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The skin is the largest organ of the body that has many functions. Canine dermatology remain a challenging field that requires a variety of knowledge as dermatological problems are reported to be the most common health problem in small animal practice. Blood, skin and biopsy samples were collected from 50 dogs of different breeds and sexes. The present study is designed for identification of the different etiological agents causing skin diseases in dogs, evaluation of some hematological and biochemical parameters in diseased dogs and histopathological examination of selected cases using skin biopsy. These dogs were grouped into two groups, the first one was the control group (n=10) apparently healthy dogs and the second group (n=40) diseased dogs presented with different skin ailments where 12 out of 40 dogs were suffered from demodicosis, dermatophytosis (6 cases), pyoderma (8 cases) , mixed infection (10 cases) and canine atopic dermatitis (4 cases). Evaluation of the hematological parameters revealed presence of anemia and leukocytosis with apparent neutrophilia in dogs with pyoderma and eosinophilia in the other groups. Biochemical parameters lied within the reference range in all diseased groups. Staphylococcus spp. was the most common bacterial isolate in canine pyoderma. With respect to histopathological picture, results indicated presence of large focal area of epidermal liquefactive necrosis associated with dense neutrophils infiltration. Severe dermatitis, folliculitis, perifollicular and perivascular inflammatory cells infiltration, all these changes associated with cases of pyoderma. Demodicosis cases demonstrated as heavy mite infestation in different developmental stages in the stratum conium of the epidermis and in the follicles. Laminar orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, vacuolated epidermal prickle cells, acanthosis and vaculation of keratinocytes of the infundibula. Dermatitis characterized by moderate to marked inflammatory infiltration. Necrosis of adnexa, folliculitis and perifollicultis were also recorded in demodecosis infected dogs. Fungal dermatosis showed pronounced laminar orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. Vacuolar degeneration of keratinocytes and fungal Hyphae were seen in dermatophytosis infected dog. Ulcerative dermatitis in form of focal extensive area of epidermal necrosis and ulceration associated with inflammatory cells infiltration, acanthosis and spongiosis of prickle cell layer were noticed in mixed infection infected dogs. The most common infectious skin problems during our study were pyoderma, red mange and dermatophytosis. The predominant pathogen in pyoderma affected dogs was Staphylococcus spp. Histopathological examination was very useful in our study as they provide accurate diagnosis in a short period of time and help in clear visualization of the clinical picture.

Corynebacterium (C.) diphtheriae is one of the two etiological pathogens for human diphtheria with significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, members of its biovar Belfanti have been described as two novel species, C. belfantii and C. rouxii. The most important virulence factor and also the premise to cause diphtheria is the isolate’s capacity to encode and express the diphtheria toxin (DT). In contrast to C. ulcerans, which represents a potentially zoonotic pathogen, C. diphtheriae (incl. the novel deduced species) has almost exclusively been found to comprise a human pathogen. We here report three rare cases of C. rouxii isolation from dogs suffering from disseminated poly-bacterial exsudative to purulent dermatitis and a traumatic labial defect, respectively. The isolates were identified as C. diphtheriae based on commercial biochemistry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. However, recently described specific spectral peaks were highly similar to spectra of C. rouxii, which was confirmed by whole genome sequencing. Further investigations of the dog isolates for the presence of DT by tox gene qPCR revealed negative results. The findings from this study point out that skin infections in companion animals can be colonized by uncommon and so believed human specific pathogens, thereby resembling the clinical signs of cutaneous diphtheria.

Rotational outbred adult rats, phenotypically selected to prefer drinking alcohol ("P" rats) frequently present with selfinflicted wounds and ulcerative dermatitis, similar to that seen in C57BL/6 mice. Historically, veterinary interventions used to address this clinical condition have included triple antibiotic ointment (TABO), Columbia wound powder (CPW), nail trims, or plastic tubes that allow affected animals to hide. More recent studies have suggested that nail trims are the most successful intervention in mice, but this has not been evaluated previously in rats. In this study, we evaluated nail trims in rats and also tested whether placing a pumice stone in the cage would reduce the need for nail trims to reduce self-inflicted wounds. Our hypothesis was that interacting with the pumice stone would dull/trim the rats' nails without causing stress or illness and allow the wounds time to heal. We used 66 P rats that were assigned to 1 of 6 treatment groups (pumice stone, TABO, CWP, huts, nail trims, and an untreated control group) of 11 rats each. Rats were transferred to this study from a colony of experimentally naïve animals that had evidence of dermatitis. The wounds were photographed and measured for 12 wk at 2 wk intervals. At the end of the study, representative skin samples from the site of the wound were collected for histopathologic evaluation of inflammation. Our data showed no significant differences in the inflammation scores. The rats treated with nail trims healed significantly more often than did all of the other treatment groups. This suggests that nail trims are the most effective intervention for treating self-inflicted wounds in P rats.

Diagnostic Exercise from The Latin Comparative Pathology Group. Clinical History: A young adult, spayed female dog was presented for necropsy by animal control, with concerns for abuse in the form of chemical burns. Necropsy and Microscopic Findings: There was marked alopecia and coalescing ulceration affecting approximately 60% of the integument, roughly evenly distributed over the body. Affected areas included the mucocutaneous junctions, the palmar and plantar surfaces of the limbs, the paw pads, and the nasal planum. Ulcers measured up to 1 cm in diameter, frequently coalesced, and varied in stage of development; some were prominent, dark red, and shiny with roughened borders and others contained pink granulation tissue. In areas of alopecia without ulceration, the skin was smooth and glistening. The nails were variably sloughed; some digits possessed a bare quick and some had nails up to 3 cm long, but which were separating from the underlying quick. The dog was in adequate body condition.

Background Squamous cell carcinoma is a commonly reported neoplasm in avian species. Often locally invasive, it rarely distantly metastasizes. Superficial chronic ulcerative dermatitis (SCUD) is a commonly observed dermatologic condition in companion psittacine birds. Case description This report describes a case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in an African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus) caused by malignant transformation of an initial SCUD lesion that developed over a 2.5-year period. The right humerus was previously amputated to treat a squamous cell carcinoma, but it recurred in the skin 4 months prior to presentation. The bird presented on referral with pelvic limb paresis, and computed tomography showed a large, more right sided, paraspinal mass involving the right caudal coelom and effacing the lungs, ribs, and vertebral canal, resulting in the presenting neurologic signs. The patient was euthanized, and limited necropsy diagnosed the coelomic mass as a squamous cell carcinoma effacing the liver. Conclusions Though uncommonly reported, squamous cell carcinoma may distantly metastasize to other parts of the body even with partial or seemingly complete excision. SCUD is still a poorly understood condition and should be further researched to determine etiology and find more effective therapies. Case relevance This is the first report of a metastatic squamous cell carcinoma invading the vertebral canal and spinal cord resulting in upper motor neuron signs in the pelvic limbs. Chronic inflammation may lead to malignant transformation, and once squamous cell carcinoma has developed, the goal of therapy should be complete surgical excision where possible.

A 12-y-old spayed female Schipperke dog with a previous diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease was presented with a 2-mo history of severe colitis. The patient’s condition progressed to hepatopathy, pneumonia, and dermatitis following management with prednisolone and dexamethasone sodium phosphate. Colonic biopsies identified severe necrosuppurative colitis with free and intracellular parasitic zoites. Postmortem examination confirmed extensive chronic-active ulcerative colitis, severe acute necrotizing hepatitis and splenitis, interstitial pneumonia, ulcerative dermatitis, myelitis (bone marrow), and mild meningoencephalitis with variable numbers of intracellular and extracellular protozoal zoites. PCR on samples of fresh colon was positive for Neospora caninum. Immunohistochemistry identified N. caninum tachyzoites in sections of colon, and a single tissue cyst in sections of brain. Administration of immunosuppressive drugs may have allowed systemic dissemination of Neospora from the intestinal tract.

