A Case Report of Presumptive Primary Lymphedema Localized to the Face of a Dog.

Primary lymphedema (PLE) is an uncommon diagnosis in veterinary medicine, with most of the previously described cases showing lower limb edema associated with a guarded long-term prognosis. To the authors' knowledge, this case report describes the first case of lymphedema localized unilaterally to the facial region of one-year-old German Shorthair Pointer, in which indirect CT-lymphography, combined with histopathologic examination of the skin, resulted in a tentative diagnosis of PLE.

Bilateral cholesterol granulomas in the middle ear cavities of a cat with sinonasal disease successfully removed via video-otoscopy.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 9-year-old spayed female Maine Coon cat was presented at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna for further investigation of chronic nonpruritic bilateral ear disease and unilateral Horner syndrome. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination and otoscopy findings included right sided Horner syndrome, a right head tilt of approximately 20° and a small pink nodule in the right and several smaller nodules in the left proximal horizontal external ear canal. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed soft tissue opacity material in both middle ear cavities, the caudal portion of the nasal cavity, the left nasopharyngeal meatus and the right frontal sinus. Via videootoscopy, 2 multilobular and several flat nodules were detected in the proximal right horizontal external ear canal and in the left tympanic bulla, respectively. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cholesterol granulomas. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: All otic cholesterol granulomas (CGs) were removed via video-otoscopy (VO), and topical treatment was initiated in addition to oral prednisolone. After the histopathological confirmation, negative microbial cultures from the middle ear cavities, and the remission of the symptoms by the first recheck, topical, and systemic treatment were discontinued. A follow-up 6 months later, did not reveal any recurrence of the CGs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To our knowledge, this is the first case of bilateral CGs diagnosed with a combination of CT, MRI, VO, and histopathology and removed minimal invasively via VO, without a need for ventral bulla osteotomy, which led to complete remission of all signs and no relapse until the follow up 6 months later.

Prevalence of immunoglobulin E against cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants and the impact of a blocker in canine sera.

OBJECTIVE: Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) cause multiple positive results in seasonal in vitro allergy tests. False positive/clinically irrelevant results have been identified due to the binding of immunoglobulin E against CCD (anti-CCD IgE) when testing for pollen allergens. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of polysensitised serum samples and evaluate the impact of a CCD inhibitor/blocker in seasonal allergy test results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 4614 canine serum samples, submitted from July 2017 to June 2018 for seasonal in vitro allergy test via ELISA Fc-Ε receptor technology, were studied. Samples were grouped into polysensitised (group A) and non-polysensitised (group B). Polysensitised samples were retested after adding a modified glycoprotein plant extract (blocker). To determine the impact of the blocker for each allergen, results prior and post blocking were investigated in 96 randomly selected samples. RESULTS: Polysensitisation to seasonal allergens was diagnosed in 818 (17.7 %) serum samples. The blocker eliminated the binding of anti-CCD IgE to allergen extracts (49 %) or suppressed the reaction classes (40 %) which are indicative of the presence of clinically relevant IgE. Negative reactions after blocking were less common when testing for antibodies against a mixture of 6-grass mix (29 %), rye (22 %), and sheep sorrel (20 %) in comparison to nettle (82 %), willow (70 %), birch-hazel (65 %), mugwort-ragweed (63 %) and English plantain (57 %). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Blocking should be used in the case of polysensitized results to improve the quality of seasonal in vitro allergy tests and avoid the use of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) for clinically irrelevant allergens.

Higher prevalence of seizure activity in a small population of atopic dogs: a retrospective breed- and age-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is considered to be a systemic disease in people shown to have an association with epilepsy. However, so far, no data about the association of epilepsy and atopy have been reported in dogs. OBJECTIVES: Given the homology between human and canine AD, and the increased incidence of epilepsy in atopic people, we investigated the association between AD and seizure-associated activity in a small canine population. ANIMALS: We included 34 atopic dogs and 34 breed- and age range-matched nonatopic dogs. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We investigated the association between canine AD and signs of seizures in a retrospective, breed- and age range-matched, case-controlled study. Dog owners were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. The presence or absence of signs of seizure activity and possible comorbidities were questioned. RESULTS: Seven of the 34 atopic dogs also suffered from seizure activity. By contrast, only one dog affected with seizure signs could be identified among the 34 nonatopic dogs. Atopic dermatitis was associated with a higher frequency of seizure activity (McNemar test, P = 0.035; one-sided) and atopic dogs had a higher odds ratio to develop seizures [(95% CI) 7 (0.9-56.9)] compared to the age- and breed-matched nonatopic control group. No other comorbidities were detected. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In our small retrospective study, we observed an increased prevalence of seizure activity in the atopic dog population. Further larger and prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

[Prevalance of immunoglobulin E against cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) and impact of a blocker in seasonal allergy tests]. / Prävalenz von Immunglobulin E gegen kreuzreagierende Kohlenhydrat-Seitenketten (CCD) und die Wirkung eines Blockers im saisonalen In-vitro-Allergietest.

