A prospective study evaluating the correlation between local weather conditions, pollen counts and pruritus of dogs with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a hereditary, generally pruritic and predominantly T-cell-driven inflammatory skin disease, involving an interplay between skin barrier abnormalities, allergen sensitisation and microbial dysbiosis. The individual immunological response is predominantly against environmental allergens, including mite antigens; mould spores; and pollen from grasses, trees and weeds. Airborne pollens show fluctuating patterns during the year. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the influence of local pollen concentrations and weather conditions on the clinical signs of atopic dogs, and to investigate any possible correlations with the results of intradermal testing (IDT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven privately owned atopic dogs in Bavaria were surveyed from 1 April to 30 November 2021. Owners were asked to record pruritus using a validated Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) score and the weekly medication of their dog. Furthermore, weather data, including pollen count, rainfall, relative humidity, hours of sunshine and temperature from the dog's location were collected daily. RESULTS: Of the evaluated parameters, only humidity and medication scores correlated positively with the PVAS scores of the atopic dogs. There was no correlation between specific pollen counts and PVAS scores of dogs with positive IDT reactions to that pollen. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The outcome of this study highlights the importance of a careful interpretation of positive IDT results in dogs with cAD and questions the validity of airborne pollen trap methodology in representing pollen exposure for dogs at ground level.

Long-term use of lokivetmab in dogs with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Lokivetmab, a caninised monoclonal antibody against interleukin (IL)-31, is an effective treatment for the pruritus associated with canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of lokivetmab during long-term treatment defined as at least three consecutive lokivetmab injections in atopic dogs under field conditions. To assess individual factors influencing treatment outcome and adverse events. ANIMALS: 150 dogs with cAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs treated with lokivetmab were reviewed, and owners and/or veterinarians were contacted as needed for follow-up. A decrease of the pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) score by ≥2 or a PVAS score ≤2 after treatment was considered as treatment success. Logistic regression was used to investigate the influence of a variety of factors on outcome: type of cAD (food versus environment), age at first lokivetmab administration, disease chronicity, dosage and/or secondary infection. Any adverse event that occurred during the study period was recorded. RESULTS: Lokivetmab reduced the PVAS score with long-term use (p < 0.01); the success rate was 53 of 69 total dogs (77%). The probability of treatment failure decreased with increasing treatment duration. None of the factors investigated influenced the treatment outcome. Twelve dogs of 150 (8%) showed adverse events such as gastrointestinal signs or lethargy. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lokivetmab appears to be an effective and safe long-term anti-itch therapy for dogs with cAD.

Diascopy and histopathological evaluation of nonblanching erythematous dermatoses in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Diascopy is a point-of-care diagnostic test used to differentiate skin erythema due to vascular dilation from haemorrhage. In the veterinary literature, only a handful of diseases have been described to be associated with a negative (nonblanching) diascopy result, and histological investigation of haemorrhage has been inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: Retrospective study to undertake a histopathological investigation of canine, nonblanching erythematous dermatoses for the presence or absence of haemorrhage and vascular changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin biopsies from dogs presented with moderate-to-severe nonblanching erythema were evaluated histologically. Additionally, clinical data about each patient were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty cases were identified with nonblanching erythema. Diagnoses included vasculopathy (n = 6), canine eosinophilic dermatitis (n = 3), cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma (n = 2), and one case each of sterile granuloma and pyogranuloma syndrome, German shepherd dog pyoderma, multiple mast cell tumours, haemangiosarcoma, exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus, canine leishmaniosis with sebaceous adenitis, sebaceous adenitis with concurrent dermatophytosis, calcinosis cutis and canine atopic dermatitis with insect-bite reaction. One or more vascular changes were present in all 20 cases and included perivascular oedema, endothelial swelling and neutrophilic infiltration of vessel walls. Haemorrhage was identified in 17 of 20 cases (85%). Three cases without dermal haemorrhage were calcinosis cutis, sebaceous adenitis with dermatophytosis and canine atopic dermatitis with insect-bite reaction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Negative diascopy was associated with haemorrhage and vascular pathological findings in the majority of cases, yet not all. Haemorrhage was identified histologically in all diseases previously reported as nonblanching as well as in a few additional diseases.