Chrysosporium-related fungi, the cause of superficial and deep mycoses, are an emerging infectious disease affecting not only reptiles but also immunocompromized humans. However, the information on Nannizziopsis arthrosporioides is extremely scarce. We herein characterized N. arthrosporioides isolated from a Cuban rock iguana (Cyclura nubila). Three skin ulcers were found in a Cuban rock iguana after captivity for 8 years. Microscopic examination revealed hyperplastic, hyperkeratotic, and ulcerative dermatitis coupled with numerous branched, septate fungal hyphae. The fungal culture yielded growth of zonate, felted cottony-powdery colonies with lobate margins on medium. Maximum-likelihood phylogeny tree based on the combined partial actin and partial β-tubulin genes demonstrated that current isolates were mostly close to N. arthrosporioides. Furthermore, antifungal susceptibility test demonstrated that N. arthrosporioides had lowest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values to isavuconazole, efinaconazole, and luliconazole, which may be the potential treatment of choice for N. arthrosporioides infection. The current study describes the first confirmed case of dermatomycosis caused by N. arthrosporioides of a captive reptile in Asia with detailed descriptions of the clinical, histopathological, and mycological features. The current findings provide new information on global distribution and host range of N. arthrosporioides and can raise the concern on the transboundary or emerging disease of N. arthrosporioides in Asian region.

Ulcerative dermatitis in laboratory mice remains an ongoing clinical problem and animal welfare issue. Many products have been used to treat dermatitis in mice, with varying success. Recently, the topical administration of healing clays, such as bentonite and green clays, has been explored as a viable, natural treatment. We found high concentrations of arsenic and lead in experimental samples of therapeutic clay. Given the known toxic effects of these environmental heavy metals, we sought to determine whether the topical administration of a clay product containing bioavailable arsenic and lead exerted a biologic effect in mice that potentially could introduce unwanted research variability. Two cohorts of 20 singly housed, shaved, dermatitis free, adult male CD1 mice were dosed daily for 2 wk by topical application of saline or green clay paste. Samples of liver, kidney and whole blood were collected and analyzed for total arsenic and lead concentrations. Hepatic and renal concentrations of arsenic were not different between treated and control mice in either cohort; however, hepatic and renal concentrations of lead were elevated in clay treated mice compared to controls in both cohorts. In addition, in both cohorts, the activity of δ-aminolevulinate acid dehydratase, an enzyme involved with heme biosynthesis and a marker of lead toxicity, did not differ significantly between the clay-treated mice and controls. We have demonstrated that these clay products contain high concentrations of arsenic and lead and that topical application can result in the accumulation of lead in the liver and kidneys; however, these concentrations did not result in measurable biologic effects. These products should be used with caution, especially in studies of lead toxicity, heme biosynthesis, and renal α2 microglobulin function.

Head start programmes are ex-situ conservation procedures consisting of the captive rearing of sea turtle hatchlings for several months in order to avoid high mortality rates in the first year of life. Studies of the diseases of hatchling and post-hatchling turtles belonging to these programmes are scarce. We describe the gross and histological lesions found in 78 post-hatchling loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) that died during captive rearing in the conservation programme of the Cape Verde-Canary Islands, initiated with 113 hatchlings. The main organ systems affected were respiratory (57.69%), integumentary (41.02%) and digestive (41.02%), affecting 94.87% of the animals. Other less frequently affected organ systems were cardiovascular (3.85%), excretory (3.85%), muscular (2.56%) and reproductive (1.28%). The most common lesions were different types of dermatitis (41.02%), mainly ulcerative and/or heterophilic ulcerative dermatitis; these lesions were compatible with a traumatic origin caused by biting and subsequent infection with gram-positive cocci. Purulent and/or fibrinonecrotizing rhinitis associated with mixed populations of bacteria were commonly detected respiratory lesions (21.79%). Acute interstitial pneumonia was the most common form of pneumonia diagnosed (20.51%). Fibrinonecrotizing stomatitis associated with sparse gram-negative rods was the most common digestive tract lesion (29.49%). A possible explanation for the high mortality rate (88.50%) observed in this study could be the occurrence of a decrease in water temperature during the growth phase of the turtles. Despite the limitations caused by an absence of microbiological studies, the survey provides useful information on the lesions found in post-hatchling loggerhead turtles from this head start programme. In addition to maintaining water temperature above 20°C, attention must be paid to lesions that can easily be detected, such as dermatitis, rhinitis and stomatitis.

Stephanofilariasis is an ulcerative dermatitis caused by nematodes that affect cattle in several countries in the world. However, it has not been described in beef cattle in Brazil. The objective of this study is to describe three cases of stephanofilariasis, which occurred in beef cows in the municipality of Ipê, RS, Brazil. The disease was characterized by pruritic, ulcerated and crusty seasonal lesions present in the cranial region of the udder. The diagnosis was confirmed by analyses of secretions stained smears and by direct optical microscopic examination of the sediment and the treatment was effectively carried out with topical trichlorphon. This report indicates that stephanofilariasis should be included as a differential diagnosis for dermatopathies in beef cattle in Brazil.

Ulcerative dermatitis of the nasal planum or haired skin of the face, associated with intranuclear inclusion bodies compatible with herpesvirus, was identified in nine cats. Clinically, lesions were ulcerative and crusted, and often persistent. A tenth cat had focal proliferative ulcerative stomatitis, also associated with intranuclear inclusion bodies. Microscopically, there was necrosis and ulceration associated with prominent eosinophilic inflammation. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were noted in all cases, within the surface or adnexal epithelium. Ultrastructural examination of skin from two cats revealed virions morphologically compatible with a herpesvirus. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific for feline herpesvirus 1 on DNA extracted from fresh-frozen or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy samples and/or consensus primer PCR with DNA sequencing performed on DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy samples from seven cats revealed that the virus was indistinguishable from feline herpesvirus 1. PCR was negative in one of eight cats tested.

The Milwaukee County Zoo has housed common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) since 1973. The bats are fed defibrinated cow's blood supplemented with a liquid pediatric multivitamin. From July 2013 to May 2014, multiple deaths occurred in colony bats, including five juveniles with multiple bone fractures and failure of endochondral ossification, three adults with cerebellar necrosis, and one adult with subcutaneous hemorrhage. In November 2013, an adult bat developed a nonhealing left wing hematoma and eventually succumbed 9 mo later. A postmortem examination revealed multifocal extensive necrohemorrhagic and suppurative ulcerative dermatitis with no underlying cause determined. From July to December 2014, five of nine adult bats in the colony developed similar hematomas along with gingival bleeding. One euthanized bat had a serum ascorbic acid level of 0.08 mg/dl and marked generalized subcutaneous hemorrhage. A therapeutic trial was initiated in which two bats received defibrinated cow's blood supplemented only with oral vitamin C, 100 mg/kg PO q24h for 3 d, and then 50 mg/kg PO q24h. Two other bats received nonsupplemented defibrinated cow's blood and were given vitamin K 3.3 mg/kg SC q12h for 3 d, and then 3.3 mg/kg SC q24h for 7 d. The bats supplemented with vitamin C improved, supporting a diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency. All bats were subsequently supplemented with vitamin C leading to resolution of all lesions within 10 d to 2 mo. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis, which is required for proper wound healing, capillary and cartilage strength, osteoid production, and pial membrane formation of the cerebellum. Several bat species cannot synthesize vitamin C and require a dietary source. This is the first report of vitamin C deficiency in a colony of vampire bats leading to severe chronic subcutaneous hemorrhage, bone fragility, microfractures, cerebellar necrosis, and death.

