Quantifying the mycobiome and its major constituents on the skin of 20 normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the density, and constituents, of the mycobiome on the skin surface of normal dogs. ANIMALS: 20 normal dogs were recruited for this study, with informed consent in all cases. METHODS: Flocked swabs were used to sample the skin surface and to sample the skin surface after superficial scraping with a blunted scapula. Both samples were taken within a brass guide with an internal area of 3.5 cm-2. Next-generation DNA sequencing was used to identify and quantify components of the mycobiome. RESULTS: The median density of the mycobiome was 1.1 X 105 cm-2 (IQR, 27,561, 409,572). Cladosporium spp and Vishniacozyma victoriae were found on all 20 dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the density and the composition of the cutaneous mycobiome will increase our understanding of skin biology and may have relevance to future therapeutic trials.

Quantification of the bacterial flora and its major constituents on the abdominal skin of clinically healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the density, and the major constituents, of the bacteria on the skin surface of healthy dogs and to assess if scraping the skin before sampling was necessary. ANIMALS: 20 healthy dogs were recruited for the study, with informed consent in all cases. METHODS: Flocked swabs were used to sample the skin surface and to sample the skin surface after superficial scraping with a blunted spatula. Both samples were taken within a brass guide of 3.5 cm-2 area. Next-generation 16S rRNA sequencing was used to identify and quantify components of the bacterial microbiome. RESULTS: The median density of the bacterial microbiome on the ventral abdomen of 20 healthy dogs was approximately 1.1 X 105 cm-2 (IQR 1.22 X 104, 1.6 X 105 cm-2). Sphingomonas species were isolated on 17 of the 20 dogs and Corynebacterium kroppstedtii from 15. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first study to report the density of the canine skin microbiome. Superficial scraping of the skin before swabbing does not affect the result of sampling the microbiome in healthy dogs. These results will increase our understanding of the biology of canine skin.

Effective treatment of canine chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus variants with oclacitinib: Seven cases.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of canine chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) variants generally requires immunosuppression, which often results in potentially severe adverse effects. Janus kinase inhibitors, like oclacitinib, might be a valuable treatment option due to their rapid inhibition of the action of interferons known to be relevant in the pathogenesis of CCLE. OBJECTIVES: To report the efficacy and safety of oral oclacitinib for the treatment of canine CCLE variants. ANIMALS: Seven dogs were diagnosed with CCLE based on clinical signs and compatible histopathological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oclacitinib was administered at the induction dosage of 0.45 mg/kg twice daily to 1.8 mg/kg once daily. The response to treatment was graded as 'good' when there was ≥50% lesion reduction, or as 'complete remission' if all active lesions had resolved. Complete blood counts were performed at variable intervals. RESULTS: A complete remission of all lesions was obtained in the dog with exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus, both dogs with mucocutaneous lupus erythematosus and three of four dogs with facial discoid lupus erythematosus (FDLE); a good response was seen in the remaining dog with FDLE. The first visible improvement of signs was seen within 2-to-3 weeks, while the time to complete remission was around 2 months. Clinical adverse effects were not seen, and haematological parameters remained within the reference range. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oclacitinib may be considered an effective treatment option for different variants of canine CCLE.

The mineral composition of nails in normal dogs and comparison with shed nails in canine idiopathic onychomadesis.

