Ciclosporin oral solution in cats: a retrospective survey of compliance with treatment and adverse effects.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess long-term ciclosporin oral solution compliance in cats treated for feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS). METHODS: A survey was sent by email to 114 owners who had administered ciclosporin oral solution to their cats for FASS. RESULTS: In total, 42 owners completed the survey. The population was composed of 30 domestic shorthair cats and 12 pure breeds. There were 20 males and 22 females, and the median age was 5.5 years. Ciclosporin oral solution was administered directly into the mouth in 32/42 (76%) and with food/other in 10/42 (24%) cats. The administration was considered easy in 18/42 (43%) cats, difficult in 23/42 (55%) and impossible in 1/42 (2%). Treatment was stopped in 25/42 (60%) cats. The causes were as follows: administration difficulty (nine cats, 21%); complete resolution (four cats, 10%); treatment failure (four cats, 10%); price (two cats, 4%); and other causes (two deaths, two neoplasia, one adverse effect and one lack of compliance). Adverse effects involving clinical signs were reported in 25 (60%) cats: ptyalism (8/42); dysorexia/anorexia (6/42); vomiting (4/42); diarrhoea (4/42); gingival hyperplasia (1/42); and a combination of vomiting, diarrhoea and ptyalism (2/42). In addition, altered behaviour was reported in 27/42 (64%) cats: hiding in seven cats; scared of owner in 10 cats; modification of sleeping or playing activity in six cats; inappropriate urination/defecation in two cats; aggression in one cat; and all of the above in one cat. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In total, 24 (57%) cats had adverse effects involving both clinical signs and altered behaviour, and only six cats had either adverse clinical signs or behavioural changes. This survey showed that behavioural changes appear to be underestimated in the cats treated with ciclosporin oral solution and this could cause treatment failure due to lack of compliance. Larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Clinical, pathologic, and molecular characterization of a non-metastatic multicentric cutaneous mast cell tumor in a cow.

Cutaneous mast cell tumors are rarely reported in cattle. Although mutations in the c-KIT gene have been shown to play a central role in the oncogenesis of canine mast cell tumors, few data are available in cattle. This report describes the clinical, histologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic features of a multicentric cutaneous mast cell tumor in an adult cow. An 11-year-old Prim'Holstein cow was presented for a 5-month history of multiple skin nodules. Cytologic and histologic analyses of the nodules led to a diagnosis of mast cell tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis for KIT expression showed a moderate to strong signal in neoplastic mast cells with a cytoplasmic and membranous pattern. Sequencing of the c-KIT gene coding sequence revealed no mutation. Despite partial response after corticosteroid treatment, euthanasia was elected. No metastases to the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver were identified at post-mortem and histologic examinations.

Successful Treatment of Captive Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) Infested with Common Cat Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) by Using Topical Imidacloprid and Environmental Control Measures.

Fleas are ectoparasites affecting many animal species but reports in captive nonhuman primates are rare and mainly concern pet monkeys. Moreover, to the authors' knowledge, a detailed report on marmosets is not known at present. This case describes the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of a flea infestation by Ctenocephalides felis in a captive colony of common marmosets. Fleas, flea feces and skin lesions were identified on two animals during annual health screening. Subsequently, the entire colony was examined, and nearly half of the colony showed signs of infestation. Consequently, treatment was initiated for the entire colony and the environment. Animals received two topical administrations of imidacloprid (5 mg for animals <200 g and 10 mg for animals weighing >200 g) three weeks apart, and their enclosures were decontaminated using vaporizers containing permethrin, piperonyl butoxide, and pyriproxyfen. Subsequently, skin lesions were resolved and no evidence of fleas were noticed. No side effects of the treatment were observed. Stray cats were identified as the source of the infestation. Their access to the animal-related rooms was stopped. No reinfestation has been reported for 3 years. The topical application of imidacloprid appeared effective with no adverse events occurring, so may be appropriate for use in other non-human primates.

Ultrasonographic findings may be useful for differentiating interdigital abscesses secondary to migrating grass awns and interdigital furunculosis in dogs.