Streptococcus iniae is a pathogenic bacterium which causes septicaemia, while Shewanella algae is an opportunistic pathogen found in marine environments. In this study, we investigated an uncommon coinfection of these 2 bacterial species which resulted in systemic disease and cutaneous ulcers in a barramundi Lates calcarifer farm in the Persian Gulf, Iran. Culture, molecular and histopathological specimens were taken from different organs. In histopathology, results indicated deep bacterial ulceration of skin and subcutaneous muscles. Haemorrhage and hyperaemia were the most common signs observed in visceral organs. In culture, Gram-positive cocci were grown from visceral organs while Gram-negative bacilli were isolated from ulcers. In molecular examination, Streptococcus iniae and Shewanella algae were identified from visceral and ulcer samples, respectively, by PCR of the 16S rRNA gene. The disk diffusion method was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated bacteria, with Shewanella algae being resistant to most routinely used antibiotics. In this study, a mixed infection of 2 bacterial species was found; we conclude that systemic streptococcosis could act as a predisposing factor for Shewanella penetration into skin and subsequent ulcer formation. Coinfections are very common in mammals; however, this subject has received little attention in other species, such as fish, and particularly in aquaculture. This study highlights the potential significance of coinfections in barramundi, the effect on the severity of the disease and the potential for new opportunistic pathogens arising.

A 13-year-old castrated male Shih Tzu was presented with recurrent otitis externa and ulcerative dermatitis. Previous investigations had failed to identify the cause, and the lesion was resistant to treatment. According to the histopathological examination, a tentative diagnosis of chronic ulcerative dermatitis with bacterial infection was made. To treat the patient, immune cell therapy with antibiotics was conducted every 2 weeks, for a total of six sessions. After treatment, the skin lesion resolved. No side effects were observed during therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of the use of immune cell therapy for canine ulcerative dermatitis.

We report several cases of fungal infections in snakes associated with a new species within the genus Paranannizziopsis. Three juvenile Wagler's vipers (Tropidolaemus wagleri) presented with skin abnormalities or ulcerative dermatitis, and two snakes died. Histologic examination of skin from the living viper revealed hyperplastic, hyperkeratotic, and crusting epidermitis with intralesional fungal elements. The terrestrial Wagler's vipers were housed in a room with fully aquatic tentacled snakes (Erpeton tentaculatum), among which there had been a history of intermittent skin lesions. Approximately 2 months after the biopsy of the viper, a skin sample was collected from one tentacled snake (TS1) with skin abnormalities and revealed a fungal infection with a similar histologic appearance. Fungal isolates were obtained via culture from the Wagler's viper and TS1 and revealed a novel species, Paranannizziopsis tardicrescens, based on phenotypic characterization and molecular analysis. P. tardicrescens was cultured and identified by DNA sequence analysis 8 months later from a dead tentacled snake in an exhibit in an adjacent hallway and 13 months later from a living rhinoceros snake (Rhynchophis boulengeri) with two focal skin lesions. Antifungal susceptibility testing on three of four cultured isolates demonstrated potent in vitro activity for terbinafine and voriconazole.

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UAB Background: Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a common infectious disease. Age, sex and breed might influence the type of clinical and pathological manifestations that dogs develop. The main objective of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to determine if an association between age, sex, breed and size and the clinical findings of CanL exists. Material and methods: Dogs with a diagnosis of leishmaniosis were enrolled (n = 123). Clinical information, including signalment, clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities, was retrieved from medical records from different veterinary facilities from Catalonia. Results: Young dogs developed less frequently systemic signs (p = 0.0046), renal (p = 0.0019) and haematologic (p = 0.0275) abnormalities, while dermatologic signs were more common in young and adult dogs compared with old ones (p = 0.0451). Young dogs showed proteinuria less often than adult and old dogs (p = 0.0029). Young dogs did not present renal azotemia, while old dogs showed occasionally renal azotemia (p = 0.0478). Young dogs were mainly classified as mild-moderate LeishVet clinical stages of the disease, and very rarely as severe-very severe LeishVet clinical stages, compared with adult and old dogs (p = 0.0457). Purebred dogs significantly developed ulcerative dermatitis more frequently than crossbred dogs (p = 0.0460). Conclusion: This study describes that age is associated with differences in clinicopathological findings of CanL.

