Performance and Tolerance of a Protocol for Idiopathic Chronic Greasy Seborrhea in 18 Dogs Using a Shampoo and Mousse Containing Plant Extracts.

The study aimed to evaluate the tolerance, performance and effect on hair lipids and skin hydration of a protocol combining applications of one shampoo and subsequent mousses containing plant extracts (Ophytrium and Seboliance) in dogs with an undiagnosed chronic greasy keratinisation disorder. Six dogs were washed with plain water on day (D)0. Twelve dogs were shampooed on D0 and received eight mousse applications at 48-72 h intervals from D2 to D18. Clinical score (CS), Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) and hair lipids (HL) were evaluated on D0, D0 + 4 h, D7, D14 and D24. At baseline, no significant differences were observed in CS, NMF and HL between groups. In the control group, CS and HL remained stable throughout the study while a slight decrease in NMF was observed at D0 + 4 h. CS was significantly reduced in the test group between D0 and D7 (-53%) which reached 91% at D24 (p < 0.05), with no side effects. NMF levels decreased in the test group at D0 + 4 h (-73%, p < 0.0001) and returned to baseline from D14. In conclusion, one shampoo and subsequent mousse applications rapidly and safely improved coat quality in dogs with an undiagnosed keratinisation disorder without affecting NMF and HL contents over the study period.

Cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma in a donkey - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma is a malignant tumour of the skin already reported in humans, dogs, cats, horses, and other species, but not previously in donkeys. The standard diagnosis is based on clinical, morphological and immunophenotypic data. Differentiation of malignant versus benign proliferation of lymphocytes is crucial; in ambiguous cases T-cell receptor gamma (TRG) molecular clonality should be tested. In the present paper, we report a case of mycosis fungoides diagnosed in a donkey whose diagnosis was based on clinical, histological and immunohistochemical aspects and a positive TRG clonality test. CASE PRESENTATION: A twenty-five-year-old donkey gelding was referred with a mildly pruritic, generalised and severe exfoliative dermatosis. Otherwise, the animal was clinically healthy, though mildly underweight. Dermatological examination revealed severe generalised alopecic and exfoliative dermatitis, occasionally eroded, with high number of large, thin, greyish scales. All mucocutaneous junctions except the hoofs were affected. Ectoparasites and dermatophytes were ruled out. The complete blood count and blood smear evaluation revealed mild normocytic normochromic anemia. The biochemistry panel showed mild hyperproteinemia with albumin within the normal range. Protein electrophoresis showed moderate polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. Histological findings were characterised by interface dermatitis with massive exocytosis in the epidermis of a homogenous population of lymphoid cells showing atypia. Clusters of neoplastic cells were present within the epidermis forming Pautrier "microabscesses". These findings are consistent with cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma. Immunohistochemical staining revealed uniform labelling of the neoplastic cells for CD3, and lack of expression of CD20 (a B cell lineage associated marker). Molecular clonality PCR (PARR) was performed using equine TRG primers; this revealed a clonal rearrangement in a heavy polyclonal background. Transmission electronic microscopy showed multiple lymphocytes with convoluted or cerebriform nuclei. CONCLUSIONS: This case report provides the first evidence of clinical, histopathological, immunophenotypic features, electron microscopy findings and molecular analysis of a cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides) in a donkey. Our observations suggest that cutaneous T-cell lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnoses of exfoliative dermatitis, even those progressing in a chronic pattern and/or with few or no pruritus.

Clinical and Microbiological Performances and Effects on Lipid and Cytokine Production of a Ceruminolytic Ear Cleaner in Canine Erythemato-Ceruminous Otitis Externa.

Erythemato-ceruminous otitis externa (ECOE) is the most common type of otitis in dogs and is generally associated with bacterial and/or yeast infections. The performance of an ear cleaner was assessed over two weeks in canine ECOE, associated with a mild or moderate secondary infection, in a prospective open-label study. Forty ear canals with ECOE that did not receive any type of aural treatment and were not cleaned for 7 days were included. Pruritus (PS), 0−3 Otitis Index Score (OTIS-3) and 0−4 scale cytology (CYTO) scores were assessed on Day (D) 0, D7 and D14. Concentrations of a panel of 13 cytokines on the ear canal surface and the lipid profile of the exudate were measured on D0 and D14. From D0 to D12 or D13, the dogs' ears were cleaned daily if the secretion score (SEC) was 3/3, every second day if the score was 2/3 and every third day if the score was 1/3. PS, OTIS-3, SEC and CYTO were significantly lower on D7 compared to baseline (−40%, −31%, −36%, −34%, respectively; p < 0.0001). The same parameters decreased further on D14 (−60%, −53%, −61%, −73%, respectively; p < 0.0001) and amounts of interleukin 8 and chemokine KC-like were also reduced compared to baseline (−45%, p < 0.01; −36%, p = 0.3, respectively). The lipid profile was also modified, with a decrease in free lipids and an increase in bound lipids.

Multiplex Cytokine Analyses in Ear Canals of Dogs Suggest Involvement of IL-8 Chemokine in Atopic Otitis and Otodectic Mange-Preliminary Results.