OBJECTIVES: Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) cause false positive/clinically irrelevant results in seasonal in vitro allergy tests due to the binding of immunoglobulin IgE against CCD (anti-CCD IgE).There is no study regarding the presence of this phenomen in cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of polysensitization in serum samples and evaluate the impact of a CCD inhibitor/blocker in multi-positive seasonal allergy test results in cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 472 feline sera, submitted from July 2017 to June 2018 for seasonal in vitro allergy test via ELISA Fc-Ε receptor technology, were studied. Samples were grouped into polysensitized (group A) and non-polysensitized (group B). Polysensitized samples (A) were retested after adding a modified glycoprotein plants extract (blocker). To determine the impact of the blocking to each allergen, the results in 48 randomly selected samples in cats prior- and post-blocking were investigated. RESULTS: Polysensitization to seasonal allergens was diagnosed in 137 (29 %) samples. No discrepancy in presence of polysensitization was seen in different seasons. Blocking eliminated the binding of anti-CCD IgE and produced either negative test results (49 %) or a decrease of 1-4 reaction classes (41 %) which is indicative of the simultaneous presence of clinically relevant allergen specific IgE. Total negative reactions after blocking were less common in 6-grass mix (31 %), rye (23 %) and sheep sorrel (25 %) in comparison to willow und birch-hazel (67 %), mugwort-ragweed und nettle (65 %), as well as English plantain (54 %). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In order to improve the quality of seasonal in vitro allergy test, blocking should be employed in cases of polysensitized results resulting in an avoidance of the administration of non-offending allergens during allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT).

Novel insights into the pathways regulating the canine hair cycle and their deregulation in alopecia X.

Alopecia X is a hair cycle arrest disorder in Pomeranians. Histologically, kenogen and telogen hair follicles predominate, whereas anagen follicles are sparse. The induction of anagen relies on the activation of hair follicle stem cells and their subsequent proliferation and differentiation. Stem cell function depends on finely tuned interactions of signaling molecules and transcription factors, which are not well defined in dogs. We performed transcriptome profiling on skin biopsies to analyze altered molecular pathways in alopecia X. Biopsies from five affected and four non-affected Pomeranians were investigated. Differential gene expression revealed a downregulation of key regulator genes of the Wnt (CTNNB1, LEF1, TCF3, WNT10B) and Shh (SHH, GLI1, SMO, PTCH2) pathways. In mice it has been shown that Wnt and Shh signaling results in stem cell activation and differentiation Thus our findings are in line with the lack of anagen hair follicles in dogs with Alopecia X. We also observed a significant downregulation of the stem cell markers SOX9, LHX2, LGR5, TCF7L1 and GLI1 whereas NFATc1, a quiescence marker, was upregulated in alopecia X. Moreover, genes coding for enzymes directly involved in the sex hormone metabolism (CYP1A1, CYP1B1, HSD17B14) were differentially regulated in alopecia X. These findings are in agreement with the so far proposed but not yet proven deregulation of the sex hormone metabolism in this disease.

Innate function of house dust mite allergens: robust enzymatic degradation of extracellular matrix at elevated pH.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D.p.) increases the risk for developing allergic diseases in humans and their best friends, the dogs. Here, we explored whether this allergenic mite via its enzymes may impact the cutaneous extracellular matrix (ECM), which critically determines epithelial barrier integrity both structurally and functionally. METHODS: Two extracts obtained from either dust-purified or cultured D.p. bodies were used in the present study. To assess the potential impact of D.p. on protein components of the ECM, proteolytic activity of the D.p. extracts were determined by casein and gelatin gel zymography, and their N-acetyl-ß-hexosaminidase activity determined colorimetrically. In addition, IgE-dependent and innate degranulation potential of D.p. was examined in canine MPT-1 mast cells and neurite outgrowth assay using rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells. RESULTS: In gel zymography, both extracts digested the substrates casein and gelatin in a dose-dependent manner, especially at alkaline pH, and effective in a wide range of temperatures (30 °C-42 °C). In particular, a 25-kDa band corresponding to Der p 1, the major D.p. allergen for humans, was found enzymatically active in both casein and gelatin gels regardless of the presence of metal ions and of alkaline conditions. Besides protease activity, N-acetyl-ß-hexosaminidase activity was detected in both extracts, suggesting that D.p. affects the cutaneous ECM through deteriorating both proteins and glycosaminoglycans. While both D.p. extracts induced IgE-dependent mast cell degranulation, much less innate effects on mast- and neuronal cells were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight that D.p. is a robust source of several distinct enzymes with protease- and N-acetyl-ß-hexosaminidase activities. In alkaline milieu they can degrade components of the ECM. Therefore, D.p. may contribute to epithelial barrier disruption especially when the skin surface pH is elevated.