Evaluation of hypochlorous acid as an ear flush in dogs with chronic otitis externa.

BACKGROUND: Chronic otitis externa (OE) in dogs frequently requires anaesthetised ear flushing. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate hypochlorous acid as an ear flushing and antimicrobial agent in dogs with chronic OE. ANIMALS: Twenty dogs with chronic OE caused by the same organisms bilaterally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One ear was flushed under anaesthesia with hypochlorous acid, the other with saline solution. Subsequently, the ear flushed with hypochlorous acid was cleaned with the same solution twice daily for 2 weeks, the other ear with a commercial ear cleaner. An ear medication containing miconazole, polymyxin B and prednisolone was used once daily in both ears. Clinical scores were determined before the flush. Ear cytological results were obtained, a hearing test was conducted before and after the ear flush, and a culture was taken directly after flushing. Ears were evaluated after 2 weeks of therapy. RESULTS: Yeast was present in the ears of 11, cocci in one and a mixed infection in eight dogs. Five ears were negative on culture after flushing with hypochlorous acid, one after the saline flush. Clinical and cytological scores decreased significantly with both solutions after 2 weeks of treatment. There was no difference between treatments in any of the scores at any time point between treatments and in the results of the hearing test before and after the flushing procedure. Adverse effects were not seen. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypochlorous acid is a suitable cleaning solution for canine OE.

A randomised, double-blinded comparison between subcutaneous rush and intralympathic allergen immunotherapy induction in atopic dogs.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin diseases in small animal practice. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only curative treatment for the disease, and oral, subcutaneous and intralymphatic administration of allergens are commonly employed. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of AIT following an induction phase with intralymphatic injections (ILIT) or rush immunotherapy (RIT). ANIMALS: Fifty privately owned dogs with AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a double-blinded study, dogs were randomly assigned to either four monthly ILIT of allergen extract or RIT with five injections administered subcutaneously at hourly intervals on the first day. They were assessed by validated scores; Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI) and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) at the beginning of the study and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The latter were performed daily for 7 days before each revisit. Medication scores and a total clinical score were calculated and compared between each group and time point. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in CADLI and PVAS scores, or CADLI and medication scores between groups at any of the time points. A significant improvement with both ILIT and RIT was seen in total and pruritus scores, respectively. An owner global assessment of good-to-excellent treatment efficacy was seen in 40% of the dogs; total scores improved by 27% and 35% in the RIT and ILIT group, respectively. Adverse effects were not seen. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Induction of AIT can be conducted either as RIT or ILIT with no loss in efficacy.

Venom immunotherapy for Hymenoptera allergy in a dog.

A 1.5-year-old male castrated dog was presented in anaphylactic shock after suffering an apparent bee sting. Immunotherapy with bee venom was initiated based upon history, skin testing and serological testing for allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E. The dog was maintained on venom immunotherapy for five years and showed no signs of adverse effects from therapy or from repeated bee stings.

Un chien castré de 1,5 ans a été présenté pour choc anaphylactique après avoir été piqué par une abeille. L'immunothérapie avec le venin d'abeille a été initié en fonction des commémoratifs, des tests cutanés et des tests sérologiques pour les immunoglobulines (Ig)E spécifiques d'allergènes. Le chien a été maintenu sous immunothérapie au venin pendant cinq ans et n'a montré aucun effet indésirable du traitement ou a la suite d'autres piqures d'abeilles.

Un perro macho castrado de 1,5 años se presentó en shock anafiláctico luego de sufrir una aparente picadura de abeja. La inmunoterapia con veneno de abeja se inició basándose en el historial, las pruebas cutáneas y las pruebas serológicas para la inmunoglobulina (Ig)E específica de alérgenos. El perro se mantuvo con inmunoterapia con veneno durante cinco años y no experimentó efectos adversos con la terapia o con repetidas picaduras de abeja.

