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Assessment of the severity of pruritus is difficult in cats, because they manifest discomfort by increased licking, increased scratching or both.Our objective was to develop and validate a feline-specific pruritus scale (VAScat).The scale was designed as a double Visual Analog Scale (VAS), one VAS for licking and one for scratching, with severity and behavioural descriptors. The highest score (VAS-max) on either VAS was taken as the pruritus score for each cat. Owners of 153 cats with skin diseases and of 108 healthy cats scored their pet's pruritus using the VAScat. Ninety-six of 153 cats with skin diseases also were re-evaluated after four to eight weeks of treatment.Pearson's correlation value between VAS-licking and VAS-scratching scores was r = 0.26 (p 0.01), and Cronbach's alpha was 0.41. Both indexes indicated that the two scales measure different manifestations of pruritus and supported the use of a dual assessing system. Comparison with a numerical pruritus severity scale (0, absent; 1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, severe) suggested that VAS-licking and VAS-scratching scales taken alone are unsuitable for measuring absent to mild pruritus (grades 0-1), while VAS-max is (p = 0.001). VAS-licking, VAS-scratching and VAS-max all were suitable to assess higher levels of pruritus (grades 2-3, p 0.01). The VAScat was able to measure pruritus improvement following therapy, as post-treatment scores were significantly decreased compared to pre-treatment ones (p 0.0001).The VAScat proved to be a useful tool to assess pruritus in cats and for monitoring the response to treatment for pruritus.L'évaluation de la gravité du prurit est difficile chez les chats, car ils manifestent une gêne par un léchage accru et/ou un grattage accru. Hypothèses/Objectifs : Notre objectif était de développer et de valider une échelle de prurit spécifique au félin (EVAcat). Méthodes : L'échelle a été conçue comme une double échelle visuelle analogique (EVA), une EVA pour le léchage et une pour le grattage, avec des descripteurs de gravité et de comportement. Le score le plus élevé (VAS-max) sur l'un ou l'autre VAS a été pris comme score de prurit pour chaque chat. Les propriétaires de 153 chats atteints de maladies de la peau et de 108 chats en bonne santé ont noté le prurit de leur animal à l'aide du VAScat. Quatre-vingt-seize des 153 chats atteints de maladies de peau ont également été réévalués après quatre à huit semaines de traitement. Résultats : La valeur de corrélation de Pearson entre les scores de léchage VAS et de grattage VAS était de r = 0,26 (p 0,01) et l'alpha de Cronbach était de 0,41. Les deux indices ont indiqué que les deux échelles mesurent différentes manifestations de prurit et ont soutenu l'utilisation d'un système d'évaluation double. La comparaison avec une échelle numérique de sévérité du prurit (0, absent ; 1, léger ; 2, modéré ; 3, sévère) a suggéré que les échelles EVA de léchage et de grattage prises seules ne conviennent pas pour mesurer le prurit absent à léger (grades 0-1), tandis que VAS-max l’est (p = 0,001). Le léchage VAS, le grattage VAS et le VAS-max étaient tous appropriés pour évaluer des niveaux plus élevés de prurit (grades 2-3, p 0,01). Le VAScat a pu mesurer l'amélioration du prurit après le traitement, car les scores post-traitement ont été significativement diminués par rapport à ceux avant traitement (p 0,0001). Conclusions et importance clinique : Le VAScat s'est avéré être un outil utile pour évaluer le prurit chez le chat et pour surveiller la réponse au traitement du prurit.Introducción- la evaluación de la severidad del prurito es difícil en gatos, porque manifiestan malestar lamiéndose o rascándose más o ambos a la vez. Hipótesis/Objetivos- Nuestro objetivo fue desarrollar y validar una escala de prurito específica para felinos (VAScat). Métodos- La escala fue diseñada como una doble Escala Visual Análoga (EVAS), una VAS para lamido y otras para rascado, con descriptores de severidad y comportamiento. La puntuación más alta (VAS-max) en cualquiera de las VAS se tomó como la puntuación de prurito para cada gato. Los propietarios de 153 gatos con enfermedades de la piel y de 108 gatos sanos calificaron el prurito de sus mascotas con el VAScat. Noventa y seis de 153 gatos con enfermedades de la piel también fueron reevaluados después de cuatro a ocho semanas de tratamiento. Resultados- el valor de correlación de Pearson entre las puntuaciones de VAS-lamerse y VAS-rascarse fue r = 0,26 (p 0,01), y el alfa de Cronbach fue 0,41. Ambos índices indicaron que las dos escalas miden diferentes manifestaciones de prurito y apoyaron el uso de un sistema de evaluación dual. La comparación con una escala numérica de gravedad del prurito (0, ausente; 1, leve; 2, moderado; 3, severo) sugirió que las escalas VAS-lamerse y VAS-rascarse tomadas solas no son adecuadas para medir el prurito ausente o leve (grados 0-1) , mientras que VAS-max sí que lo es (p = 0,001). VAS-lamerse, VAS-rascarse y VAS-max fueron adecuados para evaluar niveles más altos de prurito (grados 2-3, p 0,01). El VAScat pudo medir la mejora del prurito después de la terapia, ya que las puntuaciones posteriores al tratamiento se redujeron significativamente en comparación con las anteriores al tratamiento (p 0,0001). Conclusiones e importancia clínica- El