Gender aspects in allergies of pets - A secondary publication and update.

Allergies need not only affect humans; this multifactorial and complex disease can also affect animals. Comparative allergology investigates the many similarities between the pathogenesis, clinics, diagnosis, and therapy of the disorders in humans and pet animals. In contrast to human allergy research, the veterinary field lacks access to a central database, which means there are no cohort studies published. This limits not only the research on breed and regional differences in allergies, but also further studies on the impact of gender in allergies of domestic animals. Moreover, domestic cats, dogs and male horses are castrated in most cases, which neutralises any effects of sexual hormones. In this review article a few interesting findings regarding gender aspects in companion animals were extracted from current literature. In summary, there is a lack of data on gender effects on allergies in cats, dogs or horses.

Integrated morphological and molecular identification of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) vectoring Rickettsia felis in central Europe.

Fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides are the most common ectoparasites infesting dogs and cats world-wide. The species Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis are competent vectors for zoonotic pathogens such as Rickettsia felis and Bartonella spp. Improved knowledge on the diversity and phylogenetics of fleas is important for understanding flea-borne pathogen transmission cycles. Fleas infesting privately owned dogs and cats from the Czech Republic (n=97) and Romania (n=66) were subjected to morphological and molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis. There were a total of 59 (60.82%) cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis), 30 (30.93%) dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis), 7 (7.22%) European chicken fleas (Ceratophyllus gallinae) and 1 (1.03%) northern rat flea (Nosopsyllus fasciatus) collected in the Czech Republic. Both C. canis and C. felis felis were identified in Romania. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing at the cox1 gene on a cohort of 40 fleas revealed the cosmopolitan C. felis felis clade represented by cox1 haplotype 1 is present in the Czech Republic. A new C. felis felis clade from both the Czech Republic and Romania is also reported. A high proportion of C. canis was observed from dogs and cats in the current study and phylogeny revealed that C. canis forms a sister clade to the oriental cat flea Ctenocephalides orientis (syn. C. felis orientis). Out of 33 fleas tested, representing C. felis felis, C. canis and Ce. gallinae, 7 (21.2%) were positive for R. felis using diagnostic real-time PCR targeting the gltA gene and a conventional PCR targeting the ompB gene. No samples tested positive for Bartonella spp. using a diagnostic real-time PCR assay targeting ssrA gene. This study confirms high genetic diversity of C. felis felis globally and serves as a foundation to understand the implication for zoonotic disease carriage and transmission by the flea genus Ctenocephalides.

Pollen Allergies in Humans and their Dogs, Cats and Horses: Differences and Similarities.

Both humans and their most important domestic animals harbor IgE and a similar IgE receptor repertoire and expression pattern. The same cell types are also involved in the triggering or regulation of allergies, such as mast cells, eosinophils or T-regulatory cells. Translational clinical studies in domestic animals could therefore help cure animal allergies and at the same time gather knowledge relevant to human patients. Dogs, cats and horses may spontaneously and to different extents develop immediate type symptoms to pollen allergens. The skin, nasal and bronchial reactions, as well as chronic skin lesions due to pollen are in principle comparable to human patients. Pollen of various species most often causes allergic rhinitis in human patients, whereas in dogs it elicits predominantly eczematous lesions (canine atopic dermatitis), in horses recurrent airway obstruction or hives as well as pruritic dermatitis, and in cats bronchial asthma and so-called cutaneous reactive patterns (eosinophilic granuloma complex, head and neck pruritus, symmetric self-induced alopecia). In human allergy-specific IgE detection, skin tests or other allergen provocation tests should be completed. In contrast, in animals IgE and dermal tests are regarded as equally important and may even replace each other. However, for practical and economic reasons intradermal tests are most commonly performed in a specialized practice. As in humans, in dogs, cats and horses allergen immunotherapy leads to significant improvement of the clinical symptoms. The collected evidence suggests that canines, felines and equines, with their spontaneous allergies, are attractive model patients for translational studies.

The first case of Demodex gatoi in Austria, detected with fecal flotation.

