Evaluation of C-reactive protein as an inflammatory marker of pemphigus foliaceus and superficial pyoderma in dogs.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a major acute phase protein in dogs and may be an inflammatory marker of autoimmune diseases. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To measure pre- and post-treatment CRP levels in dogs with superficial pyoderma (SP) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) compared to normal dogs; to evaluate possible correlation between CRP values, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), and pemphigus foliaceus extent and severity index (PEFESI) scores. ANIMALS: Fifty nine dogs divided into three groups: Group I (control, n = 31), Group II (SP, n = 14) and Group III (PF, n = 14). METHODS: CRP levels were measured in Group I dogs. Skin biopsies of Groups II and III dogs were obtained for histopathological examination. In Group II dogs, CRP levels were measured at days 0, 15, 30 and 60. In Group III dogs were evaluated by PEFESI, IIF and CRP levels at days 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90. RESULTS: Group III showed a higher median CRP (37.4 mg/mL) compared to the other groups (Group I, CRP 2.9 mg/mL, P < 0.0001; Group II CRP 3.8 mg/mL, P = 0.008). There was no significant difference in CRP levels between groups I and II. IIF titres and CRP levels decreased in most cases of PF with clinical improvement. Dogs with CRP >10.6 µg/mL were 5.5 times more likely to have PF than SP. There was a strong positive correlation between CRP values and PEFESI and a weak positive correlation between CRP values and IIF titres. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CRP levels are increased in dogs with PF and exceed levels found in most dogs with SP.

Development of enzyme immunoassays (ELISA and Western blot) for the serological diagnosis of dermatophytosis in symptomatic and asymptomatic cats.

Dermatophytosis is the most common fungal infection in cats worldwide and plays an important role in both animal and human health due to their high zoonotic potential. Effective screening is a strong preventive measure and the fungal culture is quite useful but requires full laboratorial experience and it takes a long time to obtain the result. A rapid and accurate screening test for dermatophytosis in cats is crucial for the effective control of disease outbreaks. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of enzyme immunoassays (ELISA and Western blot [WB]) for the rapid and precise diagnosis of dermatophytosis in cats. Seventy cats of various ages were divided into three groups: S (symptomatic, n = 20), AS (asymptomatic, n = 30), and N (negative, n = 20). All animals were submitted to fungal culture and blood samples for carrying out the serological tests. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was found between IgG-specific levels of sera of Microsporum canis positive and negative animals. There was no statistic difference between groups symptomatic and asymptomatic. The ELISA test showed sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 75%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis also showed higher diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.925). The WB technique detected 13 bands, and the 50 kDa protein was considered the most immunogenic protein, observing reactivity in 83.3% in the symptomatic group and 66.6% in the asymptomatic group. The study concluded that ELISA and WB were useful tools to reliably detect cats that have been exposed to M. canis.

Drug-induced panniculitis due to deworming in a dog ­ case report / Paniculite farmacodérmica decorrente de vermifugação em um cão - relato de caso

Outpatient clinics, clinics, and veterinary hospitals in the state of São Paulo and other Brazilian states commonly prescribe broad-spectrum vermicidal agents. The prescriptions are not based on coproparasitological examination results and drugs, including those used for the elimination of enteric parasites, are not innocuous and can potentially cause health hazards. Therefore, we report a clinical case of drug-induced panniculitis caused by deworming and show the actual occurrence of endoparasites in canine and feline outpatients at HOVET-USP.(AU)

É prática corrente em ambulatórios, consultórios, clínicas e hospitais veterinários paulistas, por não dizer brasileiros, a prescrição de ativos com ação vermicida, no senso lato, sem o embasamento do, hoje até prosaico, exame coproparasitológico. É sabido há muito que todo e qualquer fármaco não é inócuo e pode potencialmente acarretar agravos à saúde, e dentre estes incluem-se os ativos destinados à erradicação de parasitos entéricos. Decidiu-se assim por se relatar um caso clínico de paniculite farmacodérmica decorrente de vermifugação, bem como situar a real ocorrência de endoparasitas em pacientes, caninos e felinos, trazidos para atendimento ambulatorial no HOVET-USP.(AU)