VAScat demostró ser una herramienta útil para evaluar el prurito en gatos y para monitorizar la respuesta al tratamiento del prurito.Hintergrund - Eine Erfassung des Schweregrads des Pruritus ist bei Katzen schwierig, da sie ihr Unwohlsein durch verstärktes Lecken, zunehmendes Kratzen oder beides ausdrücken. Hypothese/Ziele - Unser Ziel war es, eine Katzen-spezifische Juckreiz Skala (VAScat) zu entwickeln und zu validieren. Methoden - Die Skala war als doppelte Visual Analog Skala (VAS) entwickelt worden, wobei eine VAS fürs Lecken und eine fürs Kratzen, mit Deskriptoren für Schweregrad und Verhalten, diente. Der höchste Wert (VAS-max) bei beiden VAS wurde als Pruritus Grad für jede Katze herangezogen. BesitzerInnen von 153 Katzen mit Hauterkrankungen und 108 gesunden Katzen beurteilten den Juckreiz ihrer Tiere mittels VAScat. Neunundsechzig von 153 Katzen mit Hauterkrankungen wurden außerdem nach vier und acht Wochen der Behandlung neuerlich evaluiert. Ergebnisse - Der Korrelationskoeffizient nach Pearson zwischen den Werten VAS-Lecken und VAS-Kratzen betrug r = 0,26 (p 0,01), das Cronbach´sche Alpha lag bei 0,41. Beide Indices zeigten, dass durch die beiden Skalen unterschiedliche Manifestationen des Pruritus gemessen wurden und unterstützten die Verwendung des dualen Beurteilungssystems. Der Vergleich mit einer numerischen Pruritus Schwergrad Skala (0, nicht vorhanden; 1, mild; 2, moderat; 3, hochgradig) zeigte, dass die Skala von VAS-Lecken und VAS-Kratzen allein zur Messung von nicht vorhandenem oder mildem Juckreiz (Grad 0-1) unpassend waren, während das bei VAS-max nicht der Fall war (p = 0,001). VAS-Lecken, VAS-Kratzen und VAS-max waren alle passend, um höhere Juckreizgrade (Grad 2-3, p 0,01) zu beurteilen. Die VATScat konnte eine Verbesserung des Juckreizes nach einer Therapie messen, da die Werte nach der Behandlung signifikant niedriger waren im Vergleich zu jenen vor der Behandlung (p 0,0001). Schlussfolgerungen und klinische Bedeutung - Die VATScat zeigte sich als nützliches Hilfsmittel, um Juckreiz bei Katzen zu erfassen und zum Monitoring des Pruritus nach einer Behandlung.背景- 猫の痒みの重症度は、舐める回数が増える、引っ掻く回数が増える、あるいはその両方によって不快感を示すため、評価が困難である。 仮説・目的- 猫特有の掻痒感評価尺度(VAScat)を開発し、その妥当性を確認することを目的とした。 方法- この尺度は、2つのVisual Analog Scale(VAS)として設計され、1つは舐めること(licking)、もう1つは引っ掻くこと(scratching)を表し、重症度および行動の記述子を備えている。いずれかのVASの最高得点(VAS-max)を各猫の掻痒の得点とした。皮膚疾患を持つ猫153匹と健常猫108匹の飼い主が、VAScatを使用してペットの掻痒感を採点した。また、153頭の皮膚病猫のうち96頭は、治療開始4~8週間後に再評価した。 結果- VAS-lickingとVAS-scratchingの得点間のPearsonの相関値はr = 0.26(p 0.01)、Cronbachのαは0.41であった。両指標は、2つの尺度が異なる掻痒の症状を測定していることを示し、二重評価システムの使用を支持した。数値的な掻痒重症度尺度(0:なし；1:軽度；2:中等度；3:重度)との比較により、VAS-lickingおよびVAS-scratching尺度単独では、掻痒の欠如から軽度(0~1度)の測定には適さないが、VAS-maxは適していることが示唆された(p=0.001)。VAS-licking、VAS-scratchingおよびVAS-maxはすべて、より高いレベルの掻痒(グレード2~3、p 0.01)を評価するのに適していた。VAScatは治療後の掻痒の改善を測定することができ、治療前のスコアと比較して治療後のスコアは有意に減少していた(p 0.0001)。 結論と臨床的重要性 VAScatは、猫の掻痒を評価し、掻痒症の治療に対する反応をモニタリングするための有用なツールであることが証明された。.背景:在猫中难以评估瘙痒的严重程度，因为其通过舔舐增加、抓挠增加或两者同时出现，以表达其不适。 假设/目的:我们的目的是开发和验证猫特异性瘙痒量表 (VAScat)。 方法:该量表设计为双视觉模拟量表 (VAS)，一个 VAS 用于舔，一个 VAS 用于抓挠，具有严重程度和行为描述符。将任一 VAS 的最高评分 (VAS-max) 作为每只猫的瘙痒评分。153只患有皮肤病的猫和108只健康猫的主人使用 VAScat 对其宠物的瘙痒进行评分。153只患有皮肤病的猫中有96只在治疗4-8周后也进行了重新评价。 结果:VAS舔和 VAS 搔抓评分之间的 Pearson 相关性值为r = 0.26(p 0.01)，Cronbach’sα为0.41。两个指标均表明，两个量表测量了瘙痒的不同表现，并支持使用双重评估系统。与瘙痒严重程度数字量表(0，无；1，轻度；2，中度；3，重度)的比较表明，单独使用 VAS 舔舐和 VAS 搔抓量表不适合测量无至轻度瘙痒(0-1级)，而 VAS-max 是 (p = 0.001)。VAS 舔舐、VAS搔抓和 VAS-max 均适用于评估较高水平的瘙痒(2-3级，p 0.01)。VAScat 能够测量治疗后的瘙痒改善，因为治疗后评分与治疗前相比显著降低 (p 0.0001)。 结论和临床重要性:已证明 VAScat 是评估猫瘙痒和监测瘙痒治疗反应的有用工具。.Contexto - A avaliação da gravidade do prurido em gatos é difícil, pois eles manifestam desconforto pelo aumento da lambedura, coçam-se mais ou os dois. Hipótese/Objetivos: Nosso objetivo foi desenvolver e validar uma escala de prurido específica para felinos (VAScat). Métodos - A escala foi desenvolvida como uma escala analógica visual (VAS) dupla, uma VAS para lambedura e uma para coceira, com descrição de gravidade e de comportamento. O escore mais alto (VAS-max) em ambas as VAS foi considerado o escore de prurido para cada gato. Donos de 153 gatos com doença de pele e de 108 gatos saudáveis classificaram o prurido dos seus animais utilizando o VAScat. Noventa e seis de 153 gatos com doenças de pele também foram reavaliados após quatro de oito semanas de tratamento. Resultados - O valor de correlação de Pearson entre os escores de VAS-lambedura e o VAS-coceira foi r = 0,26 (p 0,01), e o alfa de Cronbach foi 0,41. Ambos os índices indicaram que as duas escalas de mensuraram manifestações diferentes de prurido e confirmaram a necessidade do uso de um sistema duplo de avaliação. A comparação com uma escala numérica de gravidade de prurido (0, ausente; 1, leve; 2, moderado; 3, grave) sugeriu que as escalas VAS-lambedura e VAS-coceira isoladamente são ineficazes para a mensuração de prurido ausente a leve (notas 0-1), enquanto o VAS-max é adequado para tal (p = 0,001). VAS-lambedura, VAS-coceira e VAS-max são todas eficazes para avaliar graus de prurido mais altos (notas 2-3, p 0.01). A VAScat foi capaz de mensurar a melhora do prurido após o tratamento, os escores pós-tratamento foram significativamente menores comparados aos pré-tratamento (p 0.0001). Conclusões e importância clínica - O VAScat provou ser uma ferramenta útil para avaliar o prurido em gatos e para o monitoramento da resposta ao tratamento para prurido.

The aim of this study was to exploit detailed analyses of GPS-recorded tracks to better characterise the impact of hippocampal (HF) lesion on spatial memory and perception in the context of homing pigeon navigation when reliant on familiar landscape features near the home loft following repeated releases from the same three locations. As reported previously, following HF lesion, a low spatio-temporal resolution analysis revealed that homing pigeons fly less direct paths home once near the loft. We now further show that 1) HF-lesioned pigeons are less likely to display fidelity to a particular flight path home when released from the same locations multiple times, 2) intact pigeons are more likely to exploit leading-line landscape features, e.g., a road or the border of a woodlot, in developing flight-path fidelity and 3) even when flying a straight path HF-lesioned homing pigeons are more likely to display relatively rapid, oscillatory heading changes as if casting about for sensory, presumably visual information. The flight behaviour differences between the intact and HF-lesioned pigeons persisted across the four releases from the three locations, although the differences became smaller with increasing experience. Taken together, the GPS-track data offer a detailed characterisation of the effects of HF lesion on landscape-based, homing pigeon navigation, offering new insight into the role of the hippocampal formation in supporting memory-related, e.g., fidelity to a familiar route home, and perhaps perceptual-related, e.g., oscillating headings, navigational processes.

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.

The avian hippocampal formation (HF) is homologous to the mammalian hippocampus and plays a central role in the control of spatial cognition. In homing pigeons, HF supports navigation by familiar landmarks and landscape features. However, what has remained relatively unexplored is the importance of HF for the retention of previously acquired spatial information. For example, to date, no systematic GPS-tracking studies on the retention of HF-dependent navigational memory in homing pigeons have been performed. Therefore, the current study was designed to compare the pre- and post-surgical navigational performance of sham-lesioned control and HF-lesioned pigeons tracked from three different sites located in different directions with respect to home. The pre- and post-surgical comparison of the pigeons' flight paths near the release sites and before reaching the area surrounding the home loft (4 km radius from the loft) revealed that the control and HF-lesioned pigeons displayed similarly successful retention. By contrast, the HF-lesioned pigeons displayed dramatically and consistently impaired retention in navigating to their home loft during the terminal phase of the homing flight near home, i.e., where navigation is supported by memory for landmark and landscape features. The data demonstrate that HF lesions lead to a dramatic loss of pre-surgically acquired landmark and landscape navigational information while sparing those mechanisms associated with navigation from locations distant from home.

Practical relevance: Ciclosporin (CsA) is a systemic immuno-modulatory drug widely used to treat immune-mediated diseases in humans and veterinary species. CsA was registered for use in cats in the USA and Europe in 2011, and is indicated for the treatment of chronic allergic dermatitis at a recommended daily dose of 7 mg/kg PO. Audience: This review will be of interest to all veterinarians working with cats, given the wide range of potential applications of CsA and its safety profile. Although the drug is currently only licensed to treat chronic allergic dermatitis in cats, a small number of reports describe its use in non-dermatological conditions. Evidence base: This article reviews the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adverse effects and clinical use of CsA, both for the licensed indication and for off-label use in the feline patient. Information presented has been summarised from the existing literature on CsA, with specific interest in studies carried out in cats. For its licensed indication, chronic allergic dermatitis, evidence provided includes randomised, placebo or prednisolone-controlled studies (EBM grade I) and prospective or retrospective open trials.

Background Peripheral neuroblastic tumours arising from primitive cells of the cranial and spinal ganglia and from sympathetic ganglion cells of the autonomic nervous system include, from most to least differentiated, ganglioneuroma, ganglioneuroblastoma and neuroblastoma. Canine ganglioneuroblastoma has been described in the mediastinum, nasal and oral cavities, as well as in the brain. Objective To describe the clinical and histopathological findings, treatment and follow-up of a primary cutaneous ganglioneuroblastoma affecting the footpad of a dog. Animal An 8-year-old male German shepherd dog, referred for left forelimb lameness and licking of the footpad, showed thickening of the footpad of digit V with a central nodular lesion. Methods and results Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination on a surgical skin biopsy specimen showed an infiltrative and highly cellular neoplasm in the deep dermis. The neoplasm was composed of large polyhedral cells with abundant cytoplasm containing Nissl substance that reacted strongly with neuron-specific enolase and neuronal nuclei antigen, spindle cells with indistinct cell borders suggestive of Schwann cells, with a mild S-100 and GFAP immunoreactivity, and rare nests of neuroblasts. The owner agreed to digit amputation. Histologically, a neoplastic multinodular proliferation with morphological findings like those detected in the biopsy was observed, not extended to the surgical margins and without involvement of skeletal bone. No recurrence or metastasis was observed over a period of one year. Conclusions and clinical importance To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a primary cutaneous ganglioneuroblastoma in a dog. Ganglioneuroblastoma should be included in the differential diagnoses of canine footpad neoplastic diseases.

Dogs have been shown to use human-directed gazing behaviour and gaze alternation in numerous contexts; however, it is still unclear whether this behaviour can be considered an intentional and referential communicative act. In the current study, adult dogs and preverbal toddlers were tested using the classic unsolvable task paradigm, but varying the attentional stance of the participating audience (the experimenter and the caregiver). The aims were to assess (1) whether dogs and toddlers would use gaze alternation behaviour in similar manners when the task became unsolvable, and (2) whether both dogs and toddlers would take into account the attentional stance of the audience when initiating a communicative interaction. Results indicated that both toddlers and dogs increased their gaze alternation behaviour between the apparatus and caregiver when the task became unsolvable, and toddlers also showed an increase in pointing behaviour. Furthermore, both species showed a capacity to take into account the attentional stance of the audience when manifesting gaze alternation behaviours towards them. Taken together, these results suggest that gaze alternation is both an intentional and referential communicative act and that both species can take into account the need for audience attention when communicating with them.

Understanding how animals express positive emotions is becoming an interesting and promising area of research in the study of animal emotions and affective experiences. In the present study, we used infrared thermography in combination with behavioral measures, heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV), to investigate dogs' emotional responses to a potentially pleasant event: receiving palatable food from the owner. Nineteen adult pet dogs, 8 females and 11 males, were tested and their eye temperature, HR, HRV and behavior were recorded during a 30-minutestestconsisting of three 10-minute consecutive phases: Baseline (Phase 1), positive stimulation through the administration of palatable treats (Feeding, Phase 2) and Post-feeding condition following the positive stimulation (Phase 3). Dogs' eye temperature and mean HR significantly increased during the positive stimulation phase compared with both Baseline and Post-feeding phases. During the positive stimulation with food (Phase 2), dogs engaged in behaviors indicating a positive emotional state and a high arousal, being focused on food treats and increasing tail wagging. However, there was no evidence of an increase in HRV during Phase 2 compared to the Phase 1, with SDNN significantly increasing only in Phase 3, after the positive stimulation occurred. Overall results point out that IRT may be a useful tool in assessing emotional states in dogs in terms of arousal but fails to discriminate emotional valence, whose interpretation cannot disregard behavioral indexes.

Background Skin lesions in canine leishmaniosis (CanL) are diverse, including exfoliative, ulcerative, nodular and papular dermatitides. An uncommon pustular form has also been reported. Hypotheses/Objectives We hypothesized that CanL infection can produce a pustular reaction pattern in the skin of dogs. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the clinicopathological features of dogs with CanL infection and pustular dermatitis, and correlate them with response to therapy. Animals Twenty two affected dogs. Methods Retrospective review of medical records and examination of archived biopsy materials or previously processed glass slides was performed. Cytological examinations had been recorded for all cases. Specimens were available for histopathological examination in 17 of 22 cases and for immunohistochemical detection of Leishmania amastigotes in 13 of 22 cases. Results All dogs presented with multifocal to diffuse pustular dermatitis. CanL was diagnosed by IFAT serology (20 cases), bone marrow cytology (one case) or bone marrow PCR (one case). Cytological and/or histopathological examinations revealed acantholytic keratinocytes within pustules in 18 of 22 cases. Bacterial and fungal cultures were not performed. Leishmania amastigotes were identified by histopathology within the dermis in three cases; immunohistochemistry was positive in four cases. All dogs underwent concurrent anti-leishmanial and immunosuppressive therapy to control the pustular dermatitis, with favourable outcome in 11 of 22 cases. Conclusions and clinical importance Due to the retrospective nature of this study it is not possible to either accept or reject the hypothesis that CanL is the direct cause of pustular dermatitis.

Presenting signs: Three Devon Rex cats were presented with multiple erythematous papules, occasionally associated with crusting and hyperpigmentation, with a linear distribution on the head, neck, chest and abdomen. One cat also had multifocal alopecia with hyperpigmentation on the dorsum. Diagnosis and treatment: Clinical and histopathological features were suggestive of papular eosinophilic/mastocytic dermatitis (urticaria pigmentosa-like dermatitis). In all cases, dermatophytosis was diagnosed: in cases 1 and 2 there was histopathological evidence of dermatophytosis, while fungal culture was positive for Microsporum canis in cases 2 and 3. In all cats, lesions disappeared following antifungal treatment. Clinical significance: Papular eosinophilic/mastocytic dermatitis in Devon Rex cats may represent either an atypical presentation of dermatophytosis or a clinical and histological reaction pattern to various diseases, including dermatophytosis and allergic diseases. Clinical differentiation is crucial as there are important implications regarding treatment and, in particular, the use of glucocorticoids, which are contraindicated in cases of dermatophytosis.

In the present work we evaluated the effects of probiotic strains administration in pigs. On the 35th day of age, 30 pigs were distributed into 2 groups: the non-treated control group (initial average BW: 8.3 ± 0.6 kg) and a probiotic supplemented fed group (initial average BW: 8.7 ± 0.4 kg). Each experimental group was fed ad libitum on a commercial diet with free access to tap water for 35 days. A mixed probiotic culture (108 CFU/ml) was orally delivered, every day, to the animals of the probiotic supplemented fed group. Body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), efficiency (BW: Feed), and faecal microflora, were studied before and throughout the experimental trial. At the end of the fifth week, 5 animals of each dietary treatment were slaughtered and intestinal samples were taken for histology. The results obtained showed that the group receiving probiotic bacteria exhibited lower FI values and better efficiency than control group (P ≤ 0.05), but mean final BW values were not significantly different. Only significant changes (P ≤ 0.05) were found in enterobacteria population between control and probiotic supplemented fed group during the experimental period. By histological techniques it was observed that the treatment group has intestinal morphological structures more preserved than control group. These results suggest that probiotic bacteria administrated in this study could be used widespread as a way to improve growth performance parameters of animals avoiding the use of antibiotics as growth-promoting factors.

Dermatophytosis is a common zoonotic disease, and one of its clinical presentations in the dog is nodular dermatophytosis (kerion). Because the infection is located within the dermis, routine diagnostic tests such as a Wood's lamp examination, microscopic examination of hair shafts for fungal elements and fungal culture can yield negative results. In such cases, histopathological examination with routine and special stains (periodic acid-Schiff, Gomori methenamine silver) is required to confirm the diagnosis. Nodular dermatophytosis in 23 dogs of different breed, age and sex with single or multiple nodules is described. Twelve dogs had a single nodule, and 11 dogs showed multiple lesions. Wood's lamp examination was negative in all cases. Microscopic examination of plucked hairs showed arthrospores in 8 of 23 cases. Skin scrapings in mineral oil looking for arthrospores and/or hyphae were positive in 12 cases. Impression smears of exudates were diagnostic in 21 of 23 cases (91%), showing arthrospores within fragments of hair shafts or free among neutrophils and macrophages (pyogranulomatous inflammation). Histopathology was performed in two cases. Fungal culture was positive for Microsporum canis in 16 dogs and for Microsporum gypseum in one dog. In six cases, the causative agent was not identified by fungal culture. All dogs were treated with systemic antifungal therapy and in eight cases with concurrent antibiotic therapy. Nodular dermatophytosis resolved in all dogs with the prescribed treatments within 4 to 8 weeks. Transmission to people or other pets in the home was not found.