Um cão macho castrado de 1 ano e meio de idade foi apresentado em choque anafilático após aparentemente ter sido picado por abelha. Iniciou-se a imunoterapia com veneno de abelha baseado na história clínica, testes alérgicos cutâneos e sorológicos para imunoglobulina (Ig)E alérgeno-específica. O cão foi mantido em imunoterapia com veneno por cinco anos e não apresentou nenhum efeito adverso do tratamento ou de novas picadas de abelha.

Evaluation of a clinical scoring system for canine demodicosis.

BACKGROUND: Canine demodicosis is a common disease in small animal practice. Although a number of studies evaluating treatment efficacy for canine demodicosis have used clinical scoring systems, none have been validated. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the validity, reliability, reproducibility and sensitivity to change of a clinical scoring system for canine demodicosis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifty-eight dogs with generalised demodicosis were evaluated using a clinical scoring system that assessed erythema, comedones/ papules/pustules, follicular casts/scales/crusts and alopecia, rated from none to mild, moderate and severe in 36 body locations. Two evaluators scored lesions at monthly consecutive visits during treatment. Mites were counted to a maximum of 50 in four deep skin scrapings. With >50 mites, the approximate mite number was calculated with the help of a grid drawn onto the slide before placing the scraped material onto it. RESULTS: A Pearson correlation coefficient showed a high interobserver reliability (r = 0.97) between two different clinicians evaluating the same dog. The Wilcoxon signed rank test showed good sensitivity to change with a reduction of clinical scores with each of the first six evaluations (P < 0.0001). A linear mixed model also showed a clear reduction in mite counts (P < 0.001) and clinical scores (P < 0.0001) from the first evaluation with time. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The clinical scoring system for canine demodicosis evaluated in this study showed a good sensitivity to change and interobserver reliability, and can be used in studies evaluating canine demodicosis.

Cutaneous microRNA expression in healthy Labrador and Golden retrievers and retrievers with allergic and inflammatory skin diseases.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short, single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in a post-transcriptional manner. Their expression is proposed to be tissue-specific and alterations in miRNA expression have been detected in many diseases. OBJECTIVE: To compare miRNA expression in the skin of healthy Labrador and golden retrievers, and those with allergic and nonallergic dermatitis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) skin specimens from seven healthy Labrador and golden retrievers, and seven dogs with allergic skin disease were collected. A further mixed nonallergic inflammation group consisted of samples from five dogs with fungal infection, demodicosis and mast cell tumours. Total RNA was extracted and miRNA primer assays for 18 target miRNAs (miR-142, miR-363, miR-18b, miR-451, miR-146a, miR-124, miR-409, miR-193b, miR-223, miR-215, miR-155, miR-423a, miR-143, miR-1839, miR-21, miR-34b, miR-146b and miR-202) were performed, with RNU6-2 and SNORD95 as miRNAs for normalisation. The selection of miRNAs for investigation was based on reported data and a pilot study evaluating miRNA extraction from FFPE tissue specimens. RESULTS: In the two dogs with mast cell tumours, miRNA expression was undetermined for most miRNAs, so both were excluded from analysis. Although there were differences in the miRNA expression between healthy and inflamed skin, allergic and nonallergic inflammation showed similar expression patterns. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the number of included dogs was small, based on this study, none of the evaluated miRNAs allowed differentiation of allergic dermatitis from other inflammatory skin diseases in retriever dogs.

Treatment of the feline atopic syndrome - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Feline allergic skin disease and asthma occur regularly in small animal practice. OBJECTIVES: To provide evidence-based recommendations for small animal practitioners on the treatment of feline atopic syndrome (FAS). METHODS AND MATERIALS: The authors reviewed the literature available before February 2020, prepared a detailed evidence-based literature review and made recommendations based on the evaluated evidence. RESULTS: Sixty-six papers and abstracts were identified describing treatment interventions for FAS and evaluated to establish treatment recommendations. For many treatment options, the papers were retrospective, open studies or case reports. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this review, there was good evidence for the efficacy of systemic glucocorticoids and ciclosporin, and limited evidence for the efficacy of topical glucocorticoids, oclacitinib and allergen-specific immunotherapy in feline atopic skin syndrome. Evidence pointed to low-to-moderate efficacy for antihistamines, fatty acids and palmitoyl ethanolamide. In feline asthma, there was good evidence for the efficacy of oral and inhaled glucocorticoids, and limited evidence of moderate efficacy for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Evidence supported low-to-moderate efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells, inhaled lidocaine and oclacitinib as treatments for feline asthma. For almost all therapeutic options (with the exception of glucocorticoids and ciclosporin), more randomised controlled trials are needed.