Sporotrichosis ­ cat as the source of familiar infection outbreak in Guarulhos, São Paulo: a case report / Esporotricose ­ gato como fonte de infecção em foco epidêmico familiar em Guarulhos, São Paulo: relato de caso

Sporotrichosis is a dermatozoonosis caused by fungi of the Sporothrix genus. It is classified as an implantation mycosis. This fungal infection, with anthropozoonotic and saprozoonotic characteristics and which has domestic felines, soil, and vegetables as main sources of infection, has been responsible for epizootic and epidemic outbreaks in southern and southeastern Brazil. This report presents the case of a feline diagnosed and treated for sporotrichosis at Dermatology Service of FMVZ/USP, after referral from the Dermatology Department of EPM/Unifesp, where the owners of the cat were being treated for human sporotrichosis.(AU)

A esporotricose é uma dermatozoonose que tem como agentes etiológicos fungos do gênero Sporothrix. É responsável por quadros micóticos ditos de implantação. Essa micose, de características antropo e saprozoonóticas e cujas principais fontes de infecção são os felinos domésticos, o solo e os vegetais, tem sido responsável por surtos epizoóticos e epidêmicos no sul e sudeste brasileiro. Este relato apresenta o caso de um felino diagnosticado e tratado para esporotricose pelo Serviço de Dermatologia do Hospital Veterinário da FMVZ/USP, após ter sido encaminhado pelo Departamento de Dermatologia da EPM/Unifesp, onde os proprietários do animal estavam sendo tratados para esporotricose humana.(AU)

In situ CUTANEOUS CELLULAR IMMUNE RESPONSE IN DOGS NATURALLY AFFECTED BY VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS.

Thirty-eight dogs naturally affected by visceral leishmaniasis were recruited in Araçatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil - an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis. The animals were distributed into one of two groups, according to their clinical and laboratory features, as either symptomatic or asymptomatic dogs. Correlations between clinical features and inflammatory patterns, cellular immune responses, and parasitism in the macroscopically uninjured skin of the ear were investigated. Histological skin patterns were similar in both groups, and were generally characterized by a mild to intense inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis, mainly consisting of mononuclear cells. There was no difference in the number of parasites in the skin (amastigotes/mm²) between the two groups. Concerning the characterization of the cellular immune response, the number of positive inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS+) cells was higher in the dermis of symptomatic than in asymptomatic dogs (p = 0.0368). A positive correlation between parasite density and macrophages density (p = 0.031), CD4+ T-cells (p = 0.015), and CD8+ T-cells (p = 0.023) was observed. Furthermore, a positive correlation between density of iNOS+ cells and CD3+ T-cells (p = 0.005), CD4+ T-cells (p = 0.001), and CD8+ T-cells (p = 0.0001) was also found. The results showed the existence of a non-specific chronic inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis of dogs affected by visceral leishmaniasis, characterized by the presence of activated macrophages and T-lymphocytes, associated to cutaneous parasitism, independent of clinical status.

Anaphylaxis caused by stings from the Solenopsis invicta, lava-pés ant or red imported fire ant.

Ants are social insects with species of medical interest, such as the fire ants (Solenopsis sp.). The sting causes inflammation, vesicles and sterile pustules, which may cause allergic phenomena and even anaphylactic shock. We describe a patient who suffered a large number of stings and an episode of syncope with fall in blood pressure and complete regression of symptoms after resuscitation and medication for anaphylaxis. Considering the clinical manifestations and images of wheals and blisters on the patient's feet at the time of syncope, this report should serve as a warning for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition and even for counseling and prevention regarding patients exposed to this risk.

Anaphylaxis caused by stings from the Solenopsis invicta, lava-pés ant or red imported fi re ant

Ants are social insects with species of medical interest, such as the fi re ants (Solenopsis sp.). The sting causes inflammation, vesicles and sterile pustules, which may cause allergic phenomena and even anaphylactic shock. We describe a patient who suffered a large number of stings and an episode of syncope with fall in blood pressure and complete regression of symptoms after resuscitation and medication for anaphylaxis. Considering the clinical manifestations and images of wheals and blisters on the patient’s feet at the time of syncope, this report should serve as a warning for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition and even for counseling and prevention regarding patients exposed to this risk.

