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.

Case Report: Positive Outcome of a Suspected Drug-Associated (Immune Mediated) Reaction in a 4-Year-Old Male French Bulldog.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare and severe life-threatening syndrome characterized by apoptosis of keratinocytes resulting in devitalization of the epidermis affecting more than 30% of skin surface. In humans and animals, this condition is mostly triggered by drugs. Identification of the putative agent and its withdrawal are crucial to successful management of a patient with TEN. In this case study, we report the clinical features, histopathological findings and management of a dog with TEN. A 4-year-old intact male French bulldog presented with acute onset of severe lethargy and cutaneous ulcerations on the footpads, scrotum, and hind limbs associated with marked pain. A Stevens-Johnson syndrome/TEN was suspected and drugs, especially beta-lactams, were withdrawn. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of epidermal necrosis. Advanced supportive therapy, pain management and skin care led to rapid remission. Early identification and removal of the suspected medication was crucial to improving TEN prognosis in this dog. Antibiotics (penicillin, ampicillin, cephalexin, and sulfonamides) are frequently involved in adverse cutaneous reactions in dogs. Ideal treatment remains elusive is humans and dogs and this disease has a poor prognosis. Supportive care combined with pain management and treatment of the cutaneous ulcerations is essential.

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.

Treatment of Harvest Mite Infestation in Dogs Using a Permethrin 54.5% and Fipronil 6.1% (Effitix®) Topical Spot-On Formulation.

Background-The study aims to assess the efficacy of a permethrin 54.5%-fipronil 6.1%-based spot-on solution in dogs naturally infested with Neotrombicula in an open-label controlled study. Methods-Ten naturally infested dogs received one drop per affected site on day (D) 0, and on D14, the rest of the pipette was applied on the skin between the shoulders. Five dogs served as sentinels. Parasite score (0-3), skin lesions (0-4), and investigator pruritus scale (0-4) were assessed on D0, D1, D14, and D28. Results-No treated dogs developed adverse reactions. Parasite score of sentinel dogs was maintained between 1.8 (D0, D1, and D28) and 2.2 (D14). In treated dogs, D0 parasite score was 2.4. It was significantly reduced from D1 (0.5; p < 0.002) to D28 (0.1; p < 0.002). The lesion score was 2.9 on D0 and D1; it was significantly reduced on D14 (0.6; p < 0.002) and D28 (0.1; p < 0.002). Similarly, investigator pruritus scale (D0, 2.2) scores significantly decreased on D14 (0.4; p < 0.004) and D28 (0.2; p < 0.002). Conclusions-The combination permethrin-fipronil appears to be well-tolerated, rapidly and durably effective in the control of localized canine harvest mite infestation.

Control of lice infestation in horses using a 10 mg/mL deltamethrin topical application.

BACKGROUND: Two open-controlled studies evaluated the tolerance and the efficacy of a 10 mg/mL deltamethrin-based pour-on solution (Deltanil®; Virbac, France) in treating (study 1) and preventing (study 2) natural Damalinia equi infestations in horses. In study 1, seven adult horses received 10 mL of the solution from mane to tail head on day 0 (D0). Four adult horses, living separately, served as non-treated controls. All were naturally infected. Lice burden was recorded by counting the number of live parasites, bilaterally, over seven anatomic regions. Lesional score was based on alopecia, crusts, papules/pustules, nodules/plaques, scales and wounds, each assessed on a 0-3 scale. Evaluation was performed on D0 and subsequently weekly until D56 in treated horses and on D0 and D56 in control horses. In study 2, six adult horses free of parasites were similarly treated on D-2 and D30. Two adult horses, naturally infested with D. equi and left untreated, were mixed with the treated horses from D0 to D60. Evaluation was performed similarly to study 1 on all horses, fortnightly until D60. RESULTS: No adverse event was recorded in either study. In study 1, parasite and lesional scores of control horses were maintained on D56. Parasite scores of the treated horses were reduced by 98% on D7 and 100% from D15 to D56 (mean [SD]: D0 44 [58.4]). Lesional score in treated horses was reduced by 24, 82, 47, 91, 96, 93, 93 and 100% on D7, 15, 21, 28, 35, 42, 50 and 56, respectively (mean [SD]: D0 3.1 [1.8]). In study 2, the lice populations remained high in the two control horses throughout the study (max mean [SD]: D0 159 [151.3], min D45 34 [39.6]). On treated animals, all parasite counts were negative except on D15 (one louse found). The protection rate was 99.7% on D15 and 100% from D30 to D60. CONCLUSIONS: A single application of the 10 mg/mL deltamethrin preparation was effective and safe in the treatment and in the prevention of lice infestation in these horses. It was also effective in preventing new infestations for one month.