Veterinary dermatology最新文献

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common and chronic inflammatory skin disease with frequent relapses. The genomics revolution has greatly contributed and revolutionised our knowledge of human AD; understanding the molecular skin fingerprint of AD and associated pathogenic immune pathways has led to preclinical assessments of several novel treatments. Initial studies using microarray analysis to analyse transcriptome (gene expression) changes provided relevant insight on the inflammatory and structural changes occurring at the time of acute or chronic AD skin lesions, or after immunomodulating treatments with drugs ciclosporin and dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody anti-IL4 receptor. The studies revealed that human AD is characterised by the activation of multiple cytokine pathways (predominance of T helper cell [Th]2 with some activation of Th1, Th17 and Th22) as well as dysregulated expression of barrier components in the skin. There are several reports on the expression of different single molecular targets (e.g. interleukin [IL]-13, CCL17 and periostin) in spontaneous canine AD (cAD). However, significant studies of the transcriptome have been limited to a single microarray study analysing chronic AD skin lesions in dogs. While revealing a large number of genes differentially expressed in cAD skin, the small sample size (n = 13 dogs) and the lack of changes in key epidermal barrier and inflammatory cytokine genes in the microarrays have inhibited discussion towards specific immunological changes. This review summarises the current literature regarding the molecular mechanisms of spontaneous cAD, including the recent data regarding RNA sequencing, and compares some pathogenic aspects to the previously published data from human AD.

Background: Studies indicate that 6% to 20% of feline patients have at least one dermatopathy.

Hypothesis/objective: This retrospective study aimed to provide comprehensive information about the types of skin diseases, diagnosis methods, treatments and follow-up data in a hospital population of domestic cats in Iran.

Animals/materials and methods: The present survey of clinical observations was conducted on the medical records of 1825 individual cats brought to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran) over a 12-year period (2009-2020).

Results: Feline dermatoses accounted for 154 (8.43%) of the 1,825 cats examined during the study period. The most prevalent dermatological manifestations in the studied population of 154 were erythema, macules, papules and/or pustules (36; 23.37%), alopecia (18; 11.68%) and erosive/ulcerative lesions (17; 11.03%). Specific dermatological diagnoses made were the following (in descending order, of 154): dermatophytosis (34; 22.07%), subcutaneous abscesses (16; 10.38%), atopic skin syndrome/environmental allergies (20; 10.38%), external parasites (15; 9.74%), otitis (10; 6.49%), flea infestation (6; 3.89%), food allergy (4; 2.59%) and primary pyoderma (2; 1.29%). Most lesions were observed in the head/face of cats (41 of 154; 26.62%) and their ears (39; 25.32%). Following treatment, 86 of 154 cats (69.35%) had complete remissions, 17 cats faced recurrent dermatoses and the owners of 21 cats were not satisfied.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: The prevalence of dermatoses among this cohort of Iranian cats is similar to that in other parts of the world. However, a noticeable difference was detected in the most prevalent dermatoses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the characteristics and outcomes of feline dermatological conditions in Iran.

Background: Rabbits are an important worldwide meat- and fibre-producing animal, and they are popular pets. The rabbit ear mite, Psoroptes cuniculi, causes severe dermatological disease. Epidemiological data on P. cuniculi infestations are important for public health.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of P. cuniculi infestation in pet rabbits and evaluate epidemiological factors associated with infestation.

Animals: Two hundred pet rabbits presented for veterinary care between 2021 and 2022.

Materials and methods: Physical examination, otoscopy and microscopy were used for ear mite identification. Association with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), breed, feeding and housing management was analysed.

Results: Of the 200 rabbits, 59 (29.5%) were positive for P. cuniculi. Only female sex had a positive association with P. cuniculi.

Conclusions and clinical significance: Psoroptes cuniculi in pet rabbits has a similar frequency to that reported in meat-producing rabbits, and female sex had a positive association.

Background: Supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) enables dose reduction of prednisolone and ciclosporin in canine atopic dermatitis (cAD).

Objective: To determine if oral administration of PUFA reduces the dose of oclacitinib in cAD.

Animals: Twenty-two client-owned dogs with cAD receiving oclacitinib.

Materials and methods: Dogs received a fish oil product (PUFA) or paraffin oil (placebo) for 16 weeks. Owners adjusted the oclacitinib dose according to daily pruritus assessments. On Day (D)0, D56 and D112, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, fourth iteration (CADESI-04), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), quality-of-life score (QoL), Global Assessment (GA), quality-of-coat (QoC) and adverse events were recorded.

Results: Mean daily oclacitinib dose was significantly reduced in the PUFA group from 0.51 ± 0.20 mg/kg/24 h (D0) to 0.19 ± 0.14 mg/kg/24 h (D85-112; p < 0.00001) and not in the placebo group (D0: 0.70 ± 0.33 mg/kg/24 h; D85-112: 0.53 ± 0.35 mg/kg/24 h, p = 0.5422). CADESI-04 did not change over time or differ between groups. PVAS was significantly lower in the PUFA group (2.8 ± 1.5) compared to placebo (4.2 ± 1.6) at D112 (p = 0.0375). QoL and QoC improved only in the PUFA group (QoL: D0: 20 ± 7, D112: 12 ± 5, p = 0.0057; QoC: D0: 0 ± 0.5, D112: 1 ± 0.5, p = 0.0410). GA on D112 was higher in the PUFA group (p = 0.008). No adverse events were observed.

Conclusion: Oral supplementation of PUFA allowed dose reduction of oclacitinib and improved PVAS, QoL, QoC and GA. The use of PUFA is recommended and was safe in the atopic study dogs receiving oclacitinib.