Sinais dermatológicos clássicos na medicina veterinária / Classic dermatological signs in veterinary medicine

Arrolam-se os sinais dermatológicos evidenciados na rotina da clínica dermatológica, que permitem aventar um diagnóstico presuntivo ou até estabelecê-lo cabalmente. Os dezesseis sinais reunidos envolvem quadros dermatopáticos etiologicamente relacionados às enfermidades autoimunes, infecciosas, parasitárias, alérgicas, endócrinas, psicopáticas, disqueratinizantes, neoplásicas e genodermatóxicas.

Dermatological signals observed in routine dermatologic clinical practice, which allow producing any presumptive diagnosis or to establish it fully, are listed. The 16 signals gathered are related to autoimmune, infectious, parasitic, allergic, endocrine, psychopathic, neoplasic, genetic and of abnormal cornification diseases.

Skin mycoflora of Cebus primates kept in captivity and semicaptivity.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine the fungal mycoflora in healthy tufted capuchins primates (Cebus sp) kept in captivity and semicaptivity to allow a more realistic interpretation on the basis of fungi isolated from their skin. Furthermore, we aimed at evaluating the potential risk of infection to humans by fungi perpetuated in the tegument of monkeys of this genus. METHODS: For the collection of skin material, the carpet method was used, followed by seeding in Sabouraud dextrose agar culture media, Mycosel agar, Dermatophyte Test Medium and Sabouraud agar supplemented with olive oil. RESULTS: Seventeen genera of fungi were detected, being three of them isolated only in the captivity animals (Acremonium - Cephalosporium, Phoma and Trichosporon). The genera of fungi with the higher frequencies were identified in the semicaptivity capuchins (Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium). CONCLUSIONS: Many of the genera of fungi identified are potential pathogens for immune-compromised monkeys and humans.

Isolation of Sporothrix schenckii from the claws of domestic cats (indoor and outdoor) and in captivity in São Paulo (Brazil).

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis and is also a zoonosis (sapro- and anthropozoonosis). The objective of the present study was to determine the occurrence of sporotrichosis in domestic cats and in wild or exotic felines in captivity through the isolation of Sporothrix spp. from claw impressions in a culture medium. The samples included 132 felines, of which 120 (91.0 %) were domestic cats, 11 (8.3 %) were wild felines, and one (0.7 %) was an exotic felid. Twenty-one (17.5 %) were outdoor cats. Of the total, 89 (67.4 %) had contact with other animals of the same species. It was possible to isolate Sporothrix schenckii from the claws of one (0.7 %) of the felids probed; this animal exhibited generalised sporotrichosis and had infected a female veterinarian. The potential pathogenic agents Microsporum canis and Malassezia pachydermatis were isolated in 12.1 and 5.3 % of the animals, respectively. The following anemophilous fungi, which were considered to be contaminants, were also isolated: Penicillium sp. (28 or 21.2 %), Aspergillus sp. (13 or 9.8 %), Rhodotorula sp. (5 or 3.8 %), Candida sp. (5 or 3.8 %), Trichoderma sp. (1 or 0.7 %), and Acremonium sp. (1 or 0.7 %). Due to the low magnitude of occurrence (0.7 %) of Sporothrix in feline claws, the potential of the cats evaluated in this study to be sources of infection in the city of São Paulo is considerably low.

Caracterização clínica e epidemiológica das leishmanioses em cães no Estado de São Paulo / Clinical and epidemiological characterization of leishmaniasis in dogs in São Paulo State

Caracterizou-se retrospectivamente, a partir do ano de 1997 até março de 2008, a ocorrência de casos de leishmaniose, visceral ou tegumentar, dentre os cães dermatopatas atendidos em serviço especializado de hospital-escola veterinário de Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo. Para o diagnóstico em 427 animais, foram utilizados testes sorológicos (Ensaio Imunoenzimático Indireto, Imunofluorescência Indireta e/ou Fixação de Complemento), parasitológicos diretos e moleculares (Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase), que resultaram na confirmação de 117 (27,4%) casos positivos. Da amostragem, 96 (82,1%) eram cães de raça definida, os demais 21 (17,9%) não dispunham de plena definição racial, sendo 57 (48,7%) fêmeas e 60 (51,3%) machos. Quanto à faixa etária, 26 (22,2%) apresentavam idade inferior a 36 meses, 48 (41%) entre 36 e 84 meses e 43 (36,8%) ultrapassavam o sétimo ano de vida. Considerou-se 64 (54,7%) cães como oligossintomáticos, 44 (37,6%) sintomáticos e os nove (7,7%) remanescentes como assintomáticos. As principais alterações clínicas observadas foram, em ordem decrescente, lesões tegumentares, linfonodomegalia, anemia, disorexia, prostração e esplenomegalia. Quanto às alterações hematológicas, a mais importante foi a linfopenia relativa e absoluta. Dos animais positivos para a enfermidade, 96 (82,1%) correspondeu a casuística alóctone ao Município de São Paulo.