Feline demodicosis is a rare parasitic condition caused by three different species of mites (Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi, and an unnamed species). D. gatoi inhabits the superficial skin layer (stratum corneum) and is easily transmitted between individual cats. A 2-year-old female spayed Cornish Rex was presented with alopecia and pruritus. The dermatological examination revealed bilateral alopecia and excoriations on trunk, limbs, and belly. The second cat in the household, a 3-year-old female spayed Thai, showed no clinical signs. Superficial and deep skin scrapings were performed and cellophane tapes applied, and living D. gatoi mites could be detected in both cats. Oral ivermectin (0.25 mg/kg every other day) was subscribed. Feces were collected from both cats and fecal flotation with sugar and zinc solutions performed. When compared to skin scrapings and cellophane tapes, D. gatoi was detected more frequently and in higher numbers in fecal samples. Our findings suggest that D. gatoi can be efficiently diagnosed with coproscopy, particularly in asymptomatic carrier animals. DNA was extracted from the flotation liquid, and a PCR protocol for the species verification was designed. A fragment targeting a 325-bp DNA fragment of the D. gatoi mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene was amplified with a 100% similarity to the D. gatoi entry in GenBank® (GI 421920216). We report the first finding of D. gatoi in Austria and propose fecal flotation as a valuable tool for mite detection. Fecal flotation liquid is suitable for DNA extraction and PCR-based species verification of D. gatoi.

Clinical and histological characterization of hair coat and glandular tissue of Chinese crested dogs.

BACKGROUND: Two varieties exist in the Chinese crested dog breed, namely hairless Chinese crested dogs presenting with hypotrichosis and dentition abnormalities, and the coated powderpuffs. Hairless Chinese crested dogs are obligate heterozygotes for a FOXI3 mutation, and this phenotype is classified as a form of canine ectodermal dysplasia. OBJECTIVES: We provide a detailed histological description of hair follicles and their density for the three subphenotypes (true hairless, semi-coated and powderpuffs) of Chinese crested dogs. Apocrine and exocrine glands of the skin and other tissues were compared with findings reported from dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia. ANIMALS: Skin biopsies were collected from 22 Chinese crested dogs. Additionally, the glands of the skin and other tissues were examined from another two dogs available for postmortem examination. METHODS: Skin biopsies and tissues were processed, stained and evaluated in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: Hair follicular anomalies decreased with increasing number of hairs in the different phenotypes. The FOXI3 mutants had only simple primary hair follicles, whereas the nonmutant powderpuffs had compound follicles identical to other dog breeds. All Chinese crested dogs had an anagen-dominated hair cycle. Furthermore, apocrine glands in the skin and respiratory mucous glands of the mutant Chinese crested dogs were present and normal. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: We have identified striking histopathological differences between the three subphenotypes of Chinese crested dogs. We clearly demonstrated distinct differences between the canine ectodermal dysplasia in Chinese crested dogs and dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia.

Cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma with dissemination to the liver in an eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus).

Cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma with liver metastasis was diagnosed in a 10-year-old eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus). Physical findings included intracutaneous swellings, ulcerated plaques and nodules, hypotrichosis and erythema of the skin. Fine needle aspiration from the skin lesions showed a population of large lymphocytes and lymphoblasts, and was helpful in establishing the diagnosis antemortem. The post-mortem examination revealed epitheliotropic lymphoma with liver metastasis. Immunohistochemistry proved the T-cell origin both in the liver and skin tumours. Electron microscopy did not reveal any viral particles within the tumour. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of lymphoma described in this species.

Three novel canine papillomaviruses support taxonomic clade formation.

More than 100 human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been identified and had their whole genomes sequenced. Most of these HPVs can be classified into three distinct genera, the alpha-, beta- and gamma-papillomaviruses (PVs). Of note, only one or a small number of PVs have been identified for each individual animal species. However, four canine PVs (CPVs) (COPV, CPV2, CPV3 and CPV4) have been described and their entire genomic sequences have been published. Based on their sequence similarities, they belong to three distinct clades. In the present study, circular viral DNA was amplified from three dogs showing signs of pigmented plaques, endophytic papilloma or in situ squamous cell carcinoma. Analysis of the DNA sequences suggested that these are three novel viruses (CPV5, CPV6 and CPV7) whose genomes comprise all the conserved sequence elements of known PVs. The genomes of these seven CPVs were compared in order properly classify them. Interestingly, phylogenetic analyses, as well as pairwise sequence alignments of the putative amino acid sequences, revealed that CPV5 grouped well with CPV3 and CPV4, whereas CPV7 grouped with CPV2 but neither group fitted with other classified PVs. However, CPV6 grouped with COPV, a lambda-PV. Based on this evidence, allocation of CPVs into three distinct clades could therefore be supported. Thus, similar to HPVs, it might be that the known and currently unknown CPVs are related and form just a few clades or genera.