Immunopathogenesis of the feline atopic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Feline diseases of possible allergic origin with similar clinical phenotypes can have a varied underlying pathogenesis. Clinical phenotype, precise aetiology and underlying immunopathogenesis all need to be considered if advances in this neglected area of dermatology are to be made. OBJECTIVES: To document the status of research into the immunopathogenesis of the diseases that fall within the spectrum of the feline atopic syndrome (FAS ), to summarize the conclusions, identify the limitations and recommend future research directions. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A search of the literature was undertaken. The strengths and validity of the data and the contributions to our current understanding of the immunopathogenesis were analysed. Skin diseases of presumed allergic aetiology and asthma were assessed separately, as was the role of antibodies, cells and cytokines in each. RESULTS: The research varied in its quality and its impact often was limited by a failure to employ strict criteria in case selection. This reflected the difficulties of skin reaction patterns associated with a number of inciting causes. Research into feline asthma was handicapped by the difficulties of investigating clinical material, and much of the useful information was derived from experimental models. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The evidence reviewed was supportive of a role for immunoglobulin (Ig)E in the pathogenesis of both feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS) and asthma, albeit not strongly so. The inflammation noted in both FASS and asthma is accompanied by eosinophils and lymphocytes, and these findings, together with the cytokine expression, are suggestive in some (not all) cats of T-helper type 2 immune dysregulation.

Clinical signs and diagnosis of feline atopic syndrome: detailed guidelines for a correct diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Feline atopic syndrome (FAS) describes a spectrum of hypersensitivity disorders characterised by highly diverse clinical presentations including skin, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Among these disorders is feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS), in which hypersensitivity is typically associated with environmental allergens, although food allergy may coexist. Involvement of other organ systems (e.g. asthma) also may occur. Because of its highly heterogeneous clinical presentation, diagnosis of FASS can be challenging. OBJECTIVES: A subgroup of the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals was tasked to summarise the most current information on the clinical presentations of FASS and to develop diagnostic guidelines. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Online citation databases and abstracts from international meetings were searched for publications related to feline allergic conditions. These were combined with expert opinion where necessary. RESULTS: A total of 107 publications relevant to this review were identified. Compilation of these data enabled development of a detailed description of the clinical features of FASS and development of guidelines focusing on systematic elimination of other skin conditions with similar clinical characteristics. As allergen tests are frequently used by dermatologists to support a clinical diagnosis of FASS, a brief review of these methodologies was also performed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In a similar way to atopic dermatitis in dogs, FASS is a clinical diagnosis based on the presence of compatible clinical signs and exclusion of other diseases with similar clinical features. Elimination or exclusion of fleas/flea allergy, other parasites, infections and food allergy is mandatory before reaching a diagnosis of FASS.

Reproducibility of serum testing for environmental allergen-specific IgE in dogs in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Serum testing for allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E is commonly employed to identify allergens used for allergen-specific immunotherapy in dogs, yet the reliability of results has been a matter of debate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of serum tests for environmental allergen-specific IgE in three European laboratories. ANIMALS/METHODS: Serum was obtained from 33 client-owned dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, divided into three aliquots and sent to the laboratories under different names. Two aliquots were sent simultaneously to one of the laboratories on the first day; the third sample was then sent to the same laboratory on the subsequent day. The laboratory for each patient was chosen according to a predetermined randomization list. The agreement between different samples from the same dog for each of the laboratories was calculated with a Cohen's Kappa test. Spearman's rank coefficients (rsp ) as well as the coefficients of variation (CV) additionally were calculated. RESULTS: The intra- and interassay agreements for laboratories A, B and C were 0.79 and 0.75, 0.92 and 0.90, and 0.90 and 0.85, respectively. The CVs were 18.92% and 22.95%, 14.43% and 18.79%, and 15.38% and 18.75% (respectively) and the rsp 0.73 and 0.68, 0.95 and 0.92, and 0.82 and 0.74 (respectively). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The differences in reproducibility between laboratories complicate test interpretation and underline the importance of interpreting results of serum testing for allergen-specific IgE in the context of the patient's clinical history.