We evaluated culture-negative, community-acquired endocarditis by using indirect immunofluorescent assays and molecular analyses for Bartonella spp. and Coxiella burnetii and found a prevalence of 19.6% and 7.8%, respectively. Our findings reinforce the need to study these organisms in patients with culture-negative, community-acquired endocarditis, especially B. henselae in cat owners.

Background: Pili torti is a congenital or acquired human disease characterized by flattening and twisting of the hair shaft by 180 degrees. A similar condition has been previously reported in a litter of kittens with generalized hair loss, associated with systemic signs and followed by death at a young age. Animal: A 1-year-old castrated male domestic short-haired cat was presented for noninflammatory and nonpruritic symmetrical multifocal alopecia involving the head, pinnae, forelimbs, tail and chest. The cat was otherwise healthy. Methods and results: Microscopic examination of hair shafts revealed pili torti and a typical combination of anagen and telogen roots, occasionally spiral in shape, without evidence of mites or dermatophytes. Histopathological examination showed the same hair shaft abnormality, with normal epidermis, dermis, hair follicles and other adnexa. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a hair shaft dysplasia characterized by pili torti, similar to that described in humans. Conclusions and clinical importance: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of pili torti in a healthy young adult cat.

Background Oclacitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that decreases pruritus and lesions in allergic dogs. In cats, it is able to inhibit interleukin-31-induced pruritus; no information is available on its clinical effectiveness. Hypothesis/objectives To evaluate the efficacy, ease of administration and tolerability of oclacitinib in feline nonflea-, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis. Methods Cats >12 months of age and >3 kg body weight with a diagnosis of nonflea-, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis were treated with oclacitinib, 0.4-0.6 mg/kg orally (p.o.) twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily for an additional 14 days. Clinical lesions were evaluated with the Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD) system and pruritus was evaluated with a 10-cm-long visual analog scale (VAS) before and at the end of the study. Owners assessed global efficacy, ease of administration and tolerability with a four-point scale. Results Twelve cats were treated with a mean initial oclacitinib dose of 0.47 mg/kg p.o. twice daily. There was good improvement in SCORFAD and VAS pruritus scores in five of 12 cases, while the other cats were unchanged, deteriorated or dropped out due to treatment failure. Owners scored global efficacy as good/excellent in four of 12 cases and ease of administration and tolerability as good/excellent in 10 of 12. Conclusions and clinical importance Oclacitinib at 0.4-0.6 mg/kg p.o. may be an effective and safe drug for some cats with nonflea-, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis. Further studies are needed to identify the most effective dose range for this species.

The effect of a mixture of potentially probiotic bacteria (MPPB; Lactobacillus reuteri DDL 19; Lactobacillus alimentarius DDL 48; Enterococcus faecium DDE 39; and Bifidobacterium bifidum strains) on milk fatty acid (FA) profile with emphasis on cis9, trans11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the middle stage of goat lactation was determined. In addition, the effects of MPPB feeding on FA profile in intestinal content and intestinal morphology in weaned goats were analyzed. The probiotic supplement was able to modify FA composition of milk and intestinal content. The unsaturated FA concentrations in milk (g of FA/L of milk)e increased from 4.49 to 7.86 for oleic (18:1), from 0.70 to 1.39 for linoleic (18:2), from 0.063 to 0.187 for linolenic (18:3) acids, and from 0.093 to 0.232 for CLA. The atherogenicity index diminished 2-fold after MPPB ingestion. In the intestinal content of the weaned goats, no significant difference in saturated FAs compared to the control was observed. However, oleic acid, linolenic acid, CLA, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations increased by 81, 23, 344, and 74%, respectively, after probiotic consumption. The ruminal production of CLA was increased by the MPPB. However, bacterial strains of MPPB were unable to produce CLA in culture media.By histological techniques, it was observed that the treated group had intestinal more conserved morphological structures than the control group. The results obtained in this study indicate that the MPPB administration in lactating and weaned goats allows for the production of milk with improved concentrations of beneficial compounds, and also produces a protective effect in goat intestine. The results obtained in this study reinforce the strategy of probiotics application to enhance goat health with the production of milk with higher concentration of polyunsaturated FA. Fil: Apas, Ana Lidia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Tucumán. Instituto de Quimica del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; Argentina Fil: Arena, Mario Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Tucumán. Instituto de Quimica del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; Argentina Fil: Colombo, Silvia. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia; Argentina Fil: Gonzalez, Silvia Nelina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Tucumán. Instituto de Quimica del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; Argentina

There are anecdotal reports of increased effectiveness of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) in dogs with doses of vaccine lower than that recommended by the manufacturers. However, no controlled studies have been carried out. The aim of this prospective, double-blinded study was to evaluate whether induction and maintenance with low dose (LD) ASIT resulted in a different success rate compared with the standard dose (SD). Twenty-seven dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis were allocated by block randomization to two groups. One group (n = 13) received SD ASIT; the other group (n = 14) received LD ASIT (1/10 of the SD) following the same frequency protocol. Cases were graded at 0, 3, 6 and 9 months for clinical signs using a modified canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (mCADESI) and for pruritus using a 0-5 descriptor scale. There were no significant differences between the groups in the pruritus and mCADESI scores (P > 0.155) at the end of the study, and the changes in pruritus (P > 0.920) and mCADESI (P > 0.296) scores from the beginning to the end of the study were similar in both groups. Pruritus scores in both groups did not change during the study (P > 0.052). However, significant reductions in mCADESI scores were seen in both groups (P < 0.032). Six dogs achieved a final pruritus score of 0, six achieved a reduction in pruritus score and 15 did not improve or worsened. There was, therefore, no evidence that LD ASIT is more effective than the standard protocol.

