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Pugs are predisposed to the development of deeply pigmented, slightly elevated hyperkeratotic noncancerous plaques. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of a papillomavirus (PV)-like DNA fragment from such lesions suggested that PV may be responsible for them, although the predicted virus has not yet been identified. The goal of the present study was to make use of pigmented plaques from four pugs to identify and sequence the predicted virus. Taking advantage of the circular nature of PV DNA, the entire viral genome was amplified by rolling circle amplification and restriction enzyme analysis disclosed the same pattern in all four cases. Sequencing of one of the amplificates revealed a novel canine PV, termed CPV4, related to the recently described CPV3 but clearly distinct from canine oral PV and CPV2. Thus, a novel canine PV and a method for its future diagnosis are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report 10 cases of localised sarcoptic mange in dogs. In each case, lesions were localised to one precise area of the skin. Pruritus was present in nine cases and absent in one. Affected areas were the feet (one case), the face and/or the pinnae (six cases), the abdominal skin (one case), the flank (one case) and the lumbar area (one case). The types of lesions were erythema, papules, lichenification, scales, crusts and alopecia. Parasites were found in all cases except one, in which anti-immunoglobulin G Sarcoptes serology was positive. The acaricidal treatments given were lindane, ivermectin or selamectin and were all successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight dogs with cutaneous lesions, clinical signs and cytological findings compatible with bacterial overgrowth syndrome were compared with four healthy dogs. The affected dogs were treated for 28 days with 30 mg/kg/day cephalexin. The results showed that the syndrome was a superficial cutaneous disorder characterised by marked pruritus, greasy seborrhoea, offensive odour, erythema, lichenification, hyperpigmentation, excoriations and alopecia involving principally the ventral aspect of the body, but no papules, pustules, epidermal collarettes or crusts; it was caused by overgrowths of Staphylococcus intermedius all over the body surface. Histopathological findings included a superficial, perivascular, hyperplastic and spongiotic dermatitis with a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, but no lesions suggestive of a true pyoderma. In the affected dogs, anti-staphylococcal immunoglobulin G levels were high, but anti-staphylococcal immunoglobulin E levels were low, suggesting that staphylococcal hypersensitivity is not the underlying pathogenic process. The antibiotic treatment improved the condition of all the dogs, but five of the eight had an underlying allergic skin disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of oral co-amoxyclav, administered twice daily for up to 12 weeks either at the manufacturer's dose rate of 12.5 mg/kg or at 25.0 mg/kg, in curing the lesions of canine foiliculitis, furunculosis and celiulitis was compared in a blind study. A total of 97 dogs entered the trial and 67 completed it. There was no significant difference in the rate of cure or the duration of therapy. The lesions of folliculitis were cured in 91 5 per cent of cases, in a mean period of 25.3 days. Furunculosis and celiulitis were cured respectively in 87.5 per cent and 60.0 per cent of the dogs, in mean periods of 37.6 and 44.7 days. The standard dose rate was very effective in folliculitis and furunculosis and there was no benefit in doubling the dose. Too few cases of cellulitis were treated to provide a reliable dose comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cephalexin intermittent therapy 2 days a week (weekend therapy) in the prevention of relapses of recurrent idiopathic superficial or deep pyoderma in dogs. Twenty-eight dogs were entered into the study. A diagnosis of chronic idiopathic pyoderma was made based on: (1) history, including at least two previous relapses cured in the 12 months before inclusion; (2) clinical signs of pyoderma without underlying skin disease based on clinical presentation; and (3) appropriate diagnostic tests (compatible cytological examination and bacterial culture). In phase 1 of the study, dogs were treated with cephalexin (15 mg/kg twice daily) if sensitivity testing was compatible until 2 weeks after cure, for a minimum of 4 weeks and a maximum of 2 and 4 months for superficial and deep pyoderma, respectively. In phase 2, the cured dogs were then randomly and blindly allocated into two groups: Group 1 received cephalexin (15 mg/kg twice daily) on Saturdays and Sundays for 1 year, and Group 2 received a placebo in the same way. Dogs were examined every 3–4 weeks during phase 1 and every 2 months during phase 2, except in case of relapse justifying an earlier examination. Clinical signs of pyoderma were scored at each examination (11 parameters scored 0–3). No other systemic antibacterial or anti-inflammatory treatments nor topical antibacterial or anti-inflammatory treatments were permitted during both phases. The two groups were compared using Fischer's exact test for sex and clinical signs, and the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test for age, weight, number of relapses before inclusion, and duration of treatment in phase 1. The number of dogs remaining free of relapse, i.e. free of any pyoderma lesion, was compared between the two groups using a survival analysis with the Log-Rank Test. The