A case series of canine cutaneous inverted papilloma with one case showing evidence of recurrence.

BACKGROUND: This article describes a case of multiple, recurrent, cutaneous inverted papillomas (CIPs) in a German shepherd dog, combined with a retrospective follow-up assessment of eight cases. METHODS: A 3-year-old, black, female German shepherd dog presented with four rapidly growing, alopecic, domed, hyperpigmented, shiny nodules, compatible with CIP. The dog was managed for pruritus, associated with atopic dermatitis, with long-term prednisolone therapy and this therapy was continued after the surgical excision. Twelve months after the initial presentation the dog was represented for two new CIP lesions, coinciding with an increased dosage of prednisolone during an allergic flare-up period. RESULTS: Histopathological evaluation was conducted on both the original and subsequent lesions from the case with recurrence. Eight cases of CIP, based on histopathological findings, were identified retrospectively from the authors' diagnostic pathology service over the previous two years. All nine cases had lesions that exhibited varying degrees of inverted epithelial hyperplasia, multiple, endophytic, papillary epidermal projections, a cup-shaped base with central hyperkeratosis and active viral pathological findings (koilocytes). The submitting veterinarians were contacted and follow-up regarding recurrence and concurrent medications was obtained. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CIP is uncommonly reported, typically as a single lesion with no previous reports of recurrence, although one group of dogs with severe combined immunodeficiency developed invasive malignancies. In seven of eight retrospective cases no recurrence of CIP was recorded. The authors speculate that the recurrence in the German shepherd dog may have been associated with chronic (although low-dose) glucocorticoid administration.

Hair follicle dystrophy in a litter of domestic cats resembling lanceolate hair mutant mice.

BACKGROUND: A new congenital hair-shaft abnormality resembling the lanceolate hair phenotype of rodents is described in a litter of four domestic short hair (DSH) cats. Data relating to hair shaft and follicle disorders remain scarce in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES: To describe and compare structural abnormalities in these cats with other hair dystrophies in cats and other mammals. ANIMALS: A DSH cat litter with progressive noninflammatory alopecia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Histopathological evaluation, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray based element analysis defined the hair and skin changes in cats born with alopecia. Findings were compared to archival data from normal cats and lanceolate hair (Dsg4lahJ ) and Keratin 75 (Krt75tm1Der ) mutant mice. RESULTS: Light and scanning electron microscopy of the hairs revealed lance- or spear-head shaped defects of the hair tip. Histological findings were swollen hair shafts, initially above the hair bulb matrix and later found in the distal parts of the telogen hair follicles, similar to those observed in Dsg4lahJ Krt75tm1Der mutant mice. Transmission electron microscopy of the hair shaft and hair follicles showed a loss in the normal structure of the guard hairs in the alopecic cats. There was a statistically significant decrease in sulfur content just below the defects in the hair shafts (trichothiodystrophy). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A rare form of congenital alopecia resulting in follicular dystrophy is described in cats which is similar to hair follicle and hair-shaft changes reported in several mutant mouse strains with single gene mutations in adhesion molecules or keratin genes.

Feline allergic diseases: introduction and proposed nomenclature.