A 13-year-old, thoroughbred mare was presented with an 8-year history of multifocal, generalized, noninflammatory alopecia and a 3-month history of alopecia, erythema and scaling of the white star on the forehead and muzzle. Histopathological examination of biopsy samples from multiple sites on the body (mane, neck, shoulder, flank and gluteal region) showed a subtle lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate affecting and surrounding the anagen hair bulbs, consistent with a diagnosis of alopecia areata. The biopsy sample from the star on the forehead showed atrophic hair follicles with perifollicular and mural mononuclear folliculitis affecting the isthmus. Immunohistochemical staining with a CD3 marker confirmed the T-lymphocytic origin of the inflammatory infiltrate in all the samples. The concurrent presence of lymphocytic infiltration at the bulbar and isthmic level of the hair follicles in the same horse is unusual. This finding may represent a variation of the histological appearance of alopecia areata.

Proliferative and necrotising otitis externa is a rare and recently described disease affecting the ear canals and concave pinnae of kittens. This article describes a case of proliferative and necrotising otits externa in a young adult cat. In this case, the lesions did not affected the pinnae, but both ear canals were severely involved. Video-otoscopy revealed a digitally proliferative lesion, growing at 360° all around the ear canals for their entire length, without involvement of the middle ear. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis, and the cat responded completely to a once-daily application of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment diluted in mineral oil in the ear canals. Video-otoscopy findings, not described previously, were very peculiar and may help clinicians to diagnose this rare disease.

Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) caused by Rickettsia rickettsii is the most important rickettsiosis and the only reportable tick-borne disease in Brazil. In Brazil, the hard tick Amblyomma cajennense is the most important BSF vector; however, in Sao Paulo State, A. aureolatum was also recognized as a vector species in remaining Atlantic forest areas near the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo city. We analyzed clinical and epidemiological features of BSF cases from two distinct areas where A. cajennense (Area 1) and A. aureolatum (Area 2) are the incriminated vectors. The clinical features demonstrate the same severity pattern of BSF in both endemic areas. Differences in seasonality, patient characteristics (median age and gender), and epidemiological risk factors (animals host contact and vegetation characteristics) were observed and possibly could be attributed to the characteristics of each vector and their typical biological cycle (hosts and environment).

Canine generalised demodicosis (GD) can be difficult to cure, with some dogs requiring life-long treatment. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of monthly 10 per cent moxidectin/2.5 per cent imidacloprid spot-on in maintaining long-term (12 months) clinical and parasitological remission in dogs with relapsing GD. Fourteen dogs were included: 10 with juvenile-onset GD (JOGD) and four with adult-onset GD (AOGD). All dogs had been treated previously and relapsed (1-4 times). Each dog was treated again with either milbemycin oxime 2 mg/kg or ivermectin 400 μg/kg orally once daily, until two consecutive negative skin scrapings at one-month intervals (total 4-7 months of treatment). After treatment discontinuation, 10 per cent moxidectin/2.5 per cent imidacloprid spot-on was applied monthly for 12 months. Dogs were rechecked after 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months, and multiple skin scrapings were taken. Twelve dogs completed the study and were clinically normal and parasitologically negative at each recheck (four dogs with AOGD and eight with JOGD). One dog died suddenly for unrelated reasons, and one dog relapsed. Results of this pilot study suggest that monthly application of 10 per cent moxidectin/2.5 per cent imidacloprid spot-on may be effective as maintenance therapy in relapsing cases of GD.

Rickettsial spotted fever is common in southeastern Brazil. Differential diagnosis of pathogens can be performed with proper laboratory methods. A traveler arriving from Portugal developed a fatal febrile hemorrhagic syndrome diagnosed as spotted fever rickettsiosis. We isolated the agent, which was identified as Rickettsia conorii conorii by sequencing rickettsial genes.

A previously validated 15-item questionnaire on dogs' life quality (QoL1) and that of their owners (QoL2) was applied in a multicentre study to owners of 200 dogs with different dermatological conditions, together with a question on the owner-perceived disease severity (S). Factor analysis was applied to the whole questionnaire. The correlation of S with QoL1 and QoL2 scores was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation tests. Owner sex, age, educational level and willingness to pay for a potential definitive cure of the disease were recorded, and compared with quality of life (QoL) scores. In 23 atopic dogs, CADESI-03, pruritus Visual Analogue Scale and QoL scores were obtained before and after therapy, and their correlation was evaluated with linear regression. Factor analysis revealed that three factors (S, QoL1 and QoL2) explained 75% of the variance. Owner-perceived severity correlated significantly with QoL1 and QoL2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.015, respectively). The five diseases with the worst QoL scores were scabies, pododermatitis, complicated atopic dermatitis, pemphigus foliaceus and endocrine alopecia. Pruritic diseases did not give significantly higher QoL1 or QoL2 scores compared with nonpruritic diseases (P = 0.19, Kruskall-Wallis test). Owner sex, age or educational level did not influence QoL scores. Female sex, a younger age and a higher educational level were significantly associated with more willingness to pay. In atopic dogs, all the scores decreased after therapy, but post-treatment CADESI-03 and Visual Analogue Scale scores did not correlate with QoL1 and QoL2. Questions related to the burden of maintenance therapy showed the lowest improvements in score.

The clinicopathological findings of perforating dermatitis in two young and two adult cats are described. In all cases, the lesions were characterized by single or multiple papules and plaques, 0.5-3.0 cm in diameter, each containing a central, firm, exophytic, cone-shaped, yellow-orange keratotic plug, tightly adherent to the underlying skin. Removal of the protruding material was associated with bleeding and left the ulcerated surface exposed. In one case, the lesions showed a linear configuration and identical lesions occurred on the suture sites following biopsy. Histopathologically, the diagnosis was straightforward because of the presence of vertically orientated collagen bundles extruded from ulcerated, concave-shaped invaginations of the skin. In two cases, vitamin C administration failed to resolve the disease. In two cases, methyl-prednisolone acetate was used to manage relapsing episodes and vitamin C helped to reduce glucocorticoid requirements. In one case, treatment with methyl-prednisolone acetate only appeared to be curative. The fourth case was lost to follow-up immediately after the diagnosis.

