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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A distinct ulcerative dermatitis known as “freshwater skin disease” is an emerging clinical and pathological presentation in coastal cetaceans worldwide. In Australia, two remarkably similar mortality events enabled the creation of a case definition based on pathology and environmental factors. The first affected a community of endemic Tursiops australis in the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, while the second occurred among T. aduncus resident in the Swan-Canning River system, Western Australia. The common features of both events were (1) an abrupt and marked decrease in salinity (from > 30ppt to

Pythiosis is characterized most commonly by ulcerative dermatitis, mainly in the limbs of sheep and occasionally of goats. In sheep, Pythium insidiosum is also responsible for necrotizing rhinitis characterized by marked enlargement and deformity of the nasal region, severe respiratory difficulty, and bloody nasal discharge. A third form of pythiosis in sheep affects the digestive tract, involving ulceration of the esophagus, forestomachs, and abomasum. Pythiosis in sheep and goats has been reported only in Brazil where it occurs mainly in the semiarid region of the country, when animals congregate and stay for longer periods of time within or around water reservoirs. However, it has been reported as well in areas of humid environments, such as the Pantanal of Mato Grosso and in the Brazilian Cerrado. The diagnosis of the different presentations of pythiosis is based on gross and microscopic findings, coupled with detection of the agent by immunohistochemical, molecular, and/or culture-based methods.

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

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

Highlights • An outbreak of an infectious dermatological disorder of unknown aetiology in a flock of yearling lambs was investigated. • Lesions occurred on the distal limb between the coronary band and carpel joint as a circular ulcerative dermatitis. • Treponema spp., Dichelobacter nodosus, Staphylococcus aureus, Dermatophilus congolensis and poxvirus screens were negative. • Fusobacterium necrophorum and Streptococcus dysgalactiae were detected in the majority of lesions examined. • An aetiology involving bacterial infection with F. necrophorum and S. dysgalactiae was implicated., Here we report an outbreak of an atypical, ulcerative dermatitis in North Country mule lambs, located in South Gloucestershire, UK. The lesions, which appeared to be contagious, occured between the coronary band and the carpal joint as a focal, well demarcated, circular, ulcerative dermatitis. Histopathological examination of the lesion biopsies revealed areas of ulceration, epidermal hyperplasia, suppurative dermatitis and granulation tissue. Clumped keratohyalin granules and intracellular keratinocyte oedema (ballooning degeneration) were evident within lesion biopsies, consistent with an underlying viral aetiology. A PCR-based microbiological investigation failed to detect bovine digital dermatitis-associated treponeme phylogroups, Dichelobacter nodosus, Staphylococcus aureus, Dermatophilus congolensis or Chordopoxvirinae virus DNA. However, 3 of the 10 (30 %) and 6 of 10 (60 %) lesion samples were positive for Fusobacterium necrophorum and Streptococcus dysgalactiae DNA, respectively. Contralateral limb swabs were negative by all standard PCR assays. To better define the involvement of F. necrophorum in the aetiology of these lesions, a qPCR targeting the rpoB gene was employed and confirmed the presence of F. necrophorum DNA in both the control and lesions swab samples, although the mean F. necrophorum genome copy number detected in the lesion swab samples was ∼19-fold higher than detected in the contralateral control swab samples (245 versus 4752 genome copies/μl, respectively; P < 0.001). Although we have not been able to conclusively define an aetiological agent, the presence of both F. necrophorum and S. dysgalactiae in the majority of lesions assayed supports their role in the aetiopathogenesis of these lesions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Background Feline herpesvirus ulcerative dermatitis is an uncommon skin disease in cats, with a predominantly facial distribution characterized by massive infiltration of eosinophils and, occasionally, predominant neutrophils. Objective To describe the clinical and histopathological features of a putative atypical case of feline herpesvirus dermatitis. Animal A 10-month-old, intact male, European cat was presented with chronic monolateral ulcerative dermatitis with adherent crusts on the left pinna. The lesion had been present for six months and worsened after the administration of corticosteroids. Methods Clinical and histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry, nested PCR and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results Histological examination of skin biopsies showed multifocal ulcerative and necrotic lesions, involving the superficial and deep dermis covered by thick haemorrhagic and serocellular crusts. The superficial, medium and deep dermis was heavily infiltrated with mast cells and plasma cells, with a lower number of neutrophils and eosinophils. In the nuclei of some cells in the deep dermis, whose histotype was unrecognizable with routine haematoxylin and eosin stain, intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies were noticed. Nested PCR and TEM supported the hypothesis of FeHV-1-induced dermatitis. Conclusions and clinical importance This case is noteworthy for the infrequent location on the pinna and the atypical histopathological features of the lesion, with a predominant infiltration of mast cells and plasma cells. Our findings suggest that herpesvirus dermatitis should be listed as a differential diagnosis in case of ulcerative dermatitis when the location and histological features are atypical.

