedigree suggested an autosomal recessive inheritance. CONCLUSION: The histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics strongly suggest that golden retriever ichthyosis is a retention ichthyosis, caused by absence of corneodesmosomal degradation, transmitted through an autosomal recessive mode.

Localised sarcoptic mange in dogs: a retrospective study of 10 cases.

The authors report 10 cases of localised sarcoptic mange in dogs. In each case, lesions were localised to one precise area of the skin. Pruritus was present in nine cases and absent in one. Affected areas were the feet (one case), the face and/or the pinnae (six cases), the abdominal skin (one case), the flank (one case) and the lumbar area (one case). The types of lesions were erythema, papules, lichenification, scales, crusts and alopecia. Parasites were found in all cases except one, in which anti-immunoglobulin G Sarcoptes serology was positive. The acaricidal treatments given were lindane, ivermectin or selamectin and were all successful.

House dust and forage mite allergens and their role in human and canine atopic dermatitis.

This article reviews the literature regarding the role of house dust and forage mite allergens in canine atopic dermatitis. The presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) to these mites, especially to Dermatophagoides farinae, is common in both normal and atopic dogs. Exposure of dogs to the different mites is described both in the direct environment and in the coat of animals for house dust mites and in the food for forage mites. Allergens causing allergic disease in dogs seem to be different from those in humans. Dogs seem to react to high molecular weight allergens, compared to the low molecular weight group 1 and group 2 proteases that are commonly implicated in humans with atopic diseases. Despite numerous published studies dealing with this subject, a number of questions still need to be addressed to better understand the exact role of these mites in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis and to improve the quality of the allergens used in practice.

Comparison of an antifungal agent with a mixture of antifungal, antibiotic and corticosteroid agents for the treatment of Malassezia species otitis in dogs.

Twenty dogs with otitis externa in both ears and numerous Malassezia species yeasts on cytological examination were treated in one ear with a combination product containing clotrimazole, marbofloxacin and dexamethasone, and in the other ear with a topical antifungal containing miconazole. The effects of the treatments were analysed on the basis of the scores for pruritus, erythema and amount of cerumen, and the number of yeasts on cytological smears. There were reductions in the counts of Malassezia species after both treatments, but the combination product gave significantly greater reductions in erythema, cerumen and pruritus.

Comparison of two sampling techniques to assess quantity and distribution of Malassezia yeasts on the skin of Basset Hounds.

Cytological examination using the tape-strip technique and fungal culture using contact plates with modified Dixon's medium were compared to evaluate the carriage of Malassezia yeasts on four cutaneous sites (left pinna, umbilical region, axilla and perianal area) in adult Basset Hounds. Twenty animals were included in the study. High numbers of Malassezia were isolated from at least one area in 100% of the animals. The frequencies of isolation and population sizes differed significantly according to anatomical location. They were greater on the pinna, followed by the umbilical area, axilla and perianal area. Fungal culture was more sensitive than cytology for the isolation of Malassezia yeasts. Frequencies of isolation were greater using this method, but population sizes were constantly smaller than with cytology.

Morphea-like lesion in a cat.

Scleroderma is a rare chronic disease of connective tissues, involving the skin and/or internal organs in humans, and rarely described in the dog. A case is reported of localised scleroderma in a cat which presented with two well delineated alopecic, sclerotic, raised and shiny lesions localised on the trunk. Diagnosis was made by histopathological examination of skin biopsies which showed the replacement of all dermal components by dense thick collagen bundles. No therapy was instituted and a spontaneous recovery occurred three months later. Clinical and histopathological aspects of this feline dermatosis are compared with human and canine morphea.

Optimal central trapping (OPCETRA) vena caval filter: results of experimental studies.

The authors present the in vitro and in vivo results of use of a new vena caval filter, the optimal central trapping (OPCETRA) filter. The in vitro study was designed to compare the clot-trapping effectiveness of three filters: the OPCETRA, the stainless steel Greenfield, and the original Vena Tech-LGM. Standardized 3-mm, 5-mm, and 7-mm clots were captured in 66%, 100%, and 100% of cases, respectively, with the OPCETRA filter; in 34%, 82%, and 100% of cases with the Greenfield filter; and in 50%, 100%, and 100% of cases with the LGM filter. When filters were tilted 15 degrees, 100% of the 5-mm clots were trapped with the OPCETRA filter versus 50% with the Greenfield (P < 1.04 x 10(-9)) and 70% with the LGM (P < 1.78 x 10(-5)) filters. The in vivo animal study was designed to confirm ease of placement, tolerance, and effectiveness of the OPCETRA filter in sheep. Animals were separated into two groups: Group 1 underwent embolization through the femoral vein 40 days after filter implantation and were killed immediately; group 2 underwent embolization at 90 days and were killed 8 days later. In all cases pathologic analysis on the vena cava wall was performed after resection. The in vivo study demonstrated no tilting or migration with the OPCETRA filter. These encouraging results can be explained by the filter's hourglass shape, the number of arms, and the slow release of the filter at insertion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)