The occurrence of visceral or cutaneous canine leishmaniasis cases among dermatophatic dogs admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry - University of São Paulo from 1997 to 2008 was retrospectively characterized. For the diagnosis of 427 animals, serological (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Indirect Immunofluorescence and/or Complement Fixation), parasitological and molecular (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests were performed, which resulted in 117 (27.4%) confirmed positive cases. Of these, 96 (82.1%) were pure breed dogs and the others 21 (17.9%) were cross breed, being 57 (48.7%) females and 60 (51.3%) males. In terms of age, 26 (22.2%) were younger than 36 months, 48 (41%) were between 36 and 84 months, and 43 (36.8%) were older than seven years old. Sixty-four (54.7%) dogs were considered oligosymptomatic, 44 (37.6%) symptomatic, and the remaining nine (7.7%) asymptomatic. The main clinical findings were, in descending order, dermal lesions, lymphadenopathy, anemia, dysorexia, prostration and splenomegaly. As for hematological disorders, relative and absolute lymphopenia was the most important findings. Ninety-six (82.1%) of the positive animals correspond to allochthonus cases from São Paulo municipality.

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of cyclosporine in atopic dogs treatment / Avaliação da eficácia da ciclosporina no tratamento de cães atópicos

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory, pruritic and chronic allergic skin disease. It is recognized as the secondmost common allergic skin disease of dogs, after flea allergy. Pruritus is the predominant sign of canine AD, and it affects a variety of areas of the body, leading to intense suffering in both the animal and its owner. The long-term use of glucocorticoid therapy can be devastating because of its numerous side effects and secondary diseases. Cyclosporine (CsA) has been considered a good therapeutic option to treat canine AD. CsA inhibits the activation of cells that initiate the cutaneous immune response (Langerhans cells and lymphocytes) and that mediate allergic reactions (mast cells and eosinophils). It also decreases the release of histamine and other cytokines. The objective of this study was to analyze the efficacy of CsA (5 mg/kg, SID for 60 days) to reduce skin lesions and pruritus in 21 atopic dogs using CADESI-03 and two scales to quantify the levels of body itching. This immunomodulatory therapy was considered to be an effective treatment for atopic dogs because it reduced skin lesions by 70% after 60 days of therapy. During that period, there was a 52.6% reduction of body itching as assessed via a verbal numeric scale, and there was a significant reduction of body itching on a qualitative scale, as the maximal levels of pruritus (“three” and “four”) were hardly observed after immunomodulatory therapy. CsA was effective and safe in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis.

A atopia ou dermatite atópica é uma doença inflamatória pruriginosa, crônica e recorrente reconhecida como a segunda alergopatia mais comum, estando aquém apenas da dermatite alérgica à picada de pulgas. Esta doença é caracterizada pela presença exacerbada de prurido corpóreo, infringindo sofrimento ao paciente e desalentando seu proprietário. Por se tratar de uma doença de longo decurso, o tratamento com glicocorticoides pode causar diversos efeitos adversos, além de doenças mais graves. Como alternativa ao tratamento de cães atópicos, a ciclosporina (CsA) acaba tornando-se uma boa opção terapêutica. A CsA inibe as funções das células que iniciam a resposta imunológica (células de Langerhans e linfócitos) e das células que efetuam a resposta alérgica (mastócitos e eosinófilos) e, também, diminui a liberação de histamina e de várias citocinas. O objetivo do presente estudo incluiu a: análise da eficácia da CsA (5mg/kg, SID durante 60 dias) na redução de lesões corpóreas e do prurido com auxílio do CADESI-03 e de duas escalas de prurido corpóreo. A CsA mostrou-se eficaz no tratamento da dermatite atópica canina pois reduziu as lesões corpóreas em 70% após 60 dias de terapia. Nesse mesmo período ocorreu redução da intensidade do prurido corpóreo em 52,6%, avaliado através da escala numérica verbal; e observou-se redução significativa na escala qualitativa de prurido corpóreo, uma vez que os níveis máximos de prurido (“três” e “quatro”) quase não foram observados após a terapia imunomodulatória. A CsA mostrou-se eficaz no tratamento da dermatite atópica canina.