Ear tip ulcerative dermatitis (ETUD) is an uncommon clinical reaction pattern in canine dermatology. The lesions are suggestive of vascular damage which may be caused by inflammatory or noninflammatory diseases, and often are idiopathic. Therapeutic options for ETUD include topical glucocorticoids or tacrolimus, pentoxifylline, vitamin E, doxycycline, tetracycline and niacinamide, sulfonamides, glucocorticoids, ciclosporin and surgical correction.The aims of this retrospective case series were to describe the clinical features and report response to treatment with oclacitinib in dogs with idiopathic, chronic ETUD.Twenty-five privately owned dogs with unilateral or bilateral ETUD.Cases of ETUD which were poorly responsive to conventional therapy and subsequently treated with oclacitinib, are summarised. All cases were tested for leishmaniosis by serological examination [indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)]. Histopathological examination was performed in two cases.Serological results were negative for leishmaniosis in all dogs. Histopathological changes consistent with proliferative thrombovascular necrosis of the pinnae were documented in two cases. Oclacitinib, used at the standard dose range recommended for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis, effectively resolved ETUD in 22 of 25 dogs within one to three months. Several of the dogs required prolonged use of twice daily dosing.Oclacitinib should be included among the therapeutic options for ETUD, once infectious diseases have been ruled out.L'ETUD (Ear Tip Ulcerative Dermatitis) est un patron réactionnel clinique rare en dermatologie canine. Les lésions sont suggestives d'un dommage vasculaire qui peut être causé par des maladies inflammatoires ou non inflammatoires, souvent idiopathiques. Les options thérapeutiques pour ETUD comprennent les corticoïdes topiques, le tacrolimus, la pentoxifylline, la vitamine E, la doxycycline, la tétracycline et niacinamide, les sulfonamides, les corticoïdes, la ciclosporine et la chirurgie. HYPOTHÈSES/OBJECTIFS: Les buts de cette série rétrospective de cas étaient de décrire les données cliniques et rapporter les réponses aux traitements avec l’oclacitinib chez les chiens avec ETUD chronique idiopathique.Vingt-cinq chiens de propriétaire avec ETUD unilatérale ou bilatérale. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Les cas d’ETUD qui répondaient mal au traitement conventionnel et ainsi traités avec de l’oclacitinib, ont été résumés. Tous les cas ont été testés pour leishmaniose par examen sérologique [indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) ou enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)]. L’examen histopathologique a été réalisé pour deux cas. RÉSULTATS: Les résultats sérologiques étaient négatifs pour la leishmaniose pour tous les chiens. Les changements histopathologiques consistaient en une nécrose thrombovasculaire proliférative des pavillons, documentés dans deux cas. L’oclacitinib, utilisé à la dose standard recommandée pour le traitement de la dermatite atopique canine, a été efficace pour 22 des 25 chiens en un à trois mois. Plusieurs des chiens ont nécessité un traitement prolongé d’une dose deux fois par jour.L’oclacitinib devrait être incluse dans les options thérapeutiques de l’ETUD, lorsque les infections ont été éliminées.INTRODUCCIÓN: la dermatitis ulcerativa de la punta del oído (ETUD) es un patrón de reacción clínica poco común en la dermatología canina. Las lesiones sugieren daño vascular que puede ser causado por enfermedades inflamatorias o no inflamatorias y, a menudo, son idiopáticas. Las opciones terapéuticas para ETUD incluyen glucocorticoides tópicos o tacrolimus, pentoxifilina, vitamina E, doxiciclina, tetraciclina y niacinamida, sulfonamidas, glucocorticoides, ciclosporina y corrección quirúrgica. HIPÓTESIS/OBJETIVOS: los objetivos de esta serie de casos retrospectivos fueron describir las características clínicas e informar de la respuesta al tratamiento con oclacitinib en perros con ETUD crónica idiopática. ANIMALES: veinticinco perros de propietarios particulares con ETUD unilateral o bilateral. MÉTODOS Y MATERIALES: se resumen los casos de ETUD que respondieron mal a la terapia convencional y posteriormente se trataron con oclacitinib. Todos los casos se analizaron para detectar leishmaniosis mediante examen serológico [prueba de anticuerpos fluorescentes indirecta (IFAT) o ensayo inmunoabsorbente ligado a enzimas (ELISA)]. Se realizó examen histopatológico en dos casos. RESULTADOS: los resultados serológicos fueron negativos para leishmaniosis en todos los perros. En dos casos se documentaron cambios histopatológicos compatibles con necrosis trombovascular proliferativa del pabellón auricular. Oclacitinib, utilizado en el rango de dosis estándar recomendado para el tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica canina, resolvió eficazmente la ETUD en 22 de 25 perros en uno a tres meses. Varios de los perros requirieron el uso prolongado de dosis dos veces al día. CONCLUSIÓN Y RELEVANCIA CLÍNICA: El oclacitinib debe incluirse entre las opciones terapéuticas para la ETUD, una vez descartadas enfermedades infecciosas.Bei der ulzerativen Ohrranddermatitis (ETUD) handelt es sich um ein seltenes klinisches Reaktionsmuster in der Dermatologie des Hundes. Die Läsionen weisen auf Blutgefäßschädigungen hin, die durch entzündliche oder nicht entzündliche Erkrankungen verursacht werden können, oft aber auch idiopathisch auftreten.Die Ziele dieser retrospektiven Fallserie waren die Beschreibung der klinischen Merkmale und ein Bericht über das Ansprechen auf eine Behandlung mit Oclacitinib bei Hunden mit idiopathischer, chronischer ETUD.Fünfundzwanzig Hunde in Privatbesitz mit uni- oder bilateraler ETUD.Fälle von ETUD, die auf eine konventionelle Therapie nur schlecht ansprachen und in der Folge mit Oclacitinib behandelt wurden, sind zusammengefasst. Alle Fälle wurden mittels serologischer Untersuchung [Indirekter Immuno Fluoreszenz Antikörpertest (IFAT) oder Enzym-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)] auf Leishmaniose getestet. In zwei Fällen wurde eine histopathologische Untersuchung durchgeführt.Die serologischen Ergebnisse waren bei allen Hunden negativ für Leishmaniose. In zwei Fällen wurden histopathologische Veränderungen passend zu einer proliferativen thrombovaskulären Nekrose der Pinnae dokumentiert. Bei 22 von 25 Hunden konnte mittels Oclacitinib, welches in der empfohlenen Standarddosis zur Behandlung einer atopischen Dermatitis des Hundes eingesetzt wurde, innerhalb von einem bis drei Monaten die ETUD erfolgreich behandelt werden. Einige der Hunde benötigten langfristig eine zweimal tägliche Dosierung.Wenn infektiöse Erkrankungen ausgeschlossen wurden, sollte Oclacitinib in die therapeutischen Optionen für ETUD inkludiert werden.背景: 耳介先端部潰瘍性皮膚炎（ETUD）は、犬の皮膚科では珍しい臨床反応パターンである。炎症性疾患や非炎症性疾患による血管障害を示唆する病変であり、特発性のものも多い。ETUDの治療法としては、グルココルチコイドやタクロリムスの外用、ペントキシフィリン、ビタミンE、ドキシサイクリン、テトラサイクリン、ナイアシンアミド、スルホンアミド、グルココルチコイド、シクロスポリン、外科的矯正などがある。 仮説／目的: この回顧的な症例シリーズの目的は、特発性の慢性ETUDを持つ犬の臨床的特徴を説明し、オクラシチニブによる治療に対する反応を報告することであった。 被験動物: 片側または両側のETUDを有する25頭のオーナー所有犬。 材料と方法: 従来の治療に反応が悪く、その後オクラシチニブで治療したETUDの症例をまとめている。全例、血清学的検査［間接蛍光抗体法（IFAT）または酵素結合免疫吸着法（ELISA）］によりリーシュマニア症の検査を行った。また，2例では病理組織学的検査を行った。 結果: 血清検査の結果、すべての犬でリーシュマニア症は陰性であった。耳介の増殖性血栓性血管性壊死と一致する病理組織学的変化が2例で記録された。オクラシチニブは、犬アトピー性皮膚炎治療に推奨される標準的な用量範囲で使用され、25頭中22頭のETUDを1～3か月以内に効果的に解決した。数頭の犬は、1日2回の投与を長期に渡って行う必要があった。 結論と臨床的妥当性: オクラシチニブは、感染症が除外された後、ETUDの治療オプションに含まれるべきである。.背景: 耳尖溃疡性皮炎(ETUD)是犬皮肤病学中不常见的临床反应模式。病变提示血管损伤，可能由炎性或非炎性疾病引起，通常为特发性。ETUD的治疗选择包括外用糖皮质激素或他克莫司、己酮可可碱、维生素E、多西环素、四环素和烟酰胺、磺胺类药物、糖皮质激素、环孢素和手术矫正。 假设/目的: 本回顾性病例系列的目的是描述特发性、慢性ETUD犬的临床特征，并报告对奥拉替尼治疗的反应。 动物: 25只患有单侧或双侧ETUD的私家犬。 方法和材料: 总结了对常规治疗反应不佳且随后接受奥拉替尼治疗的ETUD病例。所有病例均经血清学检查[间接荧光抗体试验(IFAT)或酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)]检测利什曼病。2例进行了组织病理学检查。 结果: 所有犬的利什曼病血清学结果均为阴性。2例组织病理学变化记录为耳廓增生性血栓血管坏死。奥拉替尼使用按照治疗犬特应性皮炎的标准推荐剂量范围，在1-3个月内，22/25只ETUD患犬得到有效缓解。一些犬需要长期使用，且每日两次给药。 结论和临床相关性: 一旦排除感染性疾病，应将奥拉替尼纳入ETUD的治疗备选方案。.A dermatite ulcerativa da borda da orelha (DUBO) é um padrão reacional incomum na dermatologia canina. As lesões são sugestivas de dano vascular, que pode ser causado por doenças inflamatórias ou não inflamatórias, e frequentemente são idiopáticas. As opções terapêuticas para a DUBO incluem glicocorticoides tópicos ou tacrolimus, pentoxifilina, vitamina E, doxiciclina, tetraciclina e niacinamida, sulfonamidas, glicocorticoides e correção cirúrgica. HIPÓTESE/OBJETIVOS: O objetivo dessa série de casos retrospectivos foi descrever as características clínicas e relatar a resposta de cães com DUBO crônica idiopática ao tratamento com oclacitinib.Vinte e cinco cães de propriedade privada com DUBO unilateral ou bilateral. MÉTODOS E MATERIAIS: Os casos de DUBO que apresentaram resposta insatisfatória à terapia convencional e foram subsequentemente tratados com oclacitinib foram descritos neste trabalho. Todos os casos foram testados para leishmaniose por exame sorológico [método de indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) ou de enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)]. Dois casos foram enviados para exame histopatológico.Os testes sorológicos foram negativos para leishmaniose em todos os cães. Achados histopatológicos compatíveis com necrose trombovascular proliferativa do pavilhão auricular foram observados em dois casos. O oclacitinib, utilizado na dose recomendada para o tratamento de dermatite atópica canina, resolveu efetivamente a DUBO em 22 dos 25 casos em um período de um a três meses. Muitos cães necessitaram de tratamento prolongado com a dose de duas vezes ao dia. CONCLUSÃO E RELEVÂNCIA CLÍNICA: O oclacitinib deve ser incluso nas opções terapêuticas para DUBO quando as causas infecciosas forem excluídas.

Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) is a seven-carbon per- polyfluoro alkyl substance (PFAS) that has been used in aqueous film-forming foam formulations and has been detected in groundwater at contaminated sites. Very few toxicity studies for PFHpA were located in the literature search; for those identified, toxicity information was available for mammals, birds, and amphibians. The only mammalian study that determined adverse effects of PFHpA revealed that death was associated with severe ulcerative dermatitis when dermally exposed to 1,000 mg/kg/d for two weeks, and renal tubular necrosis, hepatocellular necrosis, and germ cell degeneration in rats at 250 mg/kg/d. The amphibian LC50 was determined to be 942.4 µM in the African clawed frog Xenopus, and PFHpA was identified as a potential teratogen and developmental toxicant, although the doses at which these effects were observed were not reported. No adverse effects were observed in adult or juvenile Northern Bobwhite from hens exposed to PFHpA in drinking water over a 90-day exposure period at doses as high as 20 ng/mL.

At a commercial farrow-to-feeder pig system with 2,100 sows in Serbia, lesions resembling porcine ear necrosis syndrome were observed in 80% of the weaned pigs at 45–50 days of age. Pathomorphological examinations were carried out on 10 pigs that had been found dead. The gross lesions ranged from mild, superficial dermatitis to severe, deep inflammation with exudation, ulceration and necrosis. Histopathological examination revealed erosive and ulcerative dermatitis of the pinna with neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration and bacterial colonies in the crusts. Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA strain), Staphylococcus hyicus and Streptococcus group C were cultivated from eight, S. hyicus from two ear tissue scraping samples. All 10 samples were positive for treponemes and phylogenetic analysis of two polymerase chain reaction products confirmed the relationship to Treponema (T.) medium/vincentii and Treponema pedis. Treponemes were also detected in seven oral swabs that were analysed to obtain evidence of the transmission of this bacterium by ear biting. The contribution of non-infectious factors to this misbehaviour could not be ruled out as the crude protein concentration of the feed was inappropriate and the climate of the pig house was suboptimal. The concentrations of selected mycotoxins in the feed were not elevated. However, the contribution of both infectious and non-infectious factors to the onset of disease was most probable.

The main clinical, anatomopathological, and molecular aspects of the infection by Leishmania infantum are described in two cats with multicentric cutaneous, nodular, and ulcerated lesions. The animals were submitted to a clinical examination, followed by serological, molecular and parasitological exams, with culture and isolation of the parasite, and subsequent isoenzymatic characterization. The animals were euthanized and necropsied. Case 1 was an adult, female, mixed-bred stray cat. Case 2 was an adult, male, mixed-bred and domiciled cat. Both were positive for the presence of anti-L. infantum antibodies. In the cytology of the cutaneous nodules and lymph nodes, amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. could be visualized, free and in the interior of the macrophages. In the histopathology, the lesions were characterized by nodular granulomatous and/or ulcerative dermatitis, associated to amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. By means of the polymerase chain reaction, the sequence of the L. infantum kDNA minicircle was amplified. It is concluded that the infection by L. infantum occurs in cats in the State of Paraíba, Northeast region of Brazil and the need to understand the immunological profile of the visceral leishmaniasis in the feline population is highlighted with aimed at the control measures in public health.

This case report describes the clinical and histopathological findings of an infection caused by equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in a horse showing respiratory signs and a papular, crusted and ulcerative dermatitis involving mucosae. This diagnosis was supported by real-time PCR positive for EHV-1 on nasal swabs and tissues.Cet article décrit les données cliniques et histopathologiques d’une infection due à EHV-1 (equine herpesvirus - 1) chez un cheval présentant des signes respiratoires et une dermatite papuleuse, croûteuse et ulcérative s’étendant aux muqueuses. Le diagnostic a été supporté par une PCR en temps réel positive pour EHV-1 sur tissus et écouvillon nasal. Dieser Fallbericht beschreibt die klinischen und histopathologischen Befunde einer Infektion durch das equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) bei einem Pferd, welches respiratorische Zeichen zeigte und eine papulöse, krustige und ulzerative Dermatitis, von der auch die Schleimhäute betroffen waren. Die Diagnose wurde durch eine Real-time PCR Untersuchung, die an Tupfern aus der Nase und aus Gewebe positiv auf EHV-1 verlief, unterstützt.Este informe de caso describe los hallazgos clínicos e histopatológicos de una infección causada por herpesvirus equino tipo-1 (EHV-1) en un caballo que mostraba signos respiratorios y una dermatitis papular, con costras y ulceras afectando las mucosas. Este diagnóstico fue corroborado por una PCR en tiempo real positiva para EHV-1 en hisopos nasales y tejidos.Dieser Fallbericht beschreibt die klinischen und histopathologischen Befunde einer Infektion durch das equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) bei einem Pferd, welches respiratorische Zeichen zeigte und eine papulöse, krustige und ulzerative Dermatitis, von der auch die Schleimhäute betroffen waren. Die Diagnose wurde durch eine Real-time PCR Untersuchung, die an Tupfern aus der Nase und aus Gewebe positiv auf EHV-1 verlief, unterstützt.本症例報告は、馬によって引き起こされる感染症の臨床的および組織病理学的所見について説明する。ヘルペスウイルス1（EHV-1）は、呼吸器の兆候と、粘膜を含む丘疹性の皮疹および潰瘍性皮膚炎を示している。 本診断は、鼻腔スワブと組織のEHV-1陽性のリアルタイムPCRによってサポートされた。.本病例报告描述了通过症状和组织病理学结果, 发现1匹马感染了马疱疹病毒-1 (EHV-1), 既有呼吸道症状, 有丘疹、结痂和溃疡性皮炎, 波及到了黏膜。鼻拭子和组织中的EHV-1实时PCR阳性支持了该诊断结论。.Este relato de caso descreve os achados clínicos e histopatológicos de uma infecção causada por herpesvírus equino tipo-1 (EHV-1) em um cavalo que apresentou sinais respiratórios e dermatite papular, crostosa e ulcerativa envolvendo mucosas. Este diagnóstico foi confirmado por PCR em tempo real positivo para EHV-1 em swabs nasais e tecidos.

The last chapter of this feline dermatology text reviews a range of cutaneous diseases not addressed in preceding chapters. It includes some well-recognised entities, such as feline chin acne, solar dermatitis and burns. It also includes a number of unique feline presentations of unknown aetiology including idiopathic ulcerative dermatitis and mural folliculitis that are increasingly recognised as reaction patterns, with multiple potential causes, rather than distinct diseases. Hypereosinophilic syndrome is another idiopathic uniquely feline presentation that is reviewed, along with sebaceous adenitis and sterile panniculitis that occur only rarely in cats.

A red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), kept as a pet by a private owner, was presented for multifocal ulcerative lesions. Lesion biopsies were collected under general anesthesia and submitted for histopathologic and microbiologic examination. Histological examination revealed a bacterial necrotizing ulcerative dermatitis. From cultural analysis of the biopsy, Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella ictaluri were isolated. Multidrug resistance was observed in both isolates, except for neomycin and ceftazidime. Intramuscular injections of ceftazidime 22 mg/kg were administered until complete healing of the wound, except for small dermal scars that remained following treatment. Given that the piranha was maintained alone since it was purchased, except for occasional feedings with fresh nonfrozen goldfish, horizontal transmission of the infection from the prey species was considered the source of infection.

There is a trend toward the increased incidence and prevalence of Edwardsiella piscicida septicemia in US catfish aquaculture, particularly in channel ♀, Ictalurus punctatus, × blue ♂, I. furcatus, hybrid catfish. From 2013 to 2017, a total of 3242 disease case submissions were made to the Aquatic Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ARDL) at the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center in Stoneville, MS. Of these, 1400 (43.2%) were hybrids. E. piscicida was suspected in 138 (4.3%) of cases, the majority of which (89.1%) were from hybrid catfish. A molecular survey of these isolates confirmed the majority (92.0%) to be E. piscicida. Furthermore, cases of E. piscicida from hybrids submitted to the ARDL and the Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory of the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Starkville, MS, were documented for gross lesions and histological analysis. Grossly, E. piscicida presents with small dermal ulcerations, a raised fluid‐filled cranial midline lesion that is frequently ulcerated, hemorrhage in the gills, exophthalmia, and abdominal distension. Internally, lesions include splenomegaly, straw‐colored ascites, renomegaly, and occasionally hemorrhagic intestines. Histopathological examination is in agreement with gross observations, and infected fish repeatedly demonstrate a mononuclear meningoencephalitis, hemorrhagic branchitis, splenitis, ulcerative dermatitis, granulomatous interstitial nephritis, and hepatitis coupled with a hemorrhagic enteritis.