BACKGROUND: Feline allergic diseases present as challenging problems for clinicians, not least because of the number of reaction patterns of the feline skin, none of which are specific for allergy. Furthermore, there is some controversy over the nomenclature that should be used in their description. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature, assess the status of knowledge of the topic and the extent to which these diseases could be categorized as atopic in nature, and make recommendations concerning nomenclature. METHODS: Atopic diseases in humans and cats were researched. A comparison then was made of the essential features in the two species. RESULTS: There were sufficient similarities between human atopic diseases and the manifestations of feline diseases of presumed allergic aetiology to justify the use of "atopic" to describe some of the feline conditions affecting the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. However, none of the allergic skin diseases showed features consistent with atopic dermatitis as described in man and the dog. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The term "Feline Atopic Syndrome" (FAS) is proposed to encompass allergic diseases of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract, and "Feline atopic skin syndrome" (FASS) proposed to describe allergic skin disease associated with environmental allergies. We are not aware of any adverse food reactions in cats that are attributable to causes other than immunological reactions against the food itself. We therefore propose an aetiological definition of "Food Allergy" (FA) to describe such cases.

Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (9): time to flare of cutaneous signs after a dietary challenge in dogs and cats with food allergies.

BACKGROUND: At this time, elimination diets followed by oral food challenges (OFCs) represent the "gold standard" for diagnosing skin-manifesting food allergies (FA) in dogs and cats. Regrettably, there is no clear consensus on how long one should wait for clinical signs to flare after an OFC before diagnosing or ruling-out a FA in a dog or a cat. RESULTS: We searched two databases on October 23, 2019 to look for specific information on the time for a flare of clinical signs to occur during OFCs after elimination diets in dogs and cats with skin-manifesting FAs. Altogether, we reviewed the study results of nine papers that included 234 dogs and four articles containing data from 83 cats. As multiple OFCs could be done in the same patient and not all animals included were subjected to an OFC, we were able to compile 315 and 72 times to flare (TTF) after an OFC in dogs and cats, respectively. When regrouping all cases together, about 9% of dogs and 27% of cats exhibited a flare of clinical signs in the first day after an OFC; 21% of dogs and 29% of cats had such relapse by the end of the second day. The time needed for 50 and 90% of dogs to exhibit a deterioration of clinical signs (TTF50 and TTF90) was 5 and 14, respectively; in cats, these times were 4 and 7 days, respectively. By 14 days after an OFC, nearly all food-allergic patients from both species had had a relapse of clinical signs. These results are limited by the likely under-reporting of flares that occur on the first day immediately following an OFC, the time in which IgE-mediated acute allergic reactions typically develop. CONCLUSION: Veterinary clinicians performing an OFC need to wait for 14 and 7 days for more than 90% of dogs and cats with a skin-manifesting FA to have a flare of clinical signs, respectively.

Diagnosis and treatment of demodicosis in dogs and cats: Clinical consensus guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology.

BACKGROUND: Demodicosis is a common disease in small animal veterinary practice worldwide with a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic options. OBJECTIVES: To provide consensus recommendations on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of demodicosis in dogs and cats. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The authors served as a Guideline Panel (GP) and reviewed the literature available before December 2018. The GP prepared a detailed literature review and made recommendations on selected topics. A draft of the document was presented at the North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum in Maui, HI, USA (May 2018) and at the European Veterinary Dermatology Congress in Dubrovnik, Croatia (September 2018) and was made available via the World Wide Web to the member organizations of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology for a period of three months. Comments were solicited and responses were incorporated into the final document. CONCLUSIONS: In young dogs with generalized demodicosis, genetic and immunological factors seem to play a role in the pathogenesis and affected dogs should not be bred. In old dogs and cats, underlying immunosuppressive conditions contributing to demodicosis should be explored. Deep skin scrapings are the diagnostic gold standard for demodicosis, but trichograms and tape squeeze preparations may also be useful under certain circumstances. Amitraz, macrocyclic lactones and more recently isoxazolines have all demonstrated good efficacy in the treatment of canine demodicosis. Therapeutic selection should be guided by local drug legislation, drug availability and individual case parameters. Evidence for successful treatment of feline demodicosis is strongest for lime sulfur dips and amitraz baths.