Grass awn migration and furunculosis are common diseases in dogs that can lead to interdigital subcutaneous lesions with a similar clinical presentation, and occasionally similar ultrasonographic images, but different treatments are required. This retrospective, multicentric, analytical study aimed to determine whether epidemiological, clinical, and ultrasonographic features could be used to differentiate interdigital furunculosis and abscesses secondary to migrating grass awns. Fifty-nine dogs that underwent interdigital ultrasonography were included (interdigital furunculosis [IDF], n = 27; interdigital abscess secondary to a migrating grass awn [IAGA], n = 32). Ultrasonographic images were reviewed by two observers blinded to the diagnosis, who graded nine qualitative and four quantitative parameters for each patient. In both groups, pruritus/licking (IDF 74%, IAGA 70%), a discharging interdigital wound (63% for each group), and thoracic limb involvement (IDF 88%, IAGA 75%) were common features. On ultrasound, a subcutaneous multilinear hyperechoic main element was identified in most dogs (IDF 85%, IAGA 100%). The ability to display this element in a single plane (P < 0.01), the absence of additional hyperechoic linear elements in different planes (P < 0.01), and a surrounding hypoechoic halo (P < 0.05) were significantly more common in dogs with interdigital abscesses secondary to migrating grass awns. A cut-off value of 0.83 cm for the length of the main multilinear element provided a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 87% in the diagnosis of a migrating grass awn. Findings supported prioritizing a differential diagnosis of interdigital abscesses secondary to grass awns in dogs with these ultrasonographic characteristics.

Toxoplasma gondii and Alternaria sp.: An Original Association in an Immunosuppressed Dog with Persistent Skin Lesions.

Dogs and cats may suffer from a variety of diseases, mainly immune mediated, that require the administration of immunosuppressive drugs. Such therapies can cause adverse effects either by the toxicity of the drugs or as a consequence of immune suppression and associated opportunistic infections. Here we present an, yet unknown, association of Toxoplasma gondii and Alternaria fungus, within cutaneous lesions in a dog under long-term immunosuppressive therapy. The diagnosis of such infections is laborious and not obvious at first glance, since the clinical signs of cutaneous toxoplasmosis, neosporosis or alternariosis are not specific. A further laboratory confirmation is needed. Therefore, we currently recommend that dogs and cats should undergo serologic testing for toxoplasmosis or neosporosis prior to immunosuppressive therapy and a regular dermatological evaluation during the immunosuppressive therapy.

A COL5A2 In-Frame Deletion in a Chihuahua with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of heterogeneous, rare diseases affecting the connective tissues. The main clinical signs of EDS are skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, and skin fragility. Currently, the classification of EDS in humans distinguishes 13 clinical subtypes associated with variants in 20 different genes, reflecting the heterogeneity of this set of diseases. At present, variants in three of these genes have also been identified in dogs affected by EDS. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical and histopathological phenotype of an EDS-affected Chihuahua and to identify the causative genetic variant for the disease. The clinical examination suggested a diagnosis of classical EDS. Skin histopathology revealed an abnormally thin dermis, which is compatible with classical EDS. Whole-genome sequencing identified a heterozygous de novo 27 bp deletion in the COL5A2 gene, COL5A2:c.3388_3414del. The in-frame deletion is predicted to remove 9 amino acids in the triple-helical region of COL5A2. The molecular analysis and identification of a likely pathogenic variant in COL5A2 confirmed the subtype as a form of classical EDS. This is the first report of a COL5A2-related EDS in a dog.

Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Antipruritic Drugs in the Control of the Most Frequent Pruritic Skin Diseases in Dogs.

Pruritus is a common clinical sign in many skin disorders and is currently the main complaint in canine dermatology. Pruritic skin diseases can affect the quality of life of dogs and their owners. Several families of antipruritic drugs are available to help control pruritus in dogs. The aim of this review is to help practitioners select the most appropriate symptomatic treatment in the most frequent situations of dermatological pruritus in dogs. The molecules reviewed here are systemic and topical glucocorticoids, antihistamines, ciclosporin, oclacitinib and lokivetmab. A level of evidence (1, 2 or 3) has been established according to a detailed algorithm for each individual study in the literature published between 1990 and March 2021. The guidelines result from evidence grading using the strength of recommendation taxonomy (SoRT) and clinical recommendations using a thorough methodology.