average time before relapse was compared between the two groups using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test. In phase 1, one case was lost to follow-up; two cases were excluded due to treatment failure and an additional two cases because of resistance in vitro to cephalexin. Various species of staphylococci sensitive to cephalexin were isolated in the 23 remaining dogs. In phase 2, 13 dogs received placebo and 10 received cephalexin. The two groups were not statistically different according to clinical signs (six cases of folliculitis in each group, three and five cases of furunculosis, one and two cases of cellulitis in Groups 1 and 2, respectively), sex, age, weight, number of previous relapses, and duration of treatment in phase 1. There was a significant difference between the two groups in the number of dogs that did not relapse. Two dogs in Group 1 did not relapse. Further, the rate of relapse over time was more rapid in the dogs receiving placebo. The average time until relapse in Groups 1 (6.6 months) compared to Group 2 (2.5 months) was significantly different. Resistance to cephalexin did not increase during the study. We conclude that cephalexin weekend therapy can be beneficial in dogs with idiopathic recurrent pyoderma. Funding: Virbac SA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been postulated that atopic dogs show a predominant Th2-type response associated with overexpression of IL-4 and increased secretion of IgE. In a pilot, open uncontrolled study, 20 dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis were given Virbagen Omega®, a feline recombinant omega interferon (rfeIFN-ω), to ascertain whether this type-1 cytokine could modulate the Th2-dominated cytokine response. Dogs received rfeIFN-ω as a monotherapy at the dosage of 1 MU/kg subcutaneously, three times per week for 3 weeks. Flea control and the use of nonmedicated shampoo were maintained during the study. Lesional and pruritus indices for canine atopic dermatitis (LICAD and PICAD, respectively) were assessed before, after treatment (day 21) and 3 weeks post-treatment (day 42) using a scoring system based on the extent and severity of skin lesions (erythema, excoriation and lichenification scored on 12 anatomic areas) and pruritus (scored on six anatomic areas). Two dogs were excluded, one for an erythematous reaction and another for relapsing folliculitis. After rfeIFNω therapy (day 21), both LICAD and PICAD were significantly improved ( P < 0.01). By day 42, mean LICAD and PICAD had decreased by 60 and 51%, respectively, compared to baseline values. Adverse reactions to rfeIFN-ω were rare and inconsistent. This study suggests that rfeIFN-ω may be useful in the control of canine atopic dermatitis. However, further work is needed to confirm efficacy and define the optimal dosage through a long-term randomized controlled trial. Funding: Virbac SA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the benefit of Allermyl® shampoo and lotion in alleviating signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs. After treatment of previous infections, 35 dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis according to Prelaud's criteria were included in the study. Three of the dogs improved on prior elimination diet trials, but signs were not completely controlled. The dogs first underwent a 3-week antiparasitic therapeutic trial period (permethrin spray once every 7 days and acaricidal medication). Dogs whose lesions and pruritus did not improve entered a 3-week topical antiallergic treatment period (Allermyl® shampoo and lotion alternately every 3 days). No other treatment was allowed. Erythema, excoriation and lichenification were graded at 12 different sites spanning the whole body surface according to an extent-severity scale (0–10) to calculate an aggregate lesional index score (LICAD: 0–360). Pruritus was similarly evaluated on six body areas according to a frequency-intensity scale (0–10) to calculate an aggregate pruritus index score (PICAD: 0–60). Twenty-nine dogs completed the trial. While LICAD and PICAD did not decrease significantly over the control antiparasitic-treatment period, both indices decreased significantly after 14 days of Allermyl® therapy (repeated measures ANOVA, P < 0.05). Median (95% confidence interval) lesional and pruritus index reduction were 55% (36–77%) and 58% (42–77%), respectively, within 3 weeks of antiallergic topical treatment. Almost half the dogs (48.3%) were markedly improved (>50% score reduction) with Allermyl®. Obvious clinical benefit (≥30% score reduction) was documented in 75.9% of dogs. Funding: Virbac SA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind study was conducted on 25 dogs that had atopic dermatitis, together with skin test reactivity and elevated serum IgE to Dermatophagoides farinae (DI) and at least one additional allergen. Dogs were treated with either a Df-restricted immunotherapy solution (n = 14) or a placebo (n = 11) and evaluated 6 weeks and 3, 5, 7 and 9 months after the initiation of treatment using a clinical scoring system (SASSAD) and pruritus analogue scale scores. The Dr-restricted solution and the placebo had an equal effect on both pruritus and the skin manifestations (P > 0.05). The results of this study indicate that in dogs with atopic dermatitis based on hypersensitivity to environmental allergens in addition to D. farinae. Df-restricted immunotherapy is insufficient to control the disease. Consequently, a solution for allergen-specific immunotherapy should remain customised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]