Serum concentrations of IL-31 in dogs with nonpruritic mast cell tumours or lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare serum interleukin (IL)-31 concentrations in dogs with lymphoma and mast cell tumours (MCT) without pruritus to those of healthy dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine if IL-31 plays a role in tumour pathogenesis and if IL-31 could be a biological marker for disease progression. ANIMALS: Forty-eight healthy dogs and 36 dogs with neoplasia [multicentric lymphoma (14), MCT (15) and cutaneous lymphoma (7)] were included in the study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Dogs with neoplasia were assigned to three different groups. Group 1 consisted of patients with multicentric lymphoma, which were diagnosed by cytological, histopathological and clonality investigations. Thoracic radiographs, ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, and fine-needle aspirates from liver and spleen were used to determine the lymphoma stage Patients with cutaneous lymphoma, diagnosed by cytological and histopathological findings, were included in Group 2. Patients with MCT, diagnosed by cytological and histopathological findings, were included in Group 3. Serum was frozen at -80ºC before measuring the concentration of IL-31 via a Simoa ultra-sensitive, fully automated two-step immunoassay. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of IL-31, regardless of the disease and its staging, were within the normal range in all patients; there was no difference between any of the different tumour groups and healthy dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: IL-31 is not likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of canine MCT or lymphoma without pruritus.

EAACI position paper: Comparing insect hypersensitivity induced by bite, sting, inhalation or ingestion in human beings and animals.

Adverse reactions to insects occur in both human and veterinary patients. Systematic comparison may lead to improved recommendations for prevention and treatment in all species. In this position paper, we summarize the current knowledge on insect allergy induced via stings, bites, inhalation or ingestion, and compare reactions in companion animals to those in people. With few exceptions, the situation in human insect allergy is better documented than in animals. We focus on a review of recent literature and give overviews of the epidemiology and clinical signs. We discuss allergen sources and allergenic molecules to the extent described, and aspects of diagnosis, prophylaxis, management and therapy.

Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (7): signalment and cutaneous manifestations of dogs and cats with adverse food reactions.

BACKGROUND: Outside of pruritus, there is no clear consensus on the nature and prevalence of cutaneous manifestations of adverse food reactions (AFRs) in dogs and cats. RESULTS: We searched two databases on August 7, 2018, for articles reporting detailed data on the signalment and clinical signs of at least one dog or cat with a cutaneous AFR (CAFR). We identified 233 and 407 citations from which were selected 32 articles reporting original information. Twenty-two articles included data on 825 dogs with CAFRs. The reported age of onset varied from less than one to 13 years of age; a beginning of signs by 6 or 12 months of age was noted in 22 to 38% of dogs, respectively. The female-to-male ratio also varied considerably. Four breeds (German shepherd dogs, West Highland white terriers, Labrador and golden retrievers) accounted for about 40% of affected dogs. Most dogs diagnosed with a CAFR were pruritic, most often in a generalized pattern, with the ears, feet, and abdomen also being frequently affected; the perineum was uncommonly targeted, however. Canine CAFRs presented mainly as recurrent bacterial skin infections, otitis externa and atopic dermatitis. Twelve articles reported novel information on 210 cats with this syndrome. There was no apparent breed and gender predisposition for feline CAFRs, but cats appeared to develop signs later than dogs with the same syndrome. Most cats with a CAFR were pruritic, especially on the head/face and neck, with the abdomen and ears also commonly involved. Symmetric self-induced alopecia, a head-and-neck self-traumatic dermatitis, miliary dermatitis and variants of eosinophilic diseases were the most common manifestations of feline CAFRs. CONCLUSIONS: CAFRs affect dogs and cats of any age, any breed, and both genders, with the proportion of juvenile dogs diagnosed about twice that of cats. There are no reliable breed predisposition data. Most patients are pruritic, with half the dogs having generalized pruritus and half the cats scratching their face/head or neck. Canine CAFRs most often manifest as bacterial skin infections, otitis externa or atopic dermatitis; cats with CAFRs will exhibit the expected clinical phenotypes associated with feline hypersensitivity dermatitides.