Cutaneous and systemic granulomatous disease associated with hairy vetch toxicosis in a French Holstein dairy herd.

This report describes an outbreak of hairy vetch toxicosis afflicting a herd of cattle with a fatal cutaneous and systemic granulomatous disease. It highlights how this condition remains poorly recognized by cattle production professionals in Europe and the need for communication about vetch-associated diseases.

Cet article décrit une épidémie de toxicose due à la vesce velue touchant un troupeau de bovins se manifestant par une maladie granulomateuse systémique et cutanée fatale. Ceci illustre comment cette atteinte reste peu connue par les professionnels de l'élevage en Europe et le besoin de communiquer sur les maladies associées à la vesce velue.

Este artículo describe un brote de toxicosis de veza vellosa (Vicia villosa) que afectó a un rebaño de ganado con una enfermedad granulomatosa cutánea y sistémica mortal. Destaca cómo esta condición sigue siendo poco reconocida por los profesionales de la producción ganadera en Europa y la necesidad de comunicación sobre las enfermedades asociadas al consumo de veza.

Este relato descreve um surto de intoxicação por ervilhaca peluda em um rebanho de gado com uma doença granulomatosa cutânea e sistêmica. Destaca-se como essa enfermidade continua pouco reconhecida pelos profissionais de bovinocultura na Europa, e a necessidade de comunicação sobre doenças associadas à ervilhaca.

Open field study on the efficacy of fluralaner topical solution for long-term control of flea bite allergy dermatitis in client owned cats in Ile-de-France region.

BACKGROUND: Flea bite is considered to be the main cause of allergic dermatitis in cats. There is a need for treatments able to control clinical signs of allergic dermatitis associated with flea bite in cats. This was an open pre-treatment versus post-treatment clinical field study. All cats included in the study presented pruritus, skin lesions or other evidence compatible with flea infestation. Skin lesions were assessed (using SCORFAD) at days 0, 28, 56 and 84 whereas pruritus severity was assessed (using PVAS) at days 0, 15, 28, 56 and 84. On day 0, The fluralaner (280 mg/ml) product (Bravecto® spot-on for cats) was supplied in pipettes containing 0.4, 0.89 and 1.79 ml for cats of 1.2-2.8 kg, > 2.8-6.25 kg and > 6.25-12.5 kg body weight, respectively. The other animals living in the same household also received fluralaner. Based on cytological examination at day 0, oral amoxicillin and clavulanic acid was prescribed for 21 days if indicated. For cats presenting intense pruritus and discomfort at day 0, oral prednisolone at 0.5 mg/kg was prescribed for 3 days. RESULTS: During the study all cats, except for one (cat number 10), improved significantly. Post-treatment median SCORFAD scores at all evaluations were significantly different from the pre-treatment score on day 0 (P values < 0.002 for all three post treatment examination days) with a score reduction of 49% on day 28, 79% on day 56 and 87% on day 84. The PVAS score decreased significantly over the study period for all cats but one (cat number 10). Post-treatment median PVAS scores at all evaluations were significantly different from the pre-treatment PVAS score on day 0 (P value < 0.002 for all four post-treatment days) with a reduction of 46% on day 15, 67% on day 28, 82% on day 56 and 92% on day 84. No adverse reaction or other health issue was reported during the study. CONCLUSIONS: A single topical treatment with fluralaner results in a significant reduction of flea bite allergic dermatitis clinical signs in cats over the subsequent 12 weeks without any additional environmental treatment.

NIPAL4 deletion identified in an American Bully with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis and response to topical therapy.

Ichthyoses represent a heterogeneous group of hereditary cornification disorders characterized by generalized scaling of the skin. An autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) has been described in American Bulldogs and is caused by a variant in the NIPAL4 gene encoding for the ICHTHYIN protein. So far, this variant has not been described in other breeds. A 1.5-year-old female pedigreed American Bully was referred for generalized scaling and bad coat quality since adoption at 8 weeks of age. Clinical examination, cytological and histopathological examination, and DNA testing were performed. Clinical examination revealed a generalized scaling; cytological evaluation using impression with acetate tapes showed a secondary Malassezia dermatitis. Histopathological examination revealed a moderate to marked, diffuse, compact orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis with the formation of large scales. Few Malassezia were observed in the stratum corneum associated with minimal mixed perivascular inflammation and moderate epidermal hyperplasia. DNA testing of the dog revealed that he carries two defective alleles of the NIPAL4 gene previously described in the American Bulldog. We performed a commercially available breed detection test which, although not specifically testing for "American Bully" signatures, revealed a high probability of American Bulldog DNA signature within the past three generations. Topical treatment using a combination of keratolytic and keratomodulator shampoo, emollient and moisturizers spray and antimicrobial wipes achieved a marked clinical improvement after only 1 month. Continuous topical treatment was necessary to maintain clinical improvement. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of the deleterious NIPAL4 variant in an American Bully as well as the first description of clinical management and follow-up of ARCI in this breed.