Background: Diagnosis of canine adverse food reactions (AFRs) is based on vague criteria, such as '>50% improvement' during elimination diet trial (EDT) followed by 'deterioration' during provocation test (PT).

Objective: The objective of the study was to use predefined criteria to evaluate response during EDT [i.e., Owner Global Assessment of Treatment Efficacy (OGATE) = good-to-excellent] and relapse during PT [i.e., Owner Global Assessment of Challenge Deterioration (OGACD) = moderate-to-severe and/or >100% increase of lesional (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration, CADESI-04) and/or of pruritus (pruritus Visual Analog Scale, PVAS) scores].

Animals: Twenty-nine dogs with atopic dermatitis.

Materials and methods: An extensively hydrolysed diet was fed to all dogs followed, in seven of 11 nonresponders, by a second home-made novel-protein EDT. Dogs responding to either EDT were challenged with their previous diet.

Results: Thirteen (44.8%) dogs were diagnosed with AFRs: at the end of EDT, their OGATE was good (9 of 13; 69.2%) or excellent (four of 13; 30.8%), and both CADESI-04 (46.7%) and PVAS (71.1%) had decreased significantly; at the end of PT, OGACD was moderate or severe in 12 of 13 (92.3%) dogs, and both CADESI-04 (127.9%) and PVAS (181.8%) had increased significantly. Of the 16 dogs without AFRs, 6 (37.5%) responded to the commercial (n = 5) or home-made (n = 1) diet [OGATE = good (three of six) or excellent (three of six)], with significant concurrent reduction of CADESI-04 and nonsignificant reduction of PVAS, yet they did not relapse during PT.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: The proposed (predefined) criteria for the evaluation of response during EDT and deterioration during PT seem reliable and are easily applicable in clinical practice and research.

A 9-month-old mixed-breed dog developed generalised pustular dermatitis, accompanied by lethargy and hyperthermia, 7 days after oral fluralaner administration. Dermatopathological and microbiological evaluations were consistent with a pustular acantholytic dermatitis. A 4-month course of immunosuppressive therapy resulted in complete remission of lesions, which did not recur after therapy was withdrawn.

Background: Animal and owner quality-of-life (QoL) is pivotal in treatment decisions. Accurate measurement of owner-reported QoL and treatment satisfaction (TS) supports disease burden and treatment benefit evaluation.

Objectives: Develop and evaluate an owner-completed canine dermatitis QoL and TS questionnaire (CDQoL-TSQ) in allergic dogs.

Materials and methods: The CDQoL-TSQ was drafted following review of existing measures and expert input. Content validity was assessed through interviews with owners of allergic dogs. Psychometric properties of the QoL domains (Canine QoL, Owner QoL) were evaluated. Score interpretation was derived.

Results: Twenty dog owners were interviewed. Item wording was amended following the first 10 interviews. Data from 211 owners were used in the psychometric evaluation. The Canine QoL domain demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.89), test-retest reliability (ICC_2,1 = 0.844), moderate convergent validity (r = 0.41) and moderate-high known-groups validity (effect size 0.37-0.64). The Owner QoL domain demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.73), high convergent validity (r = 0.63) and moderate-high known-groups validity (0.43-0.63). Test-retest reliability approached moderate strength (ICC_2,1 = 0.490). Group-level interpretation analysis showed minimal important difference of 7.0-13.6 points for dogs and 13.0-13.6 for owners. For individual dogs a change of 6.3 or 12.5 points for dogs, and 12.5 or 18.8 for owners indicates a response.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: The CDQOL-TSQ is a two-part assessment to evaluate QoL and TS in canine allergic dermatitis. The QoL questionnaire demonstrated validity and reliability, and interpretation of scores was derived, making it suitable for use in research and practice. The TS module is suitable for clinical setting use to improve owner-veterinarian communication.

Background: Fine bubble (FB) bathing has shown benefits on a mouse model of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, its efficacy in dogs with AD remains to be evaluated.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of FB bathing in dogs with AD.

Animals: Seventeen dogs with AD whose clinical presentation showed a Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) score of <40.

Materials and methods: The dogs were randomly assigned to either the FB bathing group or the shampoo group. The treatments were administered once a week as per the instructions, in a trial totalling 4 weeks. Evaluations were conducted on Day (D)0 and D28 to assess the outcomes of the trial. The severity of AD was measured using the CADESI-04 and the pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS). The skin barrier function parameters, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration were measured before and after the treatment.

Results: Both treatment groups demonstrated a decreasing trend in CADESI-04 scores, yet the FB group exhibited significant improvement in comparison to the shampoo group after 1 month of trial. There were no significant changes in PVAS scores in either group. No significant difference was found in skin barrier function parameters between the two treatments, although TEWL slightly decreased in the FB group and slightly increased in the shampoo group after treatment.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: These results suggested that FB treatment provides benefits for dogs with AD and offers an alternative topical treatment option with a lesser impact on skin barrier function compared to frequent shampooing.

Immunosuppressive drugs are the mainstay of treatment for many feline and canine autoimmune skin diseases, either as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Treatment with these drugs is often lifelong and may have long-term consequences on the affected animal's overall quality-of-life. Clinicians need to understand the pharmacology of immunosuppressants in planning and executing the treatment regimen for the best possible clinical outcome, as well as reducing the risk of adverse effects. This review paper will focus on the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, clinical uses and adverse effects of immunosuppressive drugs used to treat autoimmune dermatoses in cats and dogs. These include glucocorticoids, ciclosporin A, azathioprine, chlorambucil, mycophenolate mofetil, oclacitinib and Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors.