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The pathogenesis of anal sacculitis has not been extensively investigated, although atopic dogs seem to be predisposed to the disease. The aim of this study was therefore to characterize and compare the bacterial microbiota and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the anal sacs of dogs from three groups (healthy dogs, untreated atopic dogs and atopic dogs receiving antipruritic treatment or allergen-specific immunotherapy) in order to determine whether changes could be at the origin of anal sacculitis in atopic dogs. Bacterial populations of anal sac secretions from fifteen healthy dogs, fourteen untreated and six treated atopic dogs were characterized by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using Illumina technology. Proinflammatory cytokines were analyzed with the Luminex multiplex test. Community membership and structure were significantly different between the anal sacs of healthy and untreated atopic dogs (P = 0.002 and P = 0.003, respectively) and between those of untreated and treated atopic dogs (P = 0.012 and P = 0.017, respectively). However, the community structure was similar in healthy and treated atopic dogs (P = 0.332). Among the proinflammatory cytokines assessed, there was no significant difference between groups, except for interleukin 8 which was higher in the anal sacs of untreated atopic dogs compared to treated atopic dogs (P = 0.02), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha which was lower in the anal sacs of healthy dogs compared to treated atopic dogs (P = 0.04). These results reveal a dysbiosis in the anal sacs of atopic dogs, which may partially explain the predisposition of atopic dogs to develop bacterial anal sacculitis. Treatments received by atopic dogs (oclacitinib, desloratadine and allergen-specific immunotherapy) shift the microbiota of the anal sacs towards that of healthy dogs. Further studies are required to identify significant cytokines contributing to anal sacculitis in atopic dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine distemper virus (CDV) can cause fatal infections in giant pandas. Vaccination is crucial to prevent CDV infection in giant pandas. In this study, two bacterium-like particle vaccines F3-GEM and H4-GEM displaying the trimeric F protein or tetrameric H protein of CDV were constructed based on the Gram-positive enhanced-matrix protein anchor (GEM-PA) surface display system. Electron microscopy and Western blot results revealed that the F or H protein was successfully anchored on the surface of GEM particles. Furthermore, one more bacterium-like particle vaccine F3 and H4-GEM was also designed, a mixture consisting of F3-GEM and H4-GEM at a ratio of 1:1. To evaluate the effect of the three vaccines, mice were immunized with F3-GEM, H4-GEM or F3 and H4-GEM. It was found that the level of IgG-specific antibodies and neutralizing antibodies in the F3 and H4-GEM group was higher than the other two groups. Additionally, F3 and H4-GEM also increased the secretion of Th1-related and Th2-related cytokines. Moreover, F3 and H4-GEM induce IgG and neutralizing antibodies' response in dogs. Conclusions: In summary, F3 and H4-GEM can provoke better immune responses to CDV in mice and dogs. The bacterium-like particle vaccine F3 and H4-GEM might be a potential vaccine candidate for giant pandas against CDV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Photobiomodulation is the use of red or near-infrared light to produce beneficial effects in living biological tissue. Several studies in humans have demonstrated the beneficial effects of photobiomodulation in improving tissue healing, reducing inflammation and edema, restoring blood flow, and inducing analgesia. Growing evidence suggests that photobiomodulation may influence the skin microbiome. The dog skin microbiome has been previously investigated in healthy and allergic dogs, but only limited information is available on this topic. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation on the skin microbiome of atopic dogs by employing a high-power, dual-wavelength near-infrared laser source (Multiwavelength Locked System laser, MLS®). The results showed that while the microbiome composition and diversity are not significantly affected, photobiomodulation could induce an overall reduction in specific bacterial species, in particular Staphylococcus, that represent a major pathogenic skin strain. This observation could be a potential jumpstart for further analysis in larger populations to test the beneficial effects of photobiomodulation in dog skin. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a newly adopted consensus term to replace the therapeutic application of low-level laser therapy. It has been suggested that PMB influences the microbiome which, in turn, has increasingly been shown to be linked with health and disease. Even though the use of PBM has also grown dramatically in veterinary medicine, there is still a lack of evidence supporting its effect in vivo. Our objective was to investigate the impact of a dual-wavelength near-infrared laser source (Multiwavelength Locked Laser System, MLS®) on the skin microbiome in atopic dogs. Twenty adult-client-owned atopic dogs were enrolled in the study. The dogs were treated with MLS® laser therapy on one half of the abdominal region, whereas the contralateral side was left untreated and served as a control. Skin microbiome samples were collected before and after MLS® treatments, and then subjected to NGS-based ITS and 16S rRNA analysis. The results showed that while microbiome composition and diversity were not significantly affected, PBM could play a role in modulating the abundance of specific bacterial species, in particular Staphylococcus, that represent a major skin pathogenic strain. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the potential impact of MLS® laser therapy on the skin microbiome in atopic dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the richness, abundance, and diversity of bacteria in stray dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) infested by ticks in Comarca Lagunera, northern Mexico, and to establish their pathogenic and or/zoonotic potential. Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 12 dogs were collected, and their deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted. The V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal ribunocleic acid gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on a MiSeq Illumina platform, and the data were analyzed using quantitative insights into microbial ecology. Results: The operational taxonomic units resulted in 23 phyla, 54 classes, 89 orders, 189 families, 586 genera, and 620 bacterial species; among them, 64 species and/or bacterial genera with pathogenic or zoonotic potential were identified, some of which have been reported in the literature as relevant to public health (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Brucella spp., Clostridium spp., Corynebacterium affermentants, Cutibacterium spp., Dietzia spp., Ehrlichia canis, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Leptotrichia spp., Mycobacterium spp., Paracoccus spp., and Roseomonas gilardii). Conclusion: This research offers relevant information on the prevalence of tick-borne diseases as well as other potential zoonotic diseases in the blood of stray dogs parasitized by ticks in northern Mexico. New molecular biology and massive NGS techniques may play an important role in the study and documentation of bacterial profiles from animals in close proximity to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Given that skin allergies and pruritic dermatitis are highly prevalent in dogs, with a lack of reliable treatment methods, a dietary supplement containing a blend of probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, nutrients and a yeast-derived postbiotic was developed with the potential to promote symptom reduction through dermatological, immune, and gastrointestinal support. To assess the impact of this supplement on clinical signs of allergy and the gut microbiome, which may influence such symptoms, in companion dogs with pruritic dermatitis, a 10-week trial was conducted. The supplement supported faster improvements and resolution of pruritus, with differences seen compared to a placebo group after 2 weeks. Simultaneously, at the end of the trial, the gut microbiome in treated dogs was enriched with three of the supplemented probiotic species, and unhealthy species were reduced. The enrolled client-owned dogs represented a variety of breeds, ages, and sizes with diverse pruritus severity, which may make the results of this trial more applicable to a larger population of dogs with pruritic dermatitis. Future trials should expand upon the use of dietary supplements with multimodal capabilities for the relief of pruritic dermatitis under stricter cohort definitions. Pruritic dermatitis (PD) is a common presentation of canine allergic skin diseases, with diversity in severity and treatment response due to complex etiopathogenesis. Evidence suggests the gut microbiota (GM) may contribute to the development of canine allergies. A 10-week double-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated a novel probiotic and nutraceutical blend (PNB) on clinical signs of skin allergy, health measures, and the GM of privately owned self-reported pruritic dogs. A total of 105 dogs were enrolled, with 62 included in pruritus and health analysis and 50 in microbiome analysis. The PNB supported greater improvement of owner-assessed clinical signs of PD at week 2 than the placebo (PBO). More dogs that received the PNB shifted to normal pruritus (digital PVAS10-N: <2) by week 4, compared to week 7 for the PBO. While a placebo effect was identified, clinical differences were supported by changes in the GM. The PNB enriched three probiotic bacteria and reduced abundances of species associated with negative effects. The PBO group demonstrated increased abundances of pathogenic species and reduced abundances of several beneficial species. This trial supports the potential of the PNB as a supplemental intervention in the treatment of PD; however, further investigation is warranted, with stricter diagnostic criteria, disease biomarkers and direct veterinary examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a hereditary pruritic and inflammatory allergic skin disease associated with elevated IgE levels. Although, several treatments for CAD exist, allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only treatment that induces tolerance to pathogenic allergens. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is effective, convenient, and safe. This case report describes the successful treatment of a dog with atopic dermatitis using SLIT, emphasizing the efficacy and safety of SLIT as a long-term management strategy for CAD. Case: A 3-year-old spayed female Dachshund presented with non-seasonal chronic pruritus and generalized alopecia. The onset of pruritus occurred at 6 months of age, and its severity, measured by the pruritus visual analog scale, score was 5 out of 10. Dermatological examination revealed alopecia and scales on the dorsum and tail, and alopecia, lichenification, and crust on the medial side of the forelimbs. Diagnostic tests confirmed superficial pyoderma and Malassezia dermatitis. Initial treatment included amoxicillin/clavulanate, itraconazole, and a shampoo containing chlorhexidine gluconate and miconazole nitrate. An elimination diet trial was performed using a commercial diet to diagnose canine adverse food reaction (CAFR). However, 11 days after treatment initiation, the microbial and fungal skin infections and pruritus did not improve. Prednisolone was subsequently prescribed to alleviate pruritus and evaluate the response to glucocorticoids. At 24 days after the administration of prednisolone, pruritus reduction and lesion improvement were observed. Thereafter, prednisolone was tapered to 0.5 mg/kg EOD and discontinued 38 days after the initial administration. After prednisolone discontinuation, cytology did not reveal any cocci or Malassezia sp. Therefore, treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanate and itraconazole was discontinued. Two weeks after the discontinuation of prednisolone, pruritus relapsed, and cytology revealed no infection. The dog was initially treated with oclacitinib and planned to be managed with ASIT following an intradermal skin test at 2 weeks later. A provocative challenge was performed after the pruritus, and the lesions were well managed with oclacitinib. Because the clinical signs did not worsen, CAFR was excluded. The Favrot criteria was used to diagnose CAD by ruling out other skin conditions. An intradermal skin test was performed for 27 allergens, and oclacitinib was administered for SLIT, with allergens showing a positive reaction. After the administration of SLIT and oclacitinib, pruritus was well controlled and no recurrence was observed. At 763 days and 1638 days after the commencement of SLIT, oclacitinib and SLIT were discontinued, respectively. Notably, 9 months after discontinuing SLIT, complete remission of CAD was observed. Discussion: ASIT is used in veterinary medicine to treat CAD. A comprehensive clinical study found that SLIT has a success rate of 55%. The oral mucosa's low pro-inflammatory cell counts underscores SLIT's safety. Considering its efficacy and safety, ASIT was initiated with SLIT. ASIT can take > 12 months to improve CAD. Therefore, oclacitinib was prescribed to control pruritus. Complete remission of CAD was confirmed at the time of writing 9 months after SLIT discontinuation. This case indicates that SLIT could be an effective and safe therapeutic option for the long-term management of CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: To quantify the bacterial burden after skin disinfection using an alcohol octenidine dihydrochloride combination (Octenisept®) compared to an 74.1% ethanol 10% 2-propanol combination (Softasept N®). Study design: Prospective randomized clinical trial. Material & methods: 61 dogs undergoing clean or clean-contaminated surgeries (excluding surgeries on the gastrointestinal tract) were randomly assigned to group O (skin disinfection with alcohol and octenidine dihydrochloride after washing with octenidine containing soap) or to control group C (skin disinfection using the ethanol-2-propanol combination after washing with a neutral soap without antiseptic ingredients). Samples were then taken from 8 different locations within the surgical field at four different stages: after clipping, after washing, after disinfection and one hour later. At each stage, two different sampling techniques (wet-dry swab technique (WDS) and contact plates (CP)) were used for quantitative analysis of bacterial counts. Results: WDS detected about 100-fold more bacteria compared to CP sampling in cases with high bacterial burden, but was not accurate enough to detect small numbers. CP sampling was therefore used for comparison of treatment protocols. 30 dogs were assigned to group O and 31 to group C. A relative reduction of 69% in group O and 77 percent in group C was observed after the soap wash. No significant differences were detected between both groups. Washing and disinfection resulted in a reduction of bacterial counts of 99.99% in group O versus 99.7% in group C (p = 0.018). Bacterial reduction one hour after washing and disinfection was significantly higher in group O (99.9%) than in group C (98.5%, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Additional octenidine dihydrochloride provided a slightly better decontamination effect after disinfection, particularly one hour after, which means it may only be indicated in longer surgeries. WDS is more sensitive but less specific to detect bacteria on the skin than the CP sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic dermatoses are common in people and domestic animals. Resultant lesions are routinely biopsied and submitted for histological examination to confirm a diagnosis or rule out diseases with overlapping or atypical clinical features. Diagnostic pathologists and clinicians are often faced with the difficult task of determining whether an allergic reaction pattern is present on both the microscopic and macroscopic levels and correlating histopathologic findings with clinical and historical data to achieve a precise clinical diagnosis. The bulk of the current veterinary literature on allergic dermatoses focuses on atopic dermatitis in dogs, distantly followed by cats, horses, and other animals. The objectives of this review are to demonstrate the key histopathologic and clinical diagnostic features of the various allergy-mediated reaction patterns, and to provide diagnosticians with a practical guide for clinicopathological correlations. Current concepts in the pathophysiology of immediate hypersensitivity reactions, with a focus on atopic dermatitis, are discussed. Points of potential histopathologic overlap between the "classic" allergic reaction pattern and less common inflammatory, predominately eosinophilic, conditions that may mimic this pattern will be discussed with the goal of highlighting the critical need for collaboration between pathologists and clinicians in furthering patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This paper addresses the pressing issue of canine atopic dermatitis, a common and distressing skin condition in dogs. It affects up to 30% of dogs, causing severe itching and skin problems. Additionally, it leads to secondary infections, further complicating treatment. This condition significantly reduces the quality of life for both dogs and their owners, causing emotional and financial strain. This paper emphasizes the need for prevention strategies for this disease, rather than just treating the symptoms. While treatments exist, they often come with limitations and can be expensive. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the skin barrier's role in canine atopic dermatitis development. This paper suggests that focusing on preventing this condition in the first place would be more effective and cost-efficient. Drawing parallels between canine atopic dermatitis and its human counterpart, this paper highlights the potential for shared prevention strategies. The authors propose that restoring the skin barrier before the disease's mechanisms can lead to a vicious cycle of further damage could be a key approach to prevention. Overall, research regarding the primary prevention of canine atopic dermatitis has the potential to greatly improve the well-being of dogs and their owners by offering effective and accessible preventive measures. Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a common and distressing skin condition in dogs, affecting up to 30% of the canine population. It not only impacts their quality of life but also that of their owners. Like human atopic dermatitis (hAD), cAD has a complex pathogenesis, including genetic and environmental factors. Current treatments focus on managing clinical signs, but they can be costly and have limitations. This article emphasizes the importance of preventing cAD from developing in the first place. Understanding the role of the skin's protective barrier is crucial, as its dysfunction plays a vital role in both hAD and cAD. hAD prevention studies have shown promising results in enhancing the skin barrier, but more research is needed to support more robust conclusions. While hAD primary prevention is currently a focal point of intensive investigation in human medicine, research on cAD primary prevention remains under-researched and almost non-existent. Pioneering effective prevention strategies for cAD holds immense potential to enhance the quality of life for both dogs and their owners. Additionally, it bears the promise of a translational impact on human research. Hence, further exploration of this crucial topic is not only relevant but also timely and imperative, warranting support and encouragement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Like its human counterpart, canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a chronic relapsing condition; thus, most cAD-affected dogs will require lifelong treatment to maintain an acceptable quality of life. A potential intervention is modulation of the composition of gut microbiota, and in fact, probiotic treatment has been proposed and tried in human atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. Since dogs are currently receiving intensive medical care, this will be the same option for dogs, while evidence of gut dysbiosis in cAD is still missing, although skin microbial profiling in cAD has been conducted in several studies. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of both gut and skin microbiota in cAD in one specific cAD-predisposed breed, Shiba Inu. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of commonly used medical management on cAD (Janus kinase; JAK inhibitor, oclacitinib) on the gut and skin microbiota. Furthermore, we genotyped the Shiba Inu dogs according to the mitochondrial DNA haplogroup and assessed its association with the composition of the gut microbiota. Results: Staphylococcus was the most predominant bacterial genus observed in the skin; Escherichia/Shigella and Clostridium sensu stricto were highly abundant in the gut of cAD-affected dogs. In the gut microbiota, Fusobacteria and Megamonas were highly abundant in healthy dogs but significantly reduced in cAD-affected dogs. The abundance of these bacterial taxa was positively correlated with the effect of the treatment and state of the disease. Oclacitinib treatment on cAD-affected dogs shifted the composition of microbiota towards that in healthy dogs, and the latter brought it much closer to healthy microbiota, particularly in the gut. Additionally, even within the same dog breed, the mtDNA haplogroup varied, and there was an association between the mtDNA haplogroup and microbial composition in the gut and skin. Conclusions: Dysbiosis of both the skin and the gut was observed in cAD in Shiba Inu dogs. Our findings provide a basis for the potential treatment of cAD by manipulating the gut microbiota as well as the skin microbiota. Ca3VFqKyuZt1ZAdyvGK8Sg Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human rhabdomyosarcomas are rarely cured by surgical resection alone. This is also true for high-grade soft tissue sarcomas in dogs. Dogs with spontaneous sarcoma are good models for clinical responses to new cancer therapies. Strategic combinations of immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy (OV) could improve treatment responses in canine and human cancer patients. To develop an appropriate combination of immunotherapy and OV for dogs with soft tissue sarcoma (STS), canine cancer cells were inoculated with myxoma viruses (MYXVs) and gene transcripts were quantified. Next, the cytokine concentrations in the canine cancer cells were altered to evaluate their effect on MYXV replication. These studies indicated that, as in murine and human cells, type I interferons (IFN) play an important role in limiting MYXV replication in canine cancer cells. To reduce type I IFN production during OV, oclacitinib (a JAK1 inhibitor) was administered twice daily to dogs for 14 days starting ~7 days prior to surgery. STS tumors were excised, and MYXV deleted for serp2 (MYXV∆SERP2) was administered at the surgical site at two time points post-operatively to treat any remaining microscopic tumor cells. Tumor regrowth in dogs treated with OV was decreased relative to historical controls. However, regrowth was not further inhibited in patients given combination therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of probiotics has gained increasing attention as a strategy for wound healing to decrease microbial resistance to disinfectants and antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the potential of a non-medicinal topical cocktail of probiotic bacteria (CPB) in promoting wound healing in dogs using in vitro scratch assay. Canine Progenitors Epidermal Keratinocytes (CPEK) were exposed to a prototype product formulated with CPB (PPP), non-formulated CPB, and the vehicle. The viability of CPB and CPEK cells was first evaluated in the co-culture model. Then, wound closure was analyzed over time. The CPB required a minimum concentration of 75 CFU/mL for better viability with CPEK. While the CPEK preserved 100% of their viability when PPP was diluted to up to 75,000 CFU/mL. At higher concentrations, the viability of CPEK was reduced by the concomitant effect of the non-formulated CPB and the vehicle. The formulated and non-formulated CPB and the vehicle seem to lead to a dose-dependent increase in cell migration compared to the control. Importantly, at the concentration of 750,000 CFU/mL, the PPP showed a 20% increase in wound closure. Taken together, our findings suggest the potential beneficial effects of the probiotic-based topical cocktail (PPP) on wound healing. However, to confirm and validate these effects, further experiments are necessary to provide more robust evidence and allow us to confidently establish the potential beneficial effects of the probiotic bacteria (CPB) in promoting wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by Leptospira, helical-shaped pathogenic spirochetes. Leptospira can affect both domestic and wild animals and humans, with clinical manifestations ranging from severe conditions to mild feverish symptoms or asymptomatic conditions. Leptospirosis is an occupational disease often overlooked in humans, possibly due to underdiagnosis, particularly in the absence of specific clinical signs. Its transmission can occur by direct contact with contaminated urine or organs. Dogs are reservoirs of pathogenic Leptospira, in particular L. interrogans serogroup Canicola, capable of infecting humans and other mammals. We report a case of acute leptospirosis in a puppy dog housed in a municipal kennel and the subsequent diagnostic investigations carried out on all the dogs housed in the kennel. The puppy tested positive for Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae in both serological and molecular tests. All of the other 66 dogs in the kennel underwent clinical and laboratory tests twice, 15 days apart. At the first sampling, eight dogs (12%) showed antibodies against Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorragiae serovar Copenhageni and in one of them Leptospira spp. DNA was detected. Dogs, and kennel dogs in particular, are sentinels for many zoonotic diseases, likely due to high population densities, stress, and exposure to rodents and other disease vectors. Leptospirosis is a worldwide widespread zoonosis caused by Leptospira genus. We report an acute leptospirosis case in a puppy housed at a municipal kennel and the subsequent diagnostic investigations carried out on all dogs housed in the kennel. Laboratory investigation included mainly a microagglutination test, real-time PCR, and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) for Leptospira genus. Other agents of infection were excluded. The puppy resulted positive for Leptospira interrogans Icterohaemorrhagiae both with serological and molecular assays. All of the other 66 dogs in the kennel underwent clinical and laboratory investigations twice, 15 days apart. No other dog showed leptospirosis clinical signs. At the first sampling, eight dogs (12%) showed antibodies against Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorragiae serovar Copenhageni. Real-time PCR on urine samples of seropositive dogs detected Leptospira spp. DNA in one sample, then identified as Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorragiae by MLST. Fifteen days after, four of the previous seropositive dogs still showed antibodies against Leptospira spp. All urine samples collected from seropositive dogs were negative at real-time PCR. The study allowed the early confirmation of a Leptospirosis case and the identification of at least one asymptomatic carrier of pathogenic Leptospira spp. The prompt activation of all appropriate management measures allowed limiting and extinguishing the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The goal of veterinary intervention in allergic dogs is to improve their quality of life, which should be as comparable as possible to that of healthy dogs. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is an effective treatment in which allergic dogs are administered an allergen mixture to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with subsequent exposure to the causative allergens. The study examined the quality of life of dogs receiving allergen-specific immunotherapy compared with dogs treated with other therapies. The quality of life of dogs treated with allergen-specific immunotherapy improved significantly. The dogs were significantly less disturbed at mealtimes (i.e., had better appetites and scratched less at mealtimes) and caused significantly less physical discomfort to their owners (from unpleasant odors to the impression of a dirty apartment) than dogs not treated with allergen-specific immunotherapy. Owners of dogs that received allergen-specific immunotherapy were able to significantly improve their daily activities (such as leisure, vacation, walks, work, hunting), significantly reduce their expenses (treatment costs, veterinary costs), feel significantly less emotional distress (less guilt, powerlessness, sadness, regret, fear, anger, disgust, rage, frustration), and experience less influence on relationships with family members and friends compared to owners of dogs that were not treated with allergen-specific immunotherapy. By using quality-of-life questionnaires, veterinarians can demonstrate improvements during therapy to gain owner confidence. Background: The quality of life (QoL) of dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) treated with allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) was studied to determine whether the QoL of dogs treated with ASIT (AG) improved compared with dogs not treated with ASIT (CG). Methods: The power of the study was calculated in advance assuming that the AG would assess QoL 20% better than the CG. The CG consisted of 21 dogs with CAD and the AG of 46 dogs with CAD. Validated QoL1 (pre-treatment) and QoL2 (post-treatment) questionnaires were emailed to owners. Results: AG dogs were significantly less disturbed during mealtimes (i.e., had better appetites and scratched less during mealtimes) and caused significantly less physical discomfort to their owners (due to unpleasant odor, the impression of a dirty apartment) than CG dogs. Owners of dogs treated with ASIT were able to significantly improve their daily activities (leisure, vacation, walks, work, hunting), significantly reduce their expenses (treatment costs, veterinary costs), feel significantly less emotional distress (less guilt, powerlessness, sadness, regret, fear, anger, disgust, rage, frustration), and experience less influence on relationships with family members and friends compared to owners of dogs not treated with ASIT. Conclusions: According to our results, the quality of life of dogs treated with ASIT and their owners seemed to improve significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demodicosis in domestic animals occupies a leading place among dermatological diseases. It