Cutaneous cytokines and chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of human and canine atopic dermatitis. The aim of the present study was to discriminate cytokine expression in the ear canals of atopic dogs with otitis, dogs with non-allergic inflammatory otitis (otodectic mange) and healthy non-atopic dogs. The ear canals of nine atopic dogs suffering from non-infected otitis externa (n = 14 ears), 10 healthy dogs suffering from otodectic mange (n = 20 ears) and 21 healthy controls (39 ears) were swabbed. The concentrations of a panel of 13 cytokines and chemokines on the aural surface were measured by multiplex analyses (Milliplex Canine Cytokine Panel). In addition, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)-04 and Otitis Index Score (OTIS3) scores were used to evaluate the overall status of the dogs. The concentration of IL-8 was significantly higher in the ears of atopic dogs and dogs with otodectic mange compared to those of healthy dogs. Significant increases in the levels of IL-10 were also overexpressed in atopic otitis but at lower rates. The concentrations of interleukin(IL)-8 were positively correlated with the OTIS3 hyperplasia score in atopic dogs. Taken together, these results suggest that IL-8 is overexpressed in atopic otitis and otodectic mange and that levels correlate with the otitis severity in atopic dogs.

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).

Survey of cytokines on ocular surfaces of atopic dogs by multiplex analysis using two sampling methods - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Conjunctivitis in atopic dogs has already been described yet is rarely observed, and likely underdiagnosed in practice. OBJECTIVES: To assay various cytokines in tears and conjunctivae from atopic and normal dogs, and to compare canine atopic dermatitis-associated conjunctivitis with controls. ANIMALS: Ten atopic and ten normal client-owned dogs. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ocular surfaces were sampled bilaterally in a prospective study, using two different methods. Tear samples were obtained with a sterile swab previously moistened with saline solution (method A). Conjunctival impressions were obtained with a conjunctival impression device (method B). For each sample, the concentrations of a panel of 13 cytokines were measured by multiplex analyses. CADESI-4, pruritus (PS) and conjunctival (CS) scores were determined. RESULTS: Among the measured cytokines, only granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC)-like and interleukin (IL)-8 were above the limit of quantification in most samples. Absolute amounts of each cytokine were always higher in samples obtained with method A than with method B. GM-CSF amounts were lower in atopic dogs (method A, P=0.02; method B, P=0.0005). KC levels were higher in atopic dogs, yet the differences were not significant. IL-8 amounts were higher in atopic dogs (method A, P=0.0003; method B, P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Regardless of the method, these preliminary results suggest an overexpression of IL-8 in conjunctivae and tears of atopic dogs despite subtle conjunctival symptoms. As IL-8 is commonly found in many inflammatory conditions, further studies are needed to determine its specificity in atopic conjunctivitis.

Evaluation of a plant-based food supplement to control flea populations in dogs: A prospective double-blind randomized study.

A prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study evaluated the tolerance and efficacy of the biological plant-based food supplement Bioticks® (extracts of thyme, rosemary, melissa, fenugreek, absinthe and lemongrass) as a flea-control product. Twelve dogs were used as placebo controls (group A). Ten dogs under similar housing conditions received the same food daily but supplemented with Bioticks® (group B). Flea counts were performed on D0 and 14, then 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months after the beginning of the study. No flea treatment was given or environmental modifications made during the 6 months prior to beginning and throughout the duration of the study. Efficacy was calculated according to Abbott's formula. No adverse event was recorded. At inclusion, dogs in groups A and B hosted a mean ± standard deviation of 7.9 ± 3.3 and 9.5 ± 3.6 fleas, respectively. The mean flea population in group A steadily increased until 4 months after D0 (21.5 ± 4.9 fleas/dog). Meanwhile, the mean flea population in group B dogs remained stable for the first month but then steadily decreased to reach an average of 3.1 ± 1.7 fleas/dog at D0+5 months. The percentage efficacy in the treated group as compared to the non-treated group was 33%, 51%, 71%, 80% and 82% at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months, respectively. Bioticks® was shown to be safe and effectively limited the flea population in dogs with a moderate flea infestation in conditions that were highly favourable to flea development. This is the first study to evaluate a plant-based product as an oral supplement for flea control.

Control of fly strike dermatitis in dogs with a topically applied combination of imidacloprid and permethrin: a prospective open-label controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: A prospective clinical study evaluated the tolerance and the efficacy of a combination of imidacloprid (10%) and permethrin (50%) (ADVANTIX®: Bayer HC AH, France) applied topically as a spot-on, for the treatment of natural canine fly dermatitis due to Stomxys calcitrans. The study was an open-label controlled study and one-month follow-up. METHODS: Fifteen dogs, from the same animal kennel, with active pinnal lesions of fly dermatitis, received a single application of the solution on the cranium and the base of the ears on Day 0 (D0). Five dogs, from the same kennel, similarly affected, served as non-treated controls. No other therapeutical or hygienic measures were taken. Lesional score was based on extension, alopecia, crusts, scales, erosions/ulcers, loss of substance and lichenification, each assessed on a 0-4 scale. Evaluation was performed on D0, D14 and D30. Total lesion score reduction was calculated at each time point using the arithmetic mean of total lesion score according to Abbott's formula. Scores obtained on D14 and D30 were compared with the baseline obtained on D0. RESULTS: No adverse event was recorded. The lesion score ranged between 4-13 at D0 in all dogs. In control dogs, D0 mean (± SD) lesion score was 7 ± 1.4. Lesion scores were maintained on D14 (6.6 ± 3.4) and D30 (8.6 ± 5.4). In treated dogs, D0 mean lesion score was 9.9 ± 2.5. Lesion scores of the treated dogs were reduced by 59% on D14 (4.1 ± 2.8) and 80% on D30 (1.9 ± 1.5) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination imidacloprid-permethrin proved safe and helpful in the management of natural canine fly dermatitis. It could also be suggested as a preventive measure with a monthly application during the fly exposition phase.