Esporotricose / Sporotrichosis

A esporotricose constitui-se em dermatopatia ergodermatósica, de características antropo ou saprozoonótica que temcomo principais fontes de infecção os felinos domésticos, vegetais e o solo. Tem ela como epônimos as denominaçõesde Enfermidade de Schenk, “maladie de vacance”, Enfermidade dos: veterinários, jardineiros e floristas. Detectam-se,vez por outra, surtos epidêmicos e epizoóticos, tal como o evidenciado, no final do Século XX, em felinos, caninos ehumanos, no sudeste brasileiro. Revisam-se aspectos de ocorrência, etiopatogenia, clínicos, de diagnose, prognose eterapia de pacientes animais (caninos, felinos e equinos)

Sporotrichosis is an ergodermatosic dermatopathy of anthropozoonotic or saprozoonotic characteristics, whose mainsources of infection are domestic cats, plants and soil. It is also known as “Schenk’s illness”, “maladie de vacances”, “Illnessof veterinarians, gardeners and florists”. Epidemic and epizootic outbreaks are occasionally evidenced, as that occurredin the late twentieth century in cats, dogs and humans in southeastern Brazil. Aspects of occurrence, etiopathogenesis,clinical signs, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of dogs, cats and horses with sporotrichosis are reviewed

Ensaio clínico da griseofulvina e da terbinafina na terapia das dermatofitoses em cães e gatos / A clinical trial using griseofulvin and terbinafine in the treatment of canine and feline dermatophytosis

As dermatofitoses dos carnívoros domésticos são infecções fúngicas superficiais, causadas habitualmente por dois gêneros fúngicos: Microsporum sp e Trichophyton sp. Trata-se de uma antropozoonose, com importância na saúde pública. Objetivou-se comparar a eficácia da griseofulvina e da terbinafina na terapia das dermatofitoses. Trinta e cinco animais forma reunidos em três grupos de protocolos de terapia. A griseofulvina (50 mg/kg/dia) foi eficaz em 100 por cento dos casos, sem acarretar efeitos colaterais, com média de tempo para cura de 41 dias. Já a terbinafina na dose de cinco mg kg-1 dia-1 apresentou eficácia de 81,8 por cento, sem induzir efeitos colaterais e com êxito terapêutico em 21 dias. A dose de 20mg kg-1 dia-1 demonstrou a mesma eficácia que a dose de 5mg kg-1 dia-1, porém com efeitos colaterais observados em 16,6 por cento dos animais tratados, com tempo médio para cura de 33 dias. Conclui-se que a terbinafina é uma boa alternativa terapêutica, porém a griseofulvina ainda se constitui na droga de eleição para o tratamento das dermatofitoses de caninos e felinos.

Dermatophytoses in domestic carnivores are superficial infections caused mainly by two genera of fungi: Microsporum spp and Trichophyton spp. This disease is an anthropozoonosis important for public health. The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of griseofulvin and terbinafine in the therapy of dermatophytosis. Thirty five animals were included in three protocols of treatment. Griseofulvin (50mg kg-1 day-1) was effective in 100 percent of the cases, with no side effects. The average time for cure was 41 days. Terbinafine used at a dosage of 5mg kg-1 day-1 showed an efficacy of 81.3 percent. No side effects were observed and the average time for cure was 21 days. The same efficacy using a dosage of 20mg kg-1 day-1 of terbinafine was observed, although side effects were seen in 16.6 percent of the animals treated with an average time for cure of 33 days. The present study demonstrated that terbinafine is a good therapeutic alternative, although griseofulvin is still the first choice drug for the treatment of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats.