BACKGROUND Head and neck ulcers in cats can arise from allergic and nonallergic disorders, including feline leishmaniosis (FeL). It is important to rule out this aetiological agent in regions that are endemic for canine leishmaniosis, because the drugs used to treat immune-mediated disorders of cats can be contraindicated in the setting of infection. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the skin of cats with ulcerative dermatitis of the head or neck for evidence of Leishmania infection using combined immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). An IHC for tissue histiocytes was also utilized because leishmaniosis may provoke a histiocytic inflammatory response. ANIMALS Twenty seven cats with head and/or neck ulcers. METHODS Skin biopsy specimens were examined for the presence of Leishmania spp. by routine histopathological evaluation and IHC using a polyclonal anti-Leishmania antibody, and by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (IBA-1) antibody was used to immunolocalize histiocytes. Selected history and clinical data were recorded. RESULTS All specimens showed a superficial mid-perivascular mixed inflammatory infiltrate. The presence of histiocytes was confirmed in 23 of 27 cases with the IBA-1 antibody. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR techniques confirmed the absence of Leishmania in all cases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Leishmania did not seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of feline ulcerative dermatitis of the head and neck in the subjects studied, despite a lifestyle potentially associated with infection. Histiocytic infiltration of tissue is not a specific marker for Leishmania infection in this population.

Tunga penetrans is the smallest biting flea known. In cattle, infestation by T. penetrans (tungiasis) typically affects the skin of the distal legs, udder, prepuce, and perianal area. A detailed clinical and pathologic description of bovine tungiasis, together with electron microscopy and molecular diagnostics to establish the identity of the parasite are described. Ninety percent of the cows and heifers and 80% of the bulls in a herd in northwest Argentina had proliferative and ulcerative skin lesions affecting the coronary band, interdigital space, heels, and rudimentary toes of the fore and/or rear limbs, teats, and/or prepuce. These proliferative lesions had multiple large cavities filled with hemorrhagic fluid, necrotic debris, and Tunga spp. parasites. Histologically, the skin showed diffuse papillary epithelial hyperplasia with severe orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, and it was multifocally ulcerated and inflamed. Multifocally, sections of arthropod parasites were observed embedded in the epidermis and dermis with the posterior end toward the surface. Images of wet mounts and scanning electron microscopy of the parasite showed morphologic characteristics compatible with Tunga spp. Polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II and the internal transcribed spacer region indicated 99% homology to published T. penetrans sequences. Tungiasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for proliferative lesions in skin of cattle.

Cutaneous sterile pyogranuloma/granuloma syndrome (SPGS) is a locally restricted multinodular dermatitis. Affected dogs are typically healthy, but a few show systemic signs. Herein, a case of a dog presenting with generalized ulcerative dermatitis with systemic signs of mild anemia and an increased C-reactive protein level is described. Cutaneous SPGS was diagnosed by histopathology, negative staining causative organisms, and polymerase chain reaction for Mycobacterium spp. Successful treatment was achieved by immunosuppressive drugs, including prednisolone and azathioprine, administered for at least 20 mo. Recurrences of skin lesions were observed when prednisolone and/or azathioprine were discontinued. Long-term management with immunosuppressive agents may be required if the affected dog exhibits severe symptoms of cutaneous SPGS.