has considerable epizootological and social significance. Peculiarities of the manifestation of demodicosis in dogs and cats were studied in the city of Kharkiv during 2017–2021. Doberman Pinscher, mestizo, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Terrier, and outbred animals were the most commonly affected by demodicosis, accounting for 61.6% of the total number of patients. The lowest number of animals with demodicosis was registered in such breeds as Dalmatian, Great Dane, Caucasian Shepherd, Collie, Labrador, Husky, Pekingese, and Chow Chow with a total number of 4.6%. Demodicosis is most common in Persian white, European tiger, and Siamese colour point cats, accounting for 57.3%. Norwegian forest, Russian blue, and Oriental shorthair cats are rarely affected by demodicosis, accounting for 13.5% of all animals. Demodicosis most often affects animals aged from 2 months to 3 years in winter, and in summer and autumn, the incidence is lowest. Peculiarities of sexual predisposition of animals to demodicosis infection have not been established. The microbes affecting the skin of animals are transmitted by mites Demodex spp. and are represented by Staphylococcusspp., Streptococcusspp., Enterobacterspp., Enterococcusspp., Micrococcusspp., Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Candida spp., Rhizopus nigricans, Penicillum spp., Malassezia spp., Microsporum canis. Staphylococcusspp. and Streptococcus spp. occupy the largest percentage of the total number of isolated microorganisms – 74.7%, and Micrococcus spp. occupy the lowest percentage of isolated microorganisms (6.2%). Staphylococcal susceptibility to nine tetracycline drugs has shown a high level of resistance. The most effective antimicrobial agent for isolated cultures of staphylococci is amoxicillin in combination with clavulanic acid (89.7%) and vancomycin (100.0%). The objective of further research is to develop effective schemes for the prevention and treatment of pets with demodicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Canine atopic dermatitis is a disease of dogs in which the skin becomes permeable. Part of treating canine atopic dermatitis involves restoring the skin barrier function; however, few effective therapeutic options exist. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of a spot-on containing fatty acids, ceramides and essential oils on two parameters to evaluate the skin barrier function of dogs. We found that this spot-on had a protective effect on the skin barrier function for both parameters. This study suggests that the investigated product may be useful as an adjunctive treatment for canine atopic dermatitis. Skin barrier restoration is an important part of atopic dermatitis therapy. We investigated the effect of a spot-on containing plant-based essential fatty acids and essential oils on skin barrier parameters in a dog model of acute skin barrier disruption, using five healthy beagle dogs maintained in a laboratory setting. Four test sites on the dorsum and a control site on the abdomen were defined on each dog. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin surface hydration (SSH) were measured before and after tape stripping on the first day and then for three consecutive days, over four consecutive weeks. The spot-on was applied at the end of each of the first three weeks. The increase in TEWL after tape stripping was reduced after the spot-on application and reached control values in Weeks 3 and 4. SSH after tape stripping was reduced in Week 4 compared with the baseline. Thus, the ATOP 7® spot-on significantly reduced acute skin barrier impairment in a dog model. The use of this product should be further evaluated as a potential treatment for skin barrier defects such as canine atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dog skin is the first defense against the environment. There are several bacteria that live on the skin and there are differences in their types and quantities depending on the dog. Food is known to influence the bacteria in the intestine and the skin fat composition; however, it is not known if diet can impact the bacteria on the skin. The objective of this study was to evaluate if diet can change the bacteria on the skin of healthy dogs. Results from this study showed that there was an increase in bacterium types and a change in their relative quantity when dogs were fed a fresh dog food compared to these same dogs fed dry pet foods. This study was the first of its kind and shone some light on how different pet foods impact skin microbiome. The skin is the first barrier the body has to protect itself from the environment. There are several bacteria that populate the skin, and their composition may change throughout the dog's life due to several factors, such as environmental changes and diseases. The objective of this research was to determine the skin microbiome changes due to a change in diet on healthy pet dogs. Healthy client-owned dogs (8) were fed a fresh diet for 30 days then dry foods for another 30 days after a 4-day transition period. Skin bacterial population samples were collected after each 30-day feeding period and compared to determine microbiome diversity. Alpha diversity was higher when dogs were fed the fresh