From Feline Idiopathic Ulcerative Dermatitis to Feline Behavioral Ulcerative Dermatitis: Grooming Repetitive Behaviors Indicators of Poor Welfare in Cats.

Feline idiopathic head-and-neck dermatitis-also named feline idiopathic ulcerative dermatitis (IUD)-is considered as a rare skin disease of unknown origin. It is usually associated with a crusted, non-healing, self-induced ulcer occurring most commonly on the dorsal or lateral neck or between the scapula where self-grooming by scratching occurs. Usually, IUD is diagnosed after exclusion of other causes of pruritus. In feline medicine, self-induced alopecia is recognized as a behavioral disorder (abnormal repetitive behavior) due to excessive licking, which is an amplification of a normal maintenance behavior. Such repetitive behaviors, like self-induced alopecia or self-induced wounds, are named stereotypies and considered as indicators of poor welfare. The objectives of our study were to determine, first, if the repetitive behavior associated with self-induced wounds was related to a poor welfare, and, second, if improving the welfare in the cat's environment would lead to healing, thanks to environmental enrichment. We recruited 13 cats diagnosed with IUD by a dermatologist. These cats were referred to a behaviorist for welfare evaluation. A welfare score was attributed using a new 21-point welfare scale. The median score of the 13 IUD cats was 16, while the median score of 35 healthy cats was 7 (significant difference, p < 0.001). Major modifications of the cat's environment and the human-cat relationship were then recommended for IUD cats. Within 15 days after environment modifications, ulcerative lesions were healed and welfare scores improved significantly (median score of 6, significantly different from the score before environmental modifications), being similar to healthy cats (no significant differences). Only one cat was treated with a psychotropic drug, owners being reluctant to improve environmental modifications. These results suggest that feline IUD is a behavioral disorder indicative of poor welfare and that it requires management by behavior specialists, proposing environmental modifications. We hence propose to rename this affection to "behavioral ulcerative dermatitis," given that welfare scores were significantly different from healthy cats, and that environmental modifications modified welfare scores and lead to successful healing in all cases.

Usefulness of a topical combination of dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen for long-term control of clinical signs of allergic dermatitis in privately-owned cats in Ile-de-France region.

BACKGROUND: The present study assessed the activity of a combination of dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen (Vectra® Felis) for long-term control (3 months) of allergic dermatitis (AD) in privately-owned cats under common household conditions in Ile-de-France region. METHODS: This was an open pre-treatment vs post-treatment study. Twenty-eight client-owned cats with clinical signs of AD were enrolled in the study. They received topical application of the combination of dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen on days 0, 28, 56 and 84. Two parameters (clinical signs and pruritus severity) were used to assess the animals' condition on days 0, 28 and 84. Fleas were counted if they were observed. RESULTS: Of the 28 cats initially enrolled, 26 were presented on day 28 and 20 for the final evaluation on day 84. A significant improvement in clinical signs and pruritus was observed in cats for which fleas and/or flea feces were detected on day 0. Globally, the post-treatment AD clinical scores on days 28 and 84 were different from that of the pre-treatment on day 0, with a reduction of 30% and 71%, respectively. For cats with fleas and/or flea feces, the reduction on days 28 and 84 was 33% and 85%, respectively. The improvement of clinical signs and pruritus was not significant in cats with no visible fleas and no flea feces at the beginning of the trial (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that the treatment with a combination of dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen should be considered as useful in controlling fleas on cats without additional environmental treatment and useful for long-term control of clinical signs and pruritus in allergic cats.