An 18-yr-old male hyacinth macaw (Anadorhynchus hyacinthinus) was found dead in his aviary with no preexisting signs. The bird had a chronic history of feather damaging behavior, with severe ulcerative dermatitis. Pathologic findings revealed a vegetative valvular endocarditis, myocarditis, septicemia, chronic severe glomerulonephritis, and thyroid dysplasia. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the valve, the liver, and the skin. Repeated trauma and low-rate bacteriemia may have contributed to the development of endocarditis. Translocation of S. aureus skin infection in the bloodstream may lead to subacute endocarditis in humans and such mechanism is suspected in this case. This case suggests that endocarditis associated with S. aureus septicemia is a potential complication of feather damaging behavior. This case also reports a systemic complication of ulcerative dermatitis secondary to feather damaging behavior. Endocarditis has been poorly reported in psittacine species, and such medical complication of feather damaging behavior has never been reported to our knowledge. Furthermore, S. aureus is a bacteria of public health concern and should be integrated into the differential when pet parrots with dermatitis are in proximity to owners.

In dogs with symptomatic or asymptomatic leishmaniosis, Leishmania infantum appears to induce a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response that in the sick dog may eventually result in tissue damage via different pathomechanisms, notably granulomatous inflammation (eg, nodular dermatitis, osteomyelitis), immune complex deposition (eg, glomerulonephritis), and/or autoantibody production (eg, polymyositis). This is a compensatory but detrimental mechanism generated mainly because of the insufficient killing capacity of macrophages against the parasite in the susceptible dog. Clinical disease is typically exemplified as exfoliative and/or ulcerative dermatitis, with or without nasodigital hyperkeratosis and onychogryphosis, glomerulonephritis, atrophic myositis of masticatory muscles, anterior uveitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, epistaxis, and/or polyarthritis, appearing alone or in various combinations. The pathogenesis of these clinical conditions has recently been highlighted, to a greater or lesser extent. The usually subclinical conditions expressed as chronic colitis, chronic hepatitis, vasculitis, myocarditis, osteomyelitis, orchiepididymitis, and meningoencephalomyelitis, though uncommon, are of pathologic importance from a differential point of view. The leading cause of death among canine leishmaniosis patients is chronic proteinuric nephritis that may progress to end-stage kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, and/or systemic hypertension. However, even the asymptomatic proteinuria, when profuse, may be a serious problem because it predisposes to arterial thromboembolism and eventually contributes to the deterioration of the body condition.

Feline leishmaniasis (FeL) is an emerging infectious disease of cats caused by Leishmania infantum with global distribution. This study investigated the cause of chronic progressive cutaneous lesions in two cats from Central-west Brazil by using cytological, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses. Clinically, both cats had ulcerative cutaneous lesions at the nasal planum and ear resulting in a tentative diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Moreover, both cats had varying degrees of onychogryphosis. However, cytology revealed chronic inflammatory reactions associated with intralesional amastigotes; histopathology confirmed chronic ulcerative dermatitis associated with intralesional and intracytoplasmic parasitic organisms consistent with amastigotes of Leishmania spp. within histiocytes. The IHC assay demonstrated that the intralesional parasitic structures identified by cytology and histopathology were immunoreactive to antigens of Leishmania spp., confirming the participation of this infectious disease agent in the development of the cutaneous lesions of these cats. The observation of onychogryphosis must be highlighted, since this lesion is frequently observed in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis but is underreported in FeL. Collectively, the pathologic and IHC findings of the chronic cutaneous disease confirmed active infections due to Leishmania spp. in these cats. Additionally, FeL with associated lesions to the ear and nasal planum must be considered as differential diagnosis for SCC in cats.