diet compared to the dry foods. Additionally, feeding fresh food to dogs increased the proportion of Staphylococcus and decreased Porphyromonas and Corynebacterium. In conclusion, changing from fresh diet to dry foods promoted a relative decrease in skin microbiome in healthy pet dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nigeria, available data on drug-resistant bacterial infections that are caused by companion dogs are scarce. Hence the present study evaluated the occurrence of some community-acquired toxigenic methicillinresistant staphylococci (MRS) on companion dogs harboured in Nigerian homes, as a pointer to the extent of exposure of humans to these pathogens. Samples were collected from 70 healthy companion dogs during dry and rainy season periods by swabbing a 125 cm2 fur area on the lumbar and thoracic sites. Phenotypic tests, Kirby Bauer disc diffusion test and 16S rRNA gene analysis were used to identify presumptive colonies of staphylococci and MRS. Molecular methods were employed to detect Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and prototypic enterotoxin B in MRS isolates. The counts of staphylococci on fur of companion dogs during the rainy season exceeded usual limits of bacteria (= 2.54 log10 CFU cm-2) on a healthy dog, thus, suggesting that companion dogs harboured in homes situated in Nigeria may be reservoirs of bacteria, especially during rainy season. The mean counts of staphylococci during the rainy season were estimated at 3.09 ± 2.78 log10 CFU cm-2 and 2.77 ± 2.43 log10 CFU cm-2 in Edo and Delta States, respectively. The main Staphylococcus species that were carried on fur of companion dogs included S. pseudintermedius, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. simulans and S. saprophyticus. Amongst the staphylococci, expression of methicillin and multidrug resistance was mainly exhibited by S. pseudintermedius and S. aureus, while enterotoxigenicity was mainly expressed by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Enterotoxigenic S. aureus was carried on the fur of companion dogs during the rainy season at estimated prevalence of 8.57% in both Edo and Delta States, respectively; while PVLproducing S. aureus was estimated at 5.71% and 2.86%, with PVL-producing S. pseudintermedius estimated at 25.71% and 34.29%, respectively. The high prevalence of toxigenic-producing isolates seen on the fur of companion dogs, especially during rainy season, could pose a risk for humans, particularly those that harbour pet dogs at their homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Atopic dermatitis is a form of allergy of genetic origin accompanied by itching, during which the animal more easily develops allergies to environmental factors, usually pollen and dust mites. Among the symptoms, otitis is common. The mechanisms of this disease are still not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the detection ability of inflammatory markers (cytokines and chemokines) in the ear canals of atopic dogs suffering from otitis externa compared to healthy dogs and to dogs with parasitic otitis (inflammatory but not allergic otitis). Therefore, we non-invasively sampled the surface of the ear canals of atopic dogs and compared the amounts of certain cytokines and chemokines with those in similar samples taken from ears of healthy dogs and ears with spontaneous ear mite infestation. It appears that concentrations of IL-8 are significantly higher in atopic ears than in healthy ears. Nevertheless, this difference does not appear to be atopic-specific, since the amount of interleukin-8 (IL-8) also increased in ears infested with mites. Further investigations with a larger number of dogs are now required to confirm these results and possibly to find other biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of canine atopic otitis. Cutaneous cytokines and chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of human and canine atopic dermatitis. The aim of the present study was to discriminate cytokine expression in the ear canals of atopic dogs with otitis, dogs with non-allergic inflammatory otitis (otodectic mange) and healthy non-atopic dogs. The ear canals of nine atopic dogs suffering from non-infected otitis externa (n = 14 ears), 10 healthy dogs suffering from otodectic mange (n = 20 ears) and 21 healthy controls (39 ears) were swabbed. The concentrations of a panel of 13 cytokines and chemokines on the aural surface were measured by multiplex analyses (Milliplex Canine Cytokine Panel). In addition, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)-04 and Otitis Index Score (OTIS3) scores were used to evaluate the overall status of the dogs. The concentration of IL-8 was significantly higher in the ears of atopic dogs and dogs with otodectic mange compared to those of healthy dogs. Significant increases in the levels of IL-10 were also overexpressed in atopic otitis but at lower rates. The concentrations of interleukin(IL)-8 were positively correlated with the OTIS3 hyperplasia score in atopic dogs. Taken together, these results suggest that IL-8 is overexpressed in atopic otitis and otodectic mange and that levels correlate with the otitis severity in atopic dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]