Skin and ear health in a group of English bulldogs in Finland - a descriptive study with special reference to owner perceptions.

BACKGROUND: Dermatological conditions are common in English bulldogs (EBs). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study describes the dermatological health status of a group of EBs and compares the results with owner perceptions and its possible impact on quality of life (QoL). Computed tomographic (CT) findings of the ear canals were compared between EBs and mesaticephalic dogs. ANIMALS: Twenty-seven EBs participating in a health study in Finland. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A QoL questionnaire was completed for EBs with owner-reported clinical signs referable to the skin or ear. Clinical evaluation included recording the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, the Otitis Index Score, false paw pad grading and the presence of interdigital furunculosis. These were summed to form a total clinical score (TCS). The cross-sectional surface areas of the horizontal ear canals were measured from CT images and compared with respective images of 14 mesaticephalic dogs collected from a patient database. RESULTS: All 27 EBs had abnormal findings on dermatological examination, but 37% of the owners had not recognized skin or ear signs. The median QoL score was 5.0 (range 0-12) and correlated with TCS (correlation coefficient = 0.507, P < 0.05). English bulldogs had narrower horizontal ear canals than mesaticephalic dogs (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: All EBs had abnormal dermatological findings that were unnoticed or considered to be of minor significance to the QoL by most owners. Narrow ear canals were common, possibly related to the brachycephalic conformation of the breed.

Prevalence of house dust mites in the homes of atopic dogs in Finland.

BACKGROUND: The house dust mites (HDM) Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus are important environmental allergens implicated in the pathogenesis of human and canine atopic dermatitis. Sensitization to HDM measured by allergen-specific IgE is common in Finnish atopic dogs. Studies on HDM prevalence in Finland are few but suggest that HDM are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of HDM in the home environments of atopic dogs in Finland. METHODS: Dust samples were obtained from the homes of 50 atopic dogs. Samples were collected by vacuuming the owners' mattresses and each dog's bed. In each case, an area of 21 × 30 cm was vacuumed for 2 min. Samples weighing 100 mg or more were considered sufficient for determination of HDM allergen concentrations (Der f 1 and Der p 1) using standardized ELISA. Samples sufficient for further analysis were also examined by direct microscopy for the presence of mites and by multiplex PCR for HDM DNA. RESULTS: Eighty one samples were sufficient for analysis by ELISA, 59 by PCR and 29 by direct microscopy. A single sample was analysed from four homes in which the dog shared the owner's bed. Der f 1 was detected in three samples (3.7%). Der p 1 was not detected in any sample. No mites were identified on microscopy. Five samples were positive for HDM on multiplex PCR (8.4%). CONCLUSION: House dust mites seem to be uncommon in the home environment of atopic dogs in Finland despite reported frequent allergen-specific IgE antibodies.