Ischaemic dermatopathy represents a heterogenous and poorly-characterized canine syndrome that is often refractory to conventional immunosuppression. Janus-kinase inhibitors (JAKinibs) are used for the treatment of various human autoimmune diseases, including dermatomyositis. Oclacitinib is a generally well-tolerated, veterinary-approved, nonselective JAKinib that has therapeutic potential as an immunosuppressant.To describe four cases of treatment refractory juvenile-onset ischaemic dermatopathy that rapidly and durably responded to oclacitinib administration.Four mixed-breed dogs, three 9-month-old male littermates and one 6-month-old female, were presented for generalized patchy alopecia, scarring and ulcerative dermatitis. Microscopic skin lesions were consistent with a severe ischaemic dermatopathy.A complete remission of skin lesions could not be achieved in any dog with glucocorticoids alone, nor when these were combined with adjuvant immunosuppressants. Oclacitinib treatment was then initiated at the dosage of 0.4-0.7 mg/kg twice daily, along with a tapering regimen of oral prednisolone.A full clinical remission was achieved within four weeks of starting this combination therapy, with prednisolone being stopped within eight weeks thereof. Remission was maintained in two dogs with lower doses or dosing frequencies of oclacitinib, whereas the two others required persistent twice daily administration of this JAKinib.Oclacitinib was a useful immunosuppressive adjuvant to oral glucocorticoids for the treatment of refractory or severe cases of ischaemic dermatopathy in these four dogs. Such observation warrants further studies of the safety, efficacy and mechanism of action of oclacitinib as an immunosuppressant.La dermatopathie ischémique représente un syndrome canin hétérogène faiblement caractérisé souvent réfractaire aux immunosuppresseurs classiques. Les inhibiteurs de Janus-kinase (JAKinibs) sont utilisés pour le traitement de maladies auto-immunes de l'homme y compris la dermatomyosite. L'oclacitinib est généralement bien supporté, disponible en médecine vétérinaire, inhibiteur de JAK non sélectif qui peut avoir des propriétés immunosuppressives potentielles. HYPOTHÈSES/OBJECTIFS: Décrire quatre cas réfractaires aux traitements de dermatopathie ischémique juvénile qui répondent rapidement et durablement à l'oclacitinib.Quatre chiens croisés, trois mâles de 9 mois et une femelle de 6 mois, ont été présentés pour dermatite généralisée ulcérative et cicatricielle et alopécique en patch. Les lésions cutanées microscopiques étaient compatibles avec une dermatite ischémique sévère. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODE: Une rémission complète des lésions cutanées n'a pas pu être obtenue avec des corticoïdes seuls ni avec en association à un immunosuppresseur adjuvant. Le traitement à l'oclacitinib a été initié à la dose de 0,4-0,7 mg/kg deux fois par jour associé à un traitement dégressif de prednisolone oral. RÉSULTATS: Une rémission clinique complète a été atteinte en quatre semaines avec la prednisolone stoppée au bout de huit semaines. La rémission a été maintenue pour deux chiens avec de faibles doses d'oclacitinib tandis que les deux autres ont nécessité une administration de l'inhibiteur de JAK deux fois par jour.L'oclacitinib semble être un immunosuppresseur adjuvant utile aux corticoïdes oraux pour le traitement des cas sévères de dermatopathie ischémique pour ces quatre chiens. D'autres études sont nécessaires pour compléter ces observations pour l'innocuité, l'efficacité et le mécanisme d'action de l'oclacitinib en tant qu'immunosuppresseur.INTRODUCCIÓN: la dermatopatía isquémica representa un síndrome canino heterogéneo y mal caracterizado que a menudo es refractario a la inmunosupresión convencional. Los inhibidores de Janus-kinase (JAKinibs) se utilizan para el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades autoinmunes humanas, incluida la dermatomiositis. Oclacitinib es un JAKinib no selectivo, bien tolerado, aprobado para uso veterinario, que tiene un potencial terapéutico como inmunosupresor. HIPÓTESIS/OBJETIVOS: Describir cuatro casos de presumible dermatopatía isquémica juvenil refractarios a tratamiento que respondieron de forma rápida y duradera a la administración de oclacitinib. ANIMALES: se presentaron cuatro perros de raza mestiza, tres de ellos de la misma camada de 9 meses de edad y una hembra de 6 meses de edad con una alopecia multifocal generalizada, cicatrización y dermatitis ulcerativa. Las lesiones microscópicas de la piel fueron compatibles con una dermatopatía isquémica intensa. MÉTODOS Y MATERIALES: no se pudo lograr una remisión completa de las lesiones cutáneas en ningún perro solo con glucocorticoides, ni cuando se combinaron con inmunosupresores adyuvantes. Se inicio entonces el tratamiento con oclacitinib a una dosis de 0,4-0,7 mg/kg dos veces al día, junto con un régimen de reducción gradual de prednisolona oral. RESULTADOS: se logró una remisión clínica completa dentro de las cuatro semanas posteriores al inicio de esta terapia de combinación, deteniéndose la prednisolona dentro de las ocho semanas posteriores. La remisión se mantuvo en dos perros con dosis más bajas o menores frecuencias de dosificación de oclacitinib, mientras que los otros dos requirieron la administración persistente dos veces al día de este JAKinib. CONCLUSIONES E IMPORTANCIA CLÍNICA: el oclacitinib parece ser un adyuvante inmunosupresor útil con los glucocorticoides orales para el tratamiento de casos