Malassezia spp. yeasts are commensal organisms of mammal and avian skin, but little is known about their presence on the skin of healthy cats. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of Malassezia spp. yeasts in feline nail folds and to identify the different species. Forty-six cats of different breeds were evaluated by cytological examination, and Malassezia spp. yeasts were seen in 61% of them. Yeasts were found in 100% of Devon Rex cats [mean 8.63/oil immersion field (high-power field - HPF)]. Conversely, only 42% of cats of other breeds (domestic short-haired and Persian) were positive (mean 0.59/HPF). Twenty-one cats of different breeds were subsequently evaluated by fungal culture. Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated from 52%, M. furfur from 38%, and M. sympodialis from 9.5% of the cats. More than one species was observed in eight of 21 cats, six of which were Devon Rex. Malassezia spp. yeasts are common inhabitants of feline nail folds, especially in Devon Rex cats, and the presence of a high number of yeasts on cytology correlates with the clinical observation of brown, greasy material in the nail folds. M. pachydermatis and two lipid-dependent species were isolated from both Devon Rex cats and cats of other breeds.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (asit) is one of the main treatments for atopic dermatitis in dogs, but it often requires additional treatments such as antibacterial and antifungal therapy for secondary bacterial and yeast infections, or antipruritic drugs to control the clinical signs or treat the adverse effects of the immunotherapy. Twenty-seven dogs enrolled in a study of asit were clinically assessed four times over a period of nine months; their requirement for treatment for secondary bacterial and yeast infections, for the administration of glucocorticoids as additional antipruritic therapy, and for the treatment of any adverse effects of the asit were evaluated. Twenty (74 per cent) of the dogs were treated for superficial bacterial pyoderma, 18 (66·6 per cent) required treatment for Malassezia species dermatitis on one or more occasions, eight (29·6 per cent) required treatment for otitis externa due to Malassezia species or bacteria, and eight required glucocorticoids to control their clinical signs. Five (18·5 per cent) of the dogs experienced adverse effects due to the asit and two required treatment with antihistamines (H1 receptor antagonists) in order to continue with the asit.

Background There is a lack of studies comparing topical antiseptics to systemic antibiotics in the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma. Hypothesis/Objectives To compare the efficacy of topical chlorhexidine with systemic amoxicillin–clavulanic acid for the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma. Animals A randomized controlled trial was conducted in dogs with superficial pyoderma. Group T (n = 31) was treated topically with 4% chlorhexidine digluconate shampoo (twice weekly) and solution (once daily) for 4 weeks. Group S (n = 20) was treated orally with amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (25 mg/kg) twice daily for 4 weeks. Methods Bacterial culture and susceptibility testing were performed on clinical specimens collected before treatment. Severity of lesions and number of intracellular bacteria were evaluated using four-point scales to calculate a total pyoderma score for each dog. Pruritus was assessed by owners using a visual analog scale (range 0–10). Scores were analysed for statistical differences between groups T and S. Results Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was isolated from 48 dogs, including eight meticillin-resistant strains (MRSP). Although the number of dogs was small, no significant differences in pyoderma and pruritus scores were observed between groups throughout the study except for day 1, when group S had a significantly higher total score than group T (P = 0.03). Treatment with chlorhexidine products resulted in resolution of clinical signs in all dogs including those infected with MRSP. Conclusion and clinical importance Topical therapy with chlorhexidine digluconate products may be as effective as systemic therapy with amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. This finding supports the current recommendations to use topical antiseptics alone for the management of superficial pyoderma.

Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) cases have been increasing in the state of São Paulo but no genomic information about local rickettsia isolated from humans has been well documented. We recovered spotted-fever group rickettsiae from a sample of patient blood cultured in Vero cells using the shell vial technique. Rickettsial DNA fragments (gltA, ompA, and, ompB genes) were detected, and analysis of the ompB gene base sequences showed identity with the Rickettsia rickettsii ompB sequence available in the GenBank.

This paper reports the first isolation of a spotted fever group rickettsia from an Amblyomma cooperi ixodid collected from a capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) in an endemic area of spotted fever in the County of Pedreira, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Isolation was performed in Vero cell culture and submitted to immunofluorescence, using antibody from Rickettsia rickettsii-positive human serum.

A maculopapular eruption with clinical and histological features similar to those previously described in Sphinx cats under the name of urticaria pigmentosa is reported in five unrelated Devon Rex cats. Physical examination revealed erythematous, occasionally crusted papules, with a bilaterally symmetrical linear distribution on the latero-ventral trunk in two cases and a diffuse distribution on the ventral thorax in the other three cats. One cat also had a greasy seborrhoea on the head and dorsum. Pruritus and pigmented macules were present only in cats affected by secondary bacterial infection. Histological examination of papules in all cats and of the lesional skin of the cat affected by greasy seborrhoea revealed the presence of a perivascular to diffuse mastocytic and eosinophilic infiltrate in the dermis. The mean numbers of nondegranulated and degranulated mast cells per mm(2) were 303.2 and 451.6, respectively. The condition waxed and waned in all cats, and exacerbations were controlled with prednisolone or essential fatty acids.

Summary -The effects of (S)-4-amino-5-[(4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl)amino]-5-oxo-pentanoic acid ((S)CR 2249), a new chemical entity selected among a series of glutamic acid derivatives, were investigated on N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA)-evoked release of [ 3 H]noradrenaline from rat hippocampal slices. (S)CR 2249 facilitated glycine-mediated reversion of kynurenate antagonism at strychnine-insensitive glycine receptors coupled to the NMDA receptor. The potency of glycine (EC 50 = 21.5 μM ± 4.2) was not significantly influenced by (S)CR 2249. Nevertheless, the efficacy of the glycine effect was enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner (3-10-30 μm) by (S)CR 2249. The interaction of (S)CR 2249 with NMDA receptors was also studied with binding experiments, in which we examined the effect of (S)CR 2249 on the modulation by glutamate, glycine and spermine of [ 3 H]dizocilpine (MK-801) binding. (S)CR 2249, increased [ 3 H]MK-801 binding in a concentration-dependent manner and we found positive cooperative interactions between glycine and (S)CR 2249, indicating that (S)CR 2249 probably acts at a separate allosteric site to increase NMDA receptor functionality.