Abstract The mineral analyses of nails from 32 normal dogs were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry or colorimetrically. Data were compared with the mineral analyses of nails from 21 cases of idiopathic canine onychomadesis. German Shepherd dogs were significantly over represented (P < 0.005) in the affected group compared with a reference hospital population. Significant increases in the concentration of calcium (P < 0.05), potassium (P < 0.05), sodium (P < 0.0005) and phosphorus (P < 0.05) were found in nails from affected dogs compared with nails from normal animals. The mineral composition of nails from affected German Shepherd dogs was significantly different from that of affected non-German Shepherd dogs. Normal ranges for the mineral concentrations of normal canine nail are presented for the first time. The different composition of nails from affected German Shepherd dogs compared with nails from other breeds suggests a different aetiology to the onychomadesis, although the cause of the problem remains speculative. Résumé- Des analyses d'ongles de 32 chiens sains ont été déterminées par spectrophotométrie d'absorption atomique ou colométrie. Celles-ci ont été comparées avec celles d'ongles de 21 chiens à onychomadèse idiopathique. Les Bergers allemands sont surreprésentés (P < 0,005) dans le groupe de chiens malades, comparativement à la population de référence. Des augmentations significatives de la concentration de calcium (P < 0,05), de potassium (P < 0,05), de sodium (P < 0,005) et de phosphore (P < 0,05) sont notées dans les ongles des Bergers allemands à onychomadèse idiopathique, par rapport à celles des ongles des chiens atteints, mais non de race Berger allemand. Des valeurs usuelles des concentrations minérales des ongles du chien sont présentées pour la première fois. La composition différente des ongles des Bergers allemands affectés comparéeà celle des ongles des autres races affectées suggère une étiologie différente de l'onychomadèse dans cette race, bien que la cause reste encore imprècise. [Harvey, R. G., Markwell, P. J. The mineral composition of nails in normal dogs and comparison with shed nails in canine idiopathic onychomadesis (Composition minérale des ongles de chiens sains et comparaison avec celle des ongles provenant de chiens à onychomadèse idiopathique). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7: 29-34.] Resumen El análisis mineral de las uñas de 32 perros normales se determinó por espectrofotometría atómica de absorción o colorimétricamente. La información se comparó con los análisis de 21 casos de onicomadesis idiopática canina. Los perros Pastor Aleman estaban significativamente sobrerepresentados (P < 0.005) en el grupo afectado comparado con la población de un hospital de referencia. Se encontraron aumentos significativos en la concentración de calcio (P < 0.05), potasio (P < 0.00005) y fósforo (P < 0.05) en la población afectada, comparado con uñas de animales normales. La composicón mineral de uñas de perros Pastor Alemán afectados fue significativamente distinta de la de los perros no Pastor Alemán afectados. Se presenta por primera vez los valores de las concentración mineral de las uñas normales en el perro. La composición distinta de las uñas de perros Pastor Alemán afectados comparadda con uñas de otras razas sugiere una etiología distinta de la onicomadesis, aunque la causa del problema continúa siendo motivo de especulación. [Harvey, R. G., Markwell, P. J. The mineral composition of nails in normal dogs and comparison with shed nails in canine idiopathic onychomadesis (Composición mineral de las uñas de perros normales comparada con la uñas eliminadas en la onicomadesis idiopática canina). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7: 29-34.] Zusammenfassung- Die Mineralstoffanalyse der Krallen von 32 gesunden Hunden wurde mit Atomabsorptionsspektrometrie oder Kolorimetrie durchgeführt. Die Daten wurden mit Mineralstoffanalysen von Krallen aus 21 Fällen von idiopathischer kaniner Onychomadesis verglichen. Deutsche Schäferhunde waren signifikant überrepräsentiert (P < 0,005) in der betroffenen Gruppen im Vergleich zur einer Referenzpopulation der Klinik. Signifikante Anstiege in der Konzentration von Kalzium (P < 0,05), Kalium (P < 0,05), Natrium (P < 0,0005) und Phosphor (P < 0,05) wurden in den Krallen der betroffener Hunde im Vergleich zu denen gesunder gefunden. Die Mineralstoffzusammensetzung der Krallen betroffener Deutscher Schäferhunde unterschied sich signifikant von der betroffener Hunde anderer Rassen. Referenzbereiche für die Mineralstoffkonzentrationen gesunder Hundekrallen werden erstmalig vorgestellt. Die verschiedene Zusammensetzung der Krallen betroffener Deutscher Schäferhunde im Vergleich zu den Krallen anderer Rassen legt eine unterschiedliche Ätiologie der Onychomadesis nahe, obwohl die Ursache der Störung spekulativ bleibt. [Harvey, R. G., Markwell, P. J. The mineral composition of nails in normal dogs and comparison with shed nails in canine idiopathic onychomadesis (Die Mineralstoffzusammensetzung der krallen gesunder Hunde im Verleich zu abgesto ßenen Krallen bei kaniner idiopathischer Onychomadesis). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7: 29-34.].

The Distribution of Bacteria (Other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the Hair, at the Skin Surface and Within the Hair Follicles of Dogs.

Résumé- La distribution des bactéries, autres que les staphlocoques sur la tige des poils, à la surface cutanée et dans les follicules pileux de 8 chiens est analysée. Sur la tige des poils Micrococcus spp. et les bactéries aérobies gram mégatifs sont plus nombreuses avec des numérations variant de 1,12 à 0,84 log10 (colonies formant unites par cm2 ). Des nombres hautement significatifs (p < 0,05) sont également trouvés. A la surface cutanée Micrococcus spp. des bactéries aérobies gram négatifs et Clostridium sp. sont les plus nombreuses avec des numérations respectives variant de 0,62, 1,12 et 0,84 log10 (colonies formant unités par cm2 ). Des nombres hautement significatifs (p < 0,05) de Micrococcus spp. sont trouvés de façon plus importante à l'intérieur des follicules pileux qu' à la surface cutanée, les Streptocoques et Bacillus sp. ont été trouvés respectivement sur cinq et quatre chiens. Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp. Nocardia sp. sont occasion-nellement trouvés. [HARVEY, R.G., LLOYD, D.H. The distribution of bacteria (other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the hair, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of dogs (Distribution des bactéries autres que Staphylococci et Propionibacterium acnes) sur le poil, à la surface de al peau et dans les follicules pileux). Resumen- Presentamos la localizatión de bacterias noestafilocócicas en el pelo, en la superficie cutánea y dentro del foliculo piloso de ocho perros. En los pelos, Micrococcus spp. abundantes, con contajes medios entre 1.12 a 0.84 Log10 (unidades formadoras de colonias +1) cm-1 , respectivamente. Se encontró a nivel proximal un número significativamente mayor (p < 0.05) de bacterias aeróbicas gram-negativas y Bacillus spp. En la superficie cutánea, Micrococcus spp., las bacterias aeróbicas contajes medios de 0.62, 1.12 y 0.84 Log10 (unidades formadoras de colonias +1) cm"2 , respectivamente. Se aisló un número significativamente mayor (p < 0.05) de Micrococcus spp. dentro de los foliculos pilosos que en la superficie cutánea (p < 0.05). Se aisló Streptococi y Bacillus spp. en cinco y cuatro perros, respectivamente. Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp. y Nocardia spp. fueron hallados ocasionalmente. [HARVEY, R.G., LLOYD, D.H. The distribution of bacteria (other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the hair, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of dogs (Localizatión de bacterias (exceptuando Staphilococci y Propionibacterium acnes) en el pelo, en la superficie cutánea y dentro de los foliculos pilosos). Abstract- The distribution of bacteria, other than staphylococci, on the hair shaft, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of eight dogs is reported. On the hair shafts Micrococcus spp. and aerobic Gram-negative bacteria were most numerous, with mean counts ranging from 1.12 to 0.84 Log10 (colony forming units + 1) cm"1 respectively. Significantly higher numbers (p < 0.05) of Gram-negative bacteria and Bacillus sp. were found proximally. At the skin surface Micrococcus spp., aerobic Gram-negative bacteria and Clostridium spp. were the most numerous with mean counts of 0.62, 1.12 and 0.84 Log10 (colony forming units + 1) cm"2 , respectively. Significantly higher numbers (p < 0.05) of Micrococcus spp. were found within the hair follicles than on the skin surface (p < 0.05). Streptococci and Bacillus spp. were found on five and four dogs, respectively. Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Nocardia spp. were occasionally found.