refractarios o graves de dermatopatía isquémica en estos cuatro perros. Esta observación indica la necesidad de estudios adicionales sobre seguridad, eficacia y mecanismo de acción del oclacitinib como inmunosupresor.Eine ischämische Dermatopathie repräsentiert ein heterogenes und schlecht charakterisiertes Syndrom beim Hund, welches oft refraktär auf konventionelle Immunsuppression reagiert. Für die Behandlung verschiedener humaner Autoimmunerkrankungen wie auch für die Dermatomyositis werden Janus-Kinase Inhibitoren (JAKinibs) eingesetzt. Oclacitinib ist ein generell gut verträglicher, veterinärmedizinisch zugelassener, nichtselektiver JAKinib, welcher therapeutisches Potential als ein Immunsuppressivum aufweist.Die Beschreibung von vier Fällen einer refraktären vermeintlichen, beim Jugendlichen auftretenden, ischämischen Dermatopathie, die rasch und dauerhaft auf eine Oclacitinib Verabreichung reagierte.Vier Mischlingshunde, drei 9 Monate alte männliche Geschwister und eine 6 Monate alte Hündin wurden mit einer generalisierten fleckigen Alopezie, Narbenbildung und einer ulzerativen Dermatitis vorgestellt. Die mikroskopischen Hautveränderungen waren vereinbar mit einer hochgradigen ischämischen Dermatopathie.Eine völlige Remission der Hautveränderungen konnte bei keinem der Hunde ausschließlich mit Glukokortikoiden erzielt werden, dies gelang nur, wenn diese mit zusätzlichen Immunsuppressiva kombiniert wurden. Daraufhin wurde Oclacitinib bei einer Dosierung von 0,4-0,7 mg/kg zweimal täglich eingesetzt, gleichzeitig wurde Prednisolon per os ausgeschlichen.Eine völlige klinische Remission wurde innerhalb von vier Wochen nach Beginn der Kombinationstherapie erzielt, wobei Prednisolon innerhalb von acht Wochen gestoppt wurde. Eine Remission konnte bei zwei Hunden mit einer niedrigeren Dosierung oder einer Verringerung der Verabreichungsfrequenz von Oclacitinib erzielt werden, während die beiden anderen Hunde eine andauernde zweimal tägliche Verabreichung dieses JAKinib benötigten.Oclacitinib schien ein nützliches Immunsuppressivum als Adjuvant zu oralen Glukokortikoiden für die Behandlung von hartnäckigen oder schweren Fällen von ischämischer Dermatopathie zu sein. Eine derartige Beobachtung rechtfertigt weitere Studien über die Sicherheit, Wirksamkeit und den Wirkungsmechanismus von Oclacitinib als Immunsuppressivum.背景: 虚血性皮膚症は、従来の免疫抑制にはしばしば抵抗性で、異質性で特徴が乏しい犬の症候群である。ヤヌスキナーゼ阻害剤(JAKinib)は、皮膚筋炎を含む様々な人の自己免疫疾患の治療に使用されている。オクラシチニブは、免疫抑制剤としての治療可能性を有した、一般的に忍容性が高く、獣医学的に承認された、非選択的なJAKinibである. 仮説/目的: 本研究の目的は、オクラシチニブ投与に迅速かつ持続的に反応した、治療難治性と推定される若年発症虚血性皮膚症の4症例を記述することである. 被験動物: 汎発性に斑状脱毛、瘢痕および潰瘍性皮膚炎を認めた4頭のMIX犬(9ヶ月齢の同腹仔の雄3頭および6ヶ月齢の雌1頭)。顕微鏡的皮膚病変は重度の虚血性皮膚症と一致していた. 材料と方法: どの犬でも、グルココルチコイド単独あるいはアジュバント免疫抑制薬との組み合わせでは、皮膚病変の完全寛解は達成できなかった。次いで、オクラシチニブ治療を経口プレドニゾロンの漸減投与計画と共に、1日2回、0.4〜0.7 mg/kgの用量で開始した. 結果: この併用療法を開始してから4週間以内に完全な臨床的寛解を達成し、プレドニゾロンは8週間以内に中止した。オクラシチニブの用量または投与頻度の減少させた2頭の犬で寛解を維持したが、他の2頭はこのJAKinibの1日2回の持続投与を必要とした. 結論と臨床的重要性: オクラシチニブは、本研究の犬4頭における難治性または重度の虚血性皮膚症治療に対し、経口グルココルチコイドの有用な免疫抑制アジュバントであるように思われた。そのような結果は、免疫抑制剤としてのオラシチニブの安全性、有効性および作用機序のさらなる研究を保証するものである.背景: 缺血性皮肤病是一种异质且缺乏特征的犬综合征,通常用传统的免疫抑制难以治愈。Janus-激酶抑制剂(JAKinibs)用于治疗多种人类自身免疫疾病,包括皮肌炎。奥克拉克替尼是一种耐受性良好、兽医认可的非选择性JAKinib,可以作为免疫抑制剂治疗. 假设/目的: 描述四个推定性幼年发病的缺血性皮肤病的顽固病例,奥克拉克替尼治疗效果快速且持久. 动物: 四只呈现全身性脱毛斑、瘢痕和溃疡性皮炎的混血犬,其中三只为9月龄同窝公犬,以及一只6月龄母犬。镜检发现其皮肤病变为严重的缺血性皮肤病. 方法和材料: 任何犬单独使用糖皮质激素,或与免疫抑制剂联合使用,都不能完全缓解皮肤病变。随后,开始给予奥克拉克替尼,剂量0.4-0.7mg/kg,每日两次,伴随逐渐减量的泼尼松龙口服. 结果: 在开始这种联合治疗的四周内,临床症状完全缓解,其中泼尼松龙在八周内停用。两只犬用低剂量或低频率的奥克拉克替尼维持,而另两只犬则需要持续每日两次给予这种JAKinib. 结论和临床价值: 奥克拉克替尼对口服糖皮质激素来说,显然是一种有效的辅助免疫抑制剂,用于治疗这四只犬的顽固或严重缺血性皮肤病。根据这一观察结果,奥克拉克替尼作为免疫抑制剂的安全性、有效性和作用机制,需进一步研究.A dermatopatia isquêmica representa uma síndrome canina heterógena e pouco caracterizada que é refratária à imunossupressão convencional. Os inibidores da Janus-quinase (JAKinibs) são utilizados para o tratamento de diversas doenças autoimunes em humanos, incluindo a dermatomiosite. O oclacitinib é um JAKinib não seletivo geralmente bem tolerado, de uso veterinário que possui um potencial terapêutico como imunossupressor. HIPÓTESE/OBJETIVOS: Descrever quatro casos presuntivos de dermatopatia isquêmica juvenil refratária ao tratamento convencional que responderam rapidamente e duradouramente à administração de oclacitinib.Quatro cães mestiços, três machos de nove meses de idade, irmãos da mesma ninhada, e uma fêmea de seis meses de idade, foram apresentados com alopecia multifocal, fibrose e dermatite ulcerativa. As lesões cutâneas microscópicas foram compatíveis com dermatopatia isquêmica grave. MÉTODOS E MATERIAIS: Não foi possível se obter remissão completa das lesões cutâneas em nenhum dos cães somente com corticoterapia, nem mesmo em associação com imunossupressores adjuvantes. O tratamento com oclacitinib foi iniciado em uma dose de 0,4-0,7 mg/kg duas vezes ao dia, juntamente com o protocolo de redução gradativa da prednisolona.Resolução clínica completa foi alcançada dentro de quatro semanas após o início da terapia combinada, com a interrupção da prednisolona em oito semanas. A remissão foi mantida em dois cães com baixas doses ou menor frequência de administração de oclacitinib, enquanto os outros dois cães necessitaram de administração contínua de deste JAKinib duas vezes ao dia. CONCLUSÕES: O oclacitinib parece ser um imunossupressor útil como adjuvante aos glicocorticoides orais no tratamento de casos de casos graves de dermatopatia isquêmica refratária nesses quatro cães. Tal observação justifica novos estudos sobre segurança, eficácia e mecanismos de ação do oclacitinib como imunossupressor.