A 23-year-old, 425-g male African grey parrot ( Psittacus erithacus) was evaluated for chronic ulcerative dermatitis of the axillary regions under both wings. Initial swab cultures of the sites had revealed a coagulase-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) with marked antibiotic resistance. A second swab culture obtained 8 weeks after the initial culture showed heavy growth of a coagulase-positive Staphylococcus species, which could not be speciated, but showed the same sensitivity as the previous culture. Previous treatment included systemic antibiotics and a topical antimicrobial cream, with variable response and only temporary resolution. On examination, full-thickness, ulcerative, necrotic dermatitis was present under both wings with intermittent bleeding and subdermal tissue exposure. Initial treatment included wound debridement, oral antibiotics, topical therapy, analgesics, and bandages. After a relapse, a poloxamer gel containing 2% doxycycline, 1% chloramphenicol, and 0.5% mupirocin was used in combination with oral antibiotics and analgesics. On follow-up examination, the skin lesions had completely resolved and the patient was doing well and remains normal 4 years later. This report emphasizes the importance of prompt, aggressive multi-modal therapy for MRSA and other dermal bacterial infections in pet birds that may represent zoonoses or have carrier-state zoonotic potential. Preparation by a compounding pharmacy of a transdermal poloxamer gel containing antibiotics shows promise for severe, infected, ulcerative skin lesions in birds when other therapies fail to achieve a cure.

We reviewed 11 cases of superficial chronic ulcerative dermatitis (SCUD) in psittacine birds that presented to an exotic animal practice over an 8-year period. African grey parrots ( Psittacus erithacus) were overrepresented, accounting for 55% of SCUD-affected birds. All affected birds were hand-reared pets and bonded strongly to their owners. In all cases, fungal culture results were negative. The most commonly cultured bacteria were Enterobacter cloacae (27%), followed by Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus (both 18%). An underlying cause of behavioral self-mutilation with secondary infection of dermatitis lesions by opportunistic bacteria was suspected in 10 of 11 cases. The axillae were the most common anatomic sites affected (45%). In two cases, more than one site was affected concurrently. Mean age of birds affected was 11.4 years. Two birds had suffered from SCUD previously, with 1 bird having suffered from 3 previous episodes and was euthanized as a result. All birds were treated with systemic antibiotics, topical antibacterial preparations, and systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A neck collar was applied in all cases. Median time to clinical resolution was 2 months (range, 1-21 months). Excluding the bird that was euthanized, all birds showed a positive response to treatment.

Summary A 3-day-old Standardbred filly, born from a multiparous mare, was presented for assessment of limb swellings and reduced appetite. Physical examination revealed tachycardia, multifocal petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages, stiff gait, polysynovial effusion, as well as erosions, multifocal crusting and erythema of the skin. Laboratory examinations revealed adequate transfer of passive immunity, marked thrombocytopenia, moderate neutropenia and anaemia. Aerobic bacterial blood culture was negative. Sanguineous fluid, consistent with haemarthrosis, was obtained by synoviocentesis. The foal was successfully managed with the administration of blood transfusions, an immunosuppressive regimen of corticosteroid medication, systemic antimicrobial medication and supportive care and recovered uneventfully. This report describes a neonatal foal with marked thrombocytopenia and signs of coagulopathy, neutropenia and ulcerative dermatitis consistent with a previously described syndrome. This case emphasises that alloimmune disease should be considered in neonatal foals with haemostatic disturbances or unexplained cytopenia.

Protothecosis is a disease caused by saprophyte aerobic unicellular algae belonging to the genus Prototheca. In dogs, it mainly occurs as a disseminated form, with initial clinical manifestations often referable to the gastrointestinal tract, followed by typical ocular and neurological signs. So far, Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 infection has been reported in severe forms of disseminated protothecosis, while in dogs has never been associated with cutaneous forms. In this study, we describe a case of Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 infection in a dog characterized by nodular and ulcerative dermatitis and with evidence of dissemination. In December 2015, a 5-year-old unneutered male English Setter dog was presented with a 4-month history of footpads ulcerations and multifocal nodular lesions (3-5 cm diameter) on both front limbs. Cytological examination of the aspirated fluid collected from all nodules revealed the presence of sporangic forms compatible with Prototheca spp. organisms. Suspected Prototheca spp. colonies were isolated from the aspirated fluid and identified as Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 by molecular methods. Few days after the visit, the patient developed serious neurological and ocular signs, and the owners elected humane euthanasia. To the authors' knowledge, this case could represent the first report of a disseminated Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 infection associated with cutaneous lesions in a dog. This study underlines the importance of considering Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 infection in the differential etiological diagnosis of nodular and ulcerative dermatitis in dogs.

An adult male harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) stranded off the coast of Alaska displaying poor body condition, scattered mild ulcerative dermatitis, and necrotizing balanoposthitis. Necropsy findings included severe verminous panniculitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, and enteritis. Histopathological examination of skin lesions revealed a pustular epidermitis and dermatitis, with ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes and occasional amphophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. A swab sample collected from the ulcerative penile lesions was processed for virus isolation resulting in cytopathic effects observed in primary beluga whale kidney (BWK) cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed bullet-shaped virions budding from the cell surface of infected BWK cells consistent with a rhabdovirus. A cDNA library was prepared using RNA extracted from infected cell culture supernatant and sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq sequencer. The near-complete genome of a novel rhabdovirus was recovered. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses based on the complete L gene supported the harbour porpoise rhabdovirus (HPRV) as a new species. HPRV clustered phylogenetically with dolphin rhabdovirus (DRV) and this cetacean rhabdovirus clade was found to be the sister group to members of the genus Perhabdovirus that infect fish. A specific nested RT-PCR assay detected HPRV RNA in the epaxial musculature of the harbour porpoise. Our results are consistent with a previous hypothesis that cetacean rhabdoviruses may have arisen following a host jump from fish and suggest that DRV and HPRV represent separate species belonging in a new genus within the family Rhabdoviridae. Further research is needed to determine the health impact of HPRV in harbour porpoise populations, its prevalence, and route of transmission.