The effects of S-4-amino-5-[4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl)amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid (CR 2249), a new entity selected from a new series of glutamic acid derivatives, has been investigated in different paradigms for screening nootropics. CR 2249 ameliorated the memory retention deficit produced by scopolamine in step-through-type passive avoidance in rats and by electroconvulsive shock in step-down-type passive avoidance in mice. CR 2249 was also capable of improving performance in behavioural tests of learning and memory in the absence of cholinergic hypofunction or cognitive deficit. The activity was determined using different passive and active avoidance behavioural test procedures on rats. CR 2249 was active only when given 45 min before training and did not show any effect when administered immediately after the learning training or before the retention trial. No changes in the general behaviour or motor activity of the animals were observed, indicating that CR 2249 effects cannot be attributed to sensory-motor deficit. Microdialysis experiments have shown that CR 2249 significantly increased noradrenaline release in the hippocampus of freely moving rats and reduced 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol efflux. These effects have led us to hypothesize that CR 2249 memory effect might be mediated by a direct or indirect action on noradrenergic transmission. These behavioural results suggest that this new agent has clinical application in memory disorders.

We have evaluated the application of the fura-2 method to detect cytosolic Ca2+ increase in gastric cells expressing CCKB/gastrin receptors, in order to screen gastrin receptor antagonists, as an alternative to functional studies. We have characterized the receptors on parietal cell suspension from rabbit gastric mucosa and validated the method using both the CCKB and CCKA receptor agonists and antagonists. Human gastrin I (gastrin) (0.1 nM-4 microM) and sulfated cholecystokinin 26-33 (CCK-8) (0.01 nM-2 microM) dose-dependently augmented cytosolic Ca2+. The efficacies of the two agonists were similar, but the potency of CCK-8 (EC50 1.03 nM) was about 10-fold greater than that of gastrin (11 nM). Response to a submaximal dose of gastrin (50 nM) was dose-dependently blocked by the CCKB-receptor antagonists CAM-1028 (4-[[2-[[3-(1 H-indol-3-yl)-2-methyl-1-oxo-2-[[[1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2, 2,1]hept-2-yl)oxy]carbonyl]amino]propyl]amino]-1-phenylethyl]amino-4-oxo -[1 S-1 alpha, 2 beta [S'(S')4 alpha]]-butanoate-N-methyl-D-glucamine) (IC50 1.9 nM), L-365,260 (3 R(+)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1 H-1, 4-benzodiazepin-3-yl)-N'-(3-methylphenyl)urea) (IC50 10 nM) and spiroglumide ((R)-4-(3,5-dichlorobenzamido)-5-(8-azaspiro[4.5]decan -8-yl)-5-oxopentanoic acid) (IC50 2 microM). The results were in agreement with those obtained from binding studies in guinea-pig cortical membranes. The model was employed to optimize the synthesis of a new class of spiroglumide analogues which led to a new molecule, (S)-4-¿(R)-4'-(3,5-dichlorobenzoylamino)-5'-(8-azaspiro[4.5] decan-8-yl)-5'-oxo)-pentanoylamino-5-(1-naphthylamino)-5-oxo pentanoic acid (CR 2622), whose potency was about 100-fold greater than that of spiroglumide. CR 2622, as well as the other CCKB receptor antagonists tested, exhibited no effect on basal [Ca2+]i. The simplicity and the reproducibility of this method suggest that it is a useful model to screen gastrin and antigastrin activity in parallel or as an alternative to binding studies.

The expression of the alpha 4 and beta 2 subunits of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) was studied in developing rat brain using in situ hybridization. The levels of both transcripts were already high at birth in cerebral cortex, medial habenula, CA1/CA3 regions of the hippocampus and several thalamic nuclei. In general, the beta 2 subunit showed a higher density of hybrids than the alpha 4. Beta 2 expression did not change with age in the medial habenula, medial geniculate nucleus or in the hippocampus whereas it decreased in the cortex. The developmental pattern of the hybridization signal for alpha 4 was different according to the brain area considered. The expression of the two transcripts showed a biphasic pattern in some thalamic nuclei: the lowest levels occurring during the first and second postnatal weeks respectively, and the highest levels during the second and fourth postnatal weeks. The ontogenetic profile of the expression of the alpha 4 subunit in the thalamic nuclei coincided with that of [3H]-L-nicotine binding sites. These findings suggest that the two subunits of nAChRs are independently regulated in most of the brain areas examined, and that in some regions, such as the thalamus, the ontogenetic variations reported for the alpha 4 subunit correlate with those observed for the [3H]-L-nicotine binding sites.

Localization of mRNA encoding for the enzyme hexokinase and its regulation in aged animals was carried out in rat brain using the in situ hybridization technique. The highest levels of the hybridization signal were observed in the olfactory bulb, piriform cortex, tenia tecta, hippocampus and granular cells of the cerebellum. Other brain areas and nuclei including cerebral cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, substantia nigra, subiculum, choroid plexus and superior colliculus displayed moderate to low density of transcripts. Correlation between relative hexokinase content and levels of its mRNA was found only for some brain regions such as caudate-putamen, geniculate nucleus, ventral and lateral thalamic nuclei, superior colliculus and granular cells of the cerebellum. In the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of old animals the expression of hexokinase was significantly increased at 18 and 24 months of age. From the present data we conclude that although hexokinase is an ubiquitous enzyme, sites of synthesis display a discrete and uneven localization in rat CNS and expression, in the aging brain, might be regulated to compensate for reduced oxidative phosphorylation in the brain tissue.

The pharmacological activity of CR 2039 (4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-N-[4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl]phenylbenzamide) a newly discovered antiallergic compound is described. CR 2039 administered i.m. or i.v. inhibited rat passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) with an ED50 of 0.1 mg/kg and a potency about 15 times higher than that of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). CR 2039 i.m., by aerosol or as dry powder insufflation, gave dose-related significant protection against IgE-dependent bronchial anaphylaxis induced by aerosolized antigen in anesthetized guinea-pigs. In conscious guinea-pigs CR 2039 given i.m. delayed dose dependently (ED50, 17 mg/kg) the onset of bronchoconstriction induced by aerosolized antigen, while DSCG was ineffective up to 100 mg/kg. The protection was accompanied by significant inhibition of the vascular permeability provoked by antigen challenge in all airway segments except trachea. CR 2039 (10–100 mg/kg i.v.) inhibited the microvascular permeability changes in a model of allergic conjunctivitis in sensitized guinea-pigs. CR 2039 inhibited dose dependently guinea-pig lung cAMP-phosphodiesterase with an IC50 of 50 μM.