Ulcerative dermatitis (UD) is common in captive sea turtles and manifests as skin erosions and ulcers associated with gram-negative bacteria. This study compared clinically healthy and UD-affected captive turtles by evaluating hematology, histopathology, immunoglobulin levels, and delayed-type hypersensitivity assay. Turtles with UD had significantly lower weight, reduced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses, and higher heterophil:lymphocyte ratios. This study is the first to assay DTH in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and suggests that UD is associated with immunosuppression.

Aggression is a major welfare issue in mice, particularly when mice unfamiliar to each other are first placed in cages, as happens on receipt from a vendor, and following cage cleaning. Injuries from aggression are the second leading cause of unplanned euthanasia in mice, following ulcerative dermatitis. Commonly employed strategies for reducing aggression-related injury are largely anecdotal, and may even be counterproductive. Here we report a series of experiments testing potential explanations and interventions for post-shipping aggression-related injuries in C57BL/6 mice. First, we examined the effects of weaning: testing whether manipulating weaning age reduced aggression-related injuries, and if repeated mixing of weaned mice before shipping increased these injuries. Contrary to our predictions, repeated mixing did not increase post-shipping injurious aggression, and early weaning reduced aggression-related injuries. Second, we examined potential post-shipping interventions: testing whether lavender essential oil applied to the cage reduced aggression-related injuries, and whether a variety of enrichments decreased injurious aggression. Again, contrary to predictions, lavender increased wounding, and none of the enrichments reduced it. However, consistent with the effects of weaning age in the first experiment, cages with higher mean body weight showed elevated levels of aggression-related wounding. Finally, we tested whether C57BL/6 substrains and identification methods affected levels of intra-cage wounding from aggression. We found no effect of strain, but cages where mice were ear-notched for identification showed higher levels of wounding than cages where mice were tail-tattooed. Overall, these results emphasize the multifactorial nature of home-cage injurious aggression, and the importance of testing received wisdom when it comes to managing complex behavioral and welfare problems. In terms of practical recommendations to reduce aggressive wounding in the home cage, tail tattooing is recommended over ear notching and late weaning should be avoided.