Liver cancer shows noticeable differences in the incidence rate and mortality between genders. To investigate the estrogen effect on tumor progression in liver cancer, we developed a xenograft model using estrogen pellets. SK-Hep1 cells (human male liver carcinoma) were inoculated into male or female nude mice. Subsequently, estrogen pellets were subcutaneously implanted into these xenograft models. Interestingly, the marked adverse effect of estrogen pellets (0.5 mg/21 days) were observed in the male-derived xenograft model, with increased ulcerative dermatitis in male mice than in female mice. Additionally, necrosis was observed in male mice with SK-Hep1-derived tumors. However, the estrogen pellet (0.5 mg/60 days) did not exhibit these adverse effects. Tumor growth in female mice was significantly suppressed by estrogen (0.5 mg/60 days). Tumor growth was also suppressed in male mice implanted with estrogen (0.5 mg/60 days), but the suppression was not significant. We found that estrogen-induced skin damage was more severe in male mice than female mice. The tumor suppression of estrogen was effective in female mice compared to male mice bearing liver cancer. The results suggest that the sex difference affects estrogen activity and thus should be considered in the preclinical assessment. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s43188-019-00020-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania infantum for which dogs are the main reservoir. In South America, presence of this disease is expanding along with increasing dispersion of its principal vector, the sand-fly Lutzomyia longipalpis. Feline leishmaniasis is an emerging disease in domestic cats, but epidemiological studies in endemic areas of the Amazon region of Brazil are scarce and the role of cats as reservoirs of L. infantum has been debated. The aim of this study was to investigate L. infantum infection in cats living in the Amazon biome region, using serological and molecular methods. A total of 105 cats were subjected to clinical examination and blood samples were taken for immunofluorescent-antibody (IFAT) serological evaluation, to determine anti-Leishmania antibody titers. Conventional PCR and Sanger’s sequencing targeting L. infantum chitinase and Leishmania species ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) encoding genes were performed on conjunctival swabs from these cats. Seropositivity was detected in 32 animals (30.48%), thus confirming that contact between these cats and the parasite was occurring. PCR followed by amplicon sequencing showed that three samples (2.86%) were positive for a chitinase gene and six (5.71%) were positive for the ITS-1 gene. Parasite-positive diagnoses presented a statistically significant association with free access to the streets (p = 0.0111), cohabitation with dogs affected previously by VL (p = 0.0006) and absence of backyard cleaning and garbage collection (p = 0.00003). These results emphasize that cats should be included in epidemiological surveys of leishmaniasis, especially in endemic areas, if not as the reservoir host (unproven), at least as a "sentinel host" that is useful for revealing situations of endemic circulation of L. infantum. Moreover, in these areas, feline leishmaniasis needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis among domestic cats presenting alopecia, rarefied hair, lacerations and ulcerative dermatitis.

Ulcerative dermatitis (UD) is an idiopathic, spontaneous and progressive disease typically affecting C57BL/6 aged mice with an unknown aetiopathogenesis. For this study, we evaluated 25 cases of UD in C57BL/6NCrl-Tg(HMGA1P6)1Pg mice. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin samples were submitted to morphological investigations. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to characterize and quantify inflammatory cells using CD3, CD45/B220, CD4, CD8 and IL-17 antibodies. Mast cell-bound IgE was investigated by immunofluorescence, whereas serum and cryopreserved skin samples were collected for molecular analysis. Student's t-test (two-tailed) was performed to assess significant differences between the two groups. Affected skin showed extensive areas of ulceration and diffuse, severe and mixed inflammatory infiltrates. No relevant changes were observed in control mice. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a predominant CD3 + CD4 + leukocyte population with fewer CD45/B220 and IL-17 immunolabelled cells and mast cell-bound IgE. Increases in TNFα, IL-1β and Il-6 mRNA expression were observed in the skin of affected animals compared to controls. Serum TNFα and IL-6 did not vary between affected and control mice. Inflammatory infiltrates and cytokine expression were consistent with both Th2/IgE and Th17 differentiation, a typical pattern of a type I hypersensitivity reaction. Overall, our data suggest an allergic-based aetiopathogenesis of UD in C57BL/6NCrl-Tg(HMGA1P6)1Pg mice.

The objective of this study was to assess the extent and describe the nature of a multi-species marine finfish and crustacean disease event that occurred in Gladstone Harbour, Australia, 2011-2012. Finfish were examined for this study in January to April 2012 from sites where diseased animals were previously observed by the public. Gross abnormalities, including excessive skin and gill mucus, erythema, heavy ecto-parasitism, cutaneous ulceration, corneal opacity, and exophthalmos, were higher (25.5%) in finfish from Gladstone Harbour (n = 435) than in those from an undeveloped reference site, 250 km to the north (5.5%, n = 146, p < 0.0001). Microscopic abnormalities, especially non-infectious erosive to ulcerative dermatitis and internal parasitism, were more prevalent in fish from Gladstone Harbour (n = 34 of 36, prevalence = 94.4%) than in fish from the reference site (3 of 23, prevalence = 13.0% p < 0.0001). The prevalence of shell lesions was higher in mud crabs Scylla serrata sampled from Gladstone Harbour (270 of 718, prevalence = 37.5%) than from the reference site (21 of 153, prevalence = 13.7%; p < 0.0001). The significantly higher prevalence of ulcerative skin disease and parasitism in a range of species suggests affected animals were subjected to influences in Gladstone Harbour that were not present in the control sites. The disease epidemic coincided temporally and spatially with water quality changes caused by a harbour development project. The unique hydrology, geology, and industrial history of the harbour, the scope of the development of the project, and the failure of a bund wall built to retain dredge spoil sediment were important factors contributing to this epidemic.

Aggression is the leading cause of death in young laboratory mice, representing a major welfare issue. Many of the experimental measures used in traditional aggression research, especially those focusing on territorial aggression (e.g., resident/intruder) are poorly suited to examining dominance or abnormal aggression in the home cage. Scoring of flank and tail wounds by observers is widely used in these experimental paradigms. Scoring external skin wounds is time consuming, subjective, and the constant handling of mice involved can affect experimental outcomes. Here we describe a variety of subcuticular signs of aggression that can be observed during necropsy, and develop a ⿿Pelt Aggression Lesion Scale⿿ (PALS) for standardized scoring of these signs. Inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities were assessed and were excellent (0.84, and 0.96, respectively). PALS showed significantly greater sensitivity (in terms of detecting unusually aggressive cages) and less error variance than external wound scores. PALS showed convergent validity with external wound scores ( i.e. each could predict the other), and also discriminant validity (in that only PALS subscores for the posterior of the pelt, where aggressive biting is primarily directed, predicted external wound scores). Finally PALS shows specificity, in that PALS and its subscores did not generate false positive results when animals with ulcerative dermatitis were examined. Thus PALS is a reliable, sensitive, specific and validated measure of aggressive wounding in mice that avoids many of the confounds of traditional methods, is high-throughput, easy to perform, and particularly well suited to home-cage and welfare-related studies but limited in its use for behavioural management interventions.

During the 2008–2011 time period, undiagnosed lesions were observed in 21 of 150 white-tailed deer fawns (Odocoileus virginianus) that were part of a captive deer herd at Mississippi State University. Clinical findings in healthy and diseased fawns from 0 to 90 days of age included bite and scratch marks followed by moderate to severe ear and tail necrosis. Gross necropsy findings of necrotizing ulcerative dermatitis correlated with histopathologic findings that included focally severe multifocal vasculitis, vascular necrosis, and thrombosis. This article is a clinical description of these previously unreported lesions associated with tissue necrosis in young captive white-tailed deer.

In the period 2013-2015, wild dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe), caught in Libyan coastal waters and ranging in size from 42 to 92 cm in total length, were observed to have distinctive skin lesions of unknown aetiology. Histopathologically, the lesions comprised a multifocal, unilateral or bilateral dermatitis, involving the epidermis, superficial dermis and scale pockets, and sometimes, in severe cases, the hypodermis. Severe lesions had marked epidermal spongiosis progressing to ulceration. Healing was observed in some fish. Bacteria and fungi could be isolated from severe lesions, although they were not seen histopathologically in early-stage lesions. By contrast, metazoan parasite eggs were observed in the dermis and epidermis of some fish with mild and moderate dermatitis. Unidentified gravid digenean trematode parasites carrying similar eggs were also seen within the blood vessels of the deep and superficial dermis. The cause of this distinctive condition, termed dusky grouper dermatitis (DGD), and its potential impact upon already threatened Mediterranean wild dusky grouper populations and upon cultured grouper more widely have yet to be established.

ZusammenfassungEine 4 Jahre alte Wachtelhündin wurde wegen Inappetenz vorgestellt. Klinisch zeigten sich Papeln und Ulzera am Nasenspiegel und auf der Zunge. Mittels hämatologischer, bakteriologischer und mykologischer Untersuchung ergaben sich keine für eine ätiologische Diagnose relevanten Ergebnisse. Die histopathologische Untersuchung von Hautbioptaten erbrachte den Nachweis einer proliferativen Dermatitis und Follikulitis mit hydropischer Degeneration von Keratinozyten und zytoplasmatischen Einschlusskörperchen. Immunhistologisch wurde Kuhpockenvirus Antigen nachgewiesen, elektronenmikroskopisch fanden sich Pockenviruspartikel in den Epithelzellen und molekularbiologisch wurde DNA von Orthopoxvirus bovis identifiziert. Auch bei Hunden mit papulösen bis ulzerativen Hautläsionen im Maul- und Gesichtsbereich sollte daher eine Infektion mit Kuhpockenviren differenzialdiagnostisch in Betracht gezogen werden. Derartig erkrankte Tiere stellen ein potenzielles Infektionsrisiko für Menschen und andere Tiere in ihrer Umgebung dar.

This investigation focused on an episode of chronic mortality observed in juvenile Huso huso sturgeons. The examined subjects underwent pathological, microbiological, molecular, and chemical investigations. Grossly severe body shape deformities, epaxial muscle softening, and multifocal ulcerative dermatitis were the main observed findings. The more constant histopathologic findings were moderate to severe rarefaction and disorganization of the lymphohematopoietic lymphoid tissues, myofiber degeneration, atrophy and interstitial edema of skeletal epaxial muscles, and degeneration and atrophy of the gangliar neurons close to the myofibers. Chemical investigations showed a lower selenium concentration in affected animals, suggesting nutritional myopathy. Other manifestations were nephrocalcinosis and splenic vessel wall hyalinosis. Septicemia due to bacteria such as Aeromonas veronii, Shewanella putrefaciens, Citrobacter freundii, Chryseobacterium sp., and pigmented hyphae were found. No major sturgeon viral pathogens were detected by classical methods. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis confirmed the absence of viral pathogens, with the exception of herpesvirus, at the order level, also, the presence of Aeromonas veronii and Shewanella putrefaciens was confirmed at the family level by the metagenomic classification of NGS data. In the absence of a primary yet undetected biological cause, it is supposed that environmental stressors, including nutritional imbalances, may have led to immune system impairment, facilitating the entry of opportunistic bacteria and mycotic hyphae.

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are particularly susceptible to feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1). Recommendations for preventive health care in cheetahs include vaccination against FHV-1 using killed and modified live virus (MLV) vaccines. Although MLV vaccines tend to induce a more robust immune response than killed vaccines, they can induce disease. This case series details an FHV-1 outbreak in four adult cheetahs following the use of MLV vaccine in one of them. All four cheetahs developed severe FHV-1 clinical signs and were euthanized. Clinical signs included depression, anorexia, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, sneezing, and ulcerative dermatitis. Herpesvirus infection was diagnosed using history, clinical signs, polymerase chain reaction, and histologic evaluation. The timeline of events suggests the MLV vaccine was the inciting cause, although this was not conclusively proven. Outcome of this case suggests that when considering MLV vaccines for cheetahs, careful risk and benefit discussions are merited.

This article describes the urinogenital condition of three female Iberian ibexes (Capra pyrenaica-one infertile 3-yr-old adult and two prepubertal animals aged 1 (PP1) and 2 (PP2) yr, respectively, all raised in captivity. All showed constant urinal dribbling, leading to ulcerative dermatitis in the vulvar area. Housed in a stable with other females, the adult did not become pregnant after male contact in either of two consecutive mating seasons. Vaginoscopy and laparoscopic exploration performed on the prepubertal females revealed abnormalities of the vagina and urinary bladder. Ultrasound examination revealed atrophy of the left kidney in the adult female and PP1, and of the right kidney in PP2, with degeneration of the renal pelvis. A paraovarian cyst with hydrosalpinx was also detected in the left oviduct of the adult female. Postmortem analysis of the adult and PP2, which shared a mother, confirmed an extramural single ectopic ureter with vaginal insertion associated with atrophy of the ipsilateral kidney. Though PP1 was officially unrelated to the latter animals, all three might have had a common ancestor in their lineages.

In 2017, a male elk (Cervus canadensis) was found dead in Pennsylvania, US. The elk was in poor nutritional condition and had alopecia and ulcerative dermatitis throughout the neck and dorsum region associated with severe Dermacentor albipictus infestations. Histologically, there was severe chronic-active dermatitis with hyperkeratosis and crust formation.

Summary European moles (Talpa europaea) are a common species in the UK, but there are few published data on the causes of mortality in these animals. An opportunistic post-mortem study was carried out on 44 moles found dead or dying in Cornwall, UK. Assessment of muscle condition and fat reserves, where possible, indicated that most (27 of 37, 73%) were in good nutritive condition. The majority had died of trauma (n = 40, 91%), the principal cause of which was predation (n = 36, 81.8%) by foxes and domestic cats and dogs. The carcases were in a variable state of preservation, but 28 cases were suitable for histopathological examination. This revealed lesions in the lungs of 92.8 % (26 of 28) of the animals. The commonest lesions comprised localized infiltration of the parenchyma by macrophages and eosinophils and in most cases the lesions were unlikely to have been of clinical significance; in two cases they were associated with infection by a parasitic nematode. One mole showed severe pneumonitis and hepatitis caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Adiaspiromycosis was diagnosed in two moles, one by direct microscopical examination of the lung and one by histopathology; the lesions were not considered to be of clinical significance. Severe pleurisy and pericarditis caused by infection with Streptobacillus moniliformis was seen in a mole that had suffered bite wounds to a foot previously. Cholangitis due to infection by a protozoal parasite, provisionally identified as Cyclospora talpae, was a common histopathological finding (11 of 28, 39.3%); infection by the parasite did not appear to affect body condition adversely. Miscellaneous conditions identified were ulcerative dermatitis associated with gram-positive cocci (n = 1), extra medullary haemopoiesis in spleens (six of 12, 50%) and mineralized foci in pulmonary blood vessels (three of 28, 10.7%). No significant pathology was seen in the kidneys. This study suggests that the health status of moles in Cornwall is generally good and predation is a common cause of mortality. Pulmonary disease, associated in some cases with nematode infections, is also prevalent, but probably of little clinical significance. There is a high prevalence of cholangitis due to infection with a protozoan parasite believed to be C. talpae. Other diseases identified include adiaspiromycosis, streptobacillosis and toxoplasmosis.

Feline idiopathic head-and-neck dermatitis - also named feline idiopathic ulcerative dermatitis (IUD) - is considered as a rare skin disease of unknown origin. It is usually associated with a crusted, non-healing, self-induced ulcer occurring most commonly on the dorsal or lateral neck or between the scapula where self-grooming by scratching occurs. Usually, IUD is diagnosed after exclusion of other causes of pruritus. In feline medicine, self-induced alopecia is recognized as a behavioural disorder (abnormal repetitive behaviour) due to excessive licking which is an amplification of a normal maintenance behaviour. Such repetitive behaviours, like self-induced alopecia or self-induced wounds, are named stereotypies and considered as indicators of poor welfare. The objectives of our study were to determine, firstly, if the repetitive behavior associated with self-induced wounds was related to a poor welfare, and, secondly, if improving the welfare in the cat’s environment would lead to healing thanks to environmental enrichment. We recruited 13 cats diagnosed with IUD by a dermatologist. These cats were referred to a behaviorist for welfare evaluation. A welfare score was attributed using a newly-developed 21-point welfare scale. The median score of the 13 IUD cats was 16, while the median score of 35 healthy cats was 7 (significant difference, p

In this case report, a markedly painful ulcerative dermatitis consistent with pyoderma granulosum is reported in a 2.5-year-old entire female Maltese dog. The dog had a nasal stridor and irregular ulcers with raised inflammatory borders involving the lumbar area, tail and the hindlimbs. The lesions did not respond to antibiotics. Histopathologic features include deep crateriform ulcerations with massive infiltrations of neutrophils beneath and adjacent to the ulcers. Treatment with prednisolone (Kela Laboratories, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium) alone resulted in the resolution of nasal signs and all skin lesions.