A Temporal Study Comparing the Carriage of Staphylococcus intermedius on Normal Dogs with Atopic Dogs in Clinical Remission.

Résumé- Le portage de Staphylococcus intermedius dans les narines, le pourtour anal et la ligne blanche a été compare chez 10 chiens sains et 19 chiens atopiques cliniquement controlés, recevant de faibles doses, à jours alternés, de prednisone pendant une période six mois. Un test du x2 n'a pas permis de mettre en évidence une différence significative du taux d'isolement de S. intermedius entre les deux groupes en aucune localisation ni en regroupant l'ensemble des localisations [Harvey, R. G., Noble, W. C. A temporal study comparing the carriage of Saphylococcus intermedius on normal dogs with atopic dogs in clinical remission (Etue comparative du portage de Staphylococcus intermedius chez les chiens sains et atopiques cliniquement guéris). Abstract- A temporal study of the carriage of Staphylococcus intermedius from the nares, anal ring and ventral midline of 10 normal dogs was compared to that of 19 atopic dogs receiving low dose, alternate-day prednisolone over a period of six months and maintained in clinical remission. Chi-squared comparison of the two groups revealed no difference between the groups in the recovery rate of S. intermedius at any single site and no significant difference when all sites were pooled.

Epidermotropic Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (mycosis fungoides) in Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). A Report of Six Cases and the Demonstration of T-Cell Specificity.

Abstract- Epidermotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma was diagnosed in six Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) with a generalised dermatosis characterised by pruritus, alopecia and exfoliative erythroderma. Plaques and nodules were evident in one animal. Clinical and histopathological findings were suggestive of mycosis fungoides and electron microscopical investigations in one case were supportive. Immuno-histochemical stains for CD3 antigen were strongly positive in all cases. Résumé- Un lyphome T cutané a été diagnostiqué chez six hamsters de Sibérie (Mesocricetus auratus) avec une dermatose généralisée, caractérisée par un prurit, une alopécle et une érythrodermie exfoliative. Des plaques et des nodules ont été observées sur un animal. Les données cliniques et histopathologiques étaient évocatrices d'un mycosis fungoïdes et les examens en microscopie électronique étaient compatibles dans un cas. Les marquages immuno-histochimiques de l'antigène CD3 étaient très positifs dans tous les cas. Zusammenfassung- Bei sechs Syrischen Goldhamstern (Mesocricetus auratus) wurde ein epidermotropes kutanes T-Zell-Lymphom mit einer generalisierten Dermatose diagnostiziert, die durch Pruritus, Alopezie und eine exfoliative Erythrodermie gekennzeichnet war. Bei einem Tier traten auch Plagues und Knoten auf. Die klinischen und histopathologischen Befunde deuteten auf Mycosis fungoides hin. Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen unterstützten diesen Verdacht in einem Fall. Immunhistochemische Färbungen auf CD3-Antigen waren bei alien Fallen stark positiv. Resumen En un grupo de seis hamsters de siria, (Mesocricetus auratus), se diagnosticó limfoma epidermotrópico cutáneo de linfocitos T, presentando una dermatosis generalizada de tipo pruriginoso, acompañada de alopecia y eritroderma exfoliativo. Las placas y nódulos fueron evidentes en uno de los animales. Los estudios clinicos e histopatológicos indicaron una micosis fungoide, y las investigaciones de microscopía, en uno de los caseos, pareció indicar lo mismo. La tintura inmuno-histoquimica para el antígeno CD3 resultó claramente positiva en todod los casos.