Health monitoring of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) at Auckland Zoo between 2001 and 2009 showed that 58/93 tuatara had been affected by dermatitis of unknown origin. From 2011 onwards, cases of suspected fungal dermatitis underwent extensive diagnostic investigations.Six cases of dermatomycosis were attributed to Paranannizziopsis australasiensis, five in tuatara and one in a coastal bearded dragon (Pogona barbata). Cases presented typically as raised, yellow to brown encrustations on the skin. Severe cases progressed to necrotising ulcerative dermatitis, and in the bearded dragon to fatal systemic mycosis. Following topical and systemic treatments, lesions resolved in all five tuatara.Histopathological examination of skin biopsy samples revealed dermatitis with intralesional septate branching hyphae. Fungal culture yielded isolates morphologically resembling Chrysosporium species, and isolates were submitted for molecular confirmation and sequencing of DNA.All six cases were confirmed as dermatitis due to infection with P. australasiensis, on the basis of fungal culture and DNA sequencing of isolates.These are the first reported cases of dermatomycosis associated with P. australasiensis infection in tuatara, and the first cases in which systemic therapeutic agents have been used in the treatment of such disease. Tuatara at the Auckland Zoo are now routinely examined every 3 months and tissue samples from any lesions sent for histopathology and fungal culture. Further work to elucidate the epidemiology