Crioterapia na clínica veterinária: avaliação da praticabilidade, e efetividade em carcinoma espinocelular de felinos / Cryotherapy in veterinary clinic: evaluation of its practicability and effectiveness in feline squamous cell carcinoma

Pela inexistência de trabalhos, enfocando a crioterapia em felinos domésticos, dispostos na bibliografia brasileira indexada, propôs-se avaliar a praticabilidade e efetividade da crioterapia no tratamento do carcinoma espinocelular em animais desta espécie. Cinqüenta animais foram submetidos ao procedimento, utilizando-se do nitrogênio líquido como criógeno (com auxílio de spray ou sondas). Observou-se a completa remissão e cura em 80% das lesões, correspondendo a cura de 72% dos animais. A crioterapia revelou-se ainda um procedimento prático, seguro, e efetivo, nas condições da clínica veterinária paulistana.

Based on the absence of detailed and ample papers disposed at the literature, focusing cryosurgery in domestic cats, we aim with this work, to evaluate the practicability and effectiveness of this method in squamous cell carcinoma. We submitted 50 cats to cryosurgery, using liquid nitrogen as a cryogen (by spray or probe equipment). It was observed a complete remission and cure in 80% of lesions, corresponding to a cure rate of 72%. The cryosurgery was considered a practical, safe and effective method to be performed at the small animals veterinary clinic condition at the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Hipotireoidismo na espécie canina: avaliação da ultra-sonografia cervical como metodologia diagnóstica / Hypothyroidism in dogs: study of cervical ultrasonograph: methodology

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a ultra-sonografia das glândulas tireóides em animais com hipotireoidismo primário. Foram utilizados dez cães hipotireoideos, diagnosticados, através de anamnese, exame físico e exames laboratoriais, tais como dosagens séricas de T4 total, T4livre, TSH, colesterol e triglicérides; e 10 cães eutireoideos A ultra-sonografia cervical revelou nítida redução do volume total da glândula tireóide em todos os animais hipotireoideos, estatisticamente significante (p<0,05), em comparação aos animais considerados eutireoideos, denotando, assim, a existência de atrofia glandular, secundária ao hipotireoidismo.

The aim of this study is to evaluate cervical ultrasonography as methods for diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Twenty dogs were distributed in 2 groups: 10 dogs with hypothyroidism, and 10 healthy dogs as a control group. All dogs were submitted to ultrasonographic examination in the cervical area. To confirm hypothyroidism diagnosis, total T4, free T4 and TSH hormones samples were obtained and, also, cholestherol and triglycerides. Hypothyroid animals submitted to cervical ultrasonography showed marked reduction in the total volume of the thyroid gland, with statistical significance (p<0.05), in comparison to normal dogs. This alteration demonstrated the gland atrophy secondary to hypothyroidism.

Levantamento retrospectivo de casos de escabiose canina e felina, atendidos na Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São / Paulo, no período compreendido entre 1984 e 2002 / Canine and feline scabies in São Paulo – Brasil – Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo (1984-2002)

Em levantamento retrospectivo de 19 anos (1984-2002), envolvendo a totalidade de 39524 casos dermatopáticos, de caninos e felinos, atendidos no Serviço de Dermatologia do VCM-HOVET /FMVZUSP, identificou-se um total de 2907 (7,3%) casos de escabiose. Respectivamente, 2283 (78,5%) e 624 (21,5%) animais, eram das espécies canina e felina. A frequência de ocorrência da sarna sarcóptica (6,4%) foi inferior aquela da sarna notoédrica (15,7%), esta última, duas e meia vezes mais freqüente que a congênere canina, sendo tal diferença significativa (p<0,05). Relativamente, à predisposição sexual, os machos apresentaram maior suscetibilidade à infecção do que as fêmeas, em ambas as espécies. Quando da comparação dos sexos, entre caninos e felinos, observou-se que os animais da espécie felina são os atingidos com maior freqüência pela escabiose (p<0,05). Ao se considerar a predisposição racial, apenas na espécie canina, constatou-se maior tendência de acometimento de animais de raça definida (58,0%). As raças caninas (poodle, Cocker Spaniel e Pastor Alemão) de pelame longo (74,2%) e felina (Siamês) de pelo curto (81,3%) foram as mais acometidas (p<0,05). Animais com faixa etária inferior a um ano foram aqueles mais freqüentemente infectados (caninos 54,7%, felinos 63,5%) e dentre estes, foram os felinos os mais atingidos (p<0,05). Não houve influência sazonal na ocorrência de escabiose, canina e felina.

Pênfigo Foliáceo em cães: levantamento retrospectivo de casos atendidos no período de novembro de 1986 a julho de 2000 e de resposta aos protocolos de terapia empregados no Hospital Veterinário da USP / Pemphigus foliaceous in dogs: retrospective survey of cases, during the period of November 1998 to July 2000, and evaluation of clinical management in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of University of São Paulo

Entre novembro de 1986 e julho de 2000, foram atendidos, no Serviço de Dermatologia do Hospital Veterinário (HOVET) da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo (FMVZ/USP), 30 animais acometidos por Pênfigo Foliáceo (PF). Através de levantamento retrospectivo, os animais foram caracterizados quanto ao sexo, definição racial e raça, idade, tipo e topografia das lesões e resposta a tratamento orto (prednisona) e heterodoxo (prednisona em associação à azatioprina).

Crioterapia na clínica veterinária: avaliação da praticabilidade exeqüibilidade e efetividade em dermatoses de caninos / Cryosurgery in the veterinary clinic: evaluation of its practicability, effectiveness and availibility in canine dermatosis

Dada a inexistência na bibliografia indexada de trabalhos abrangentes e detalhados enfocando a crioterapia em carnívoros domésticos, poropôs-se avaliar a praticabilidade, exeqüibilidade e efetividade da crioterapia no tratamento de dermatopatias de cães. Cinqüenta animais foram submetidos ao procedimento, utilizando-se nitrogênio líquido como criógeno (com auxílio de spray ou sondas - Cry-Ac3). Os quadros mórbidos dos caninos tratados consistiram em neoplasias benignas (48 por cento), neoplasias malignas (38 por cento), hiperplasias (6 por cento), neoformações papilomatosas (6 por cento) e císticas (2 por cento). Houve involução plena e cura em 95,3 por cento das lesões de caninos submetidos à terapia, com a conseqüente resolução dos quadros em 90 por cento dos animais criotratados, demonstrando o êxito do tratamento.A crioterapia revelou-se ainda um procedimento prático, seguro, de baixo custo e bem exeqüível nas condições da clínica veterinária paulistana

Non-radiometric immunoassays [fluoroimmunoassay (FIA) and fluorometric enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) with radioimmunoassay (RIA) for evaluation of adrenal function in normal and hypercortisolemic dogs

Non-radiometric immunoassays offer many advantages over radiometric assays, such as higher stability of kit compounds and absence of potential hazardous effects for users and environment. The comparison of cortisol measurements by fluoroimmunoassay (FIA) and fluorometric enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) with radioimmunoassay (RIA) in adrenal function evaluation of normal (n=50) and hypercortisolemic dogs (n=12) was proposed. Serum concentrations of cortisol were measured in basal conditions and 8 hours after dexamethasone (DEX) suppression (0.01mg/kg/IV). All our reference values were based on the 5th and 95th percentile. The values for basal cortisol of healthy dogs were 0.20 to 2.35mg/d for FIA, 0.30 to 5.39mg/d for FEIA, and 0.65 to 4.64mg/d for RIA. After DEX suppression the values were <0.87mg/d, <0.30mg/d and < 0.80mg/d for FIA, FEIA and RIA, respectively. In hypercortisolemic dogs, the values of cortisol (mean ± SD) in basal and post-DEX conditions were 2.71 + 0.41mg/d and 1.73 + 1.15mg/d for FIA, 7.05 + 2.85mg/d and 4.93 + 2.26mg/d for FEIA, and 4.80 + 1.43mg/d and 3.52 + 1.08mg/d for RIA. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between the normal and the hypercortisolemic groups (Kruskal-Wallis test) were observed in the three methods, and between basal and post-DEX values (Wilcoxon test) using RIA and FEIA methods but not with FIA. Cortisol determinations by FEIA and RIA methods at DEX suppression test showed 100% of sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs. The results demonstrate that serum cortisol concentrations measurements by FEIA is a suitable alternative to the traditional RIA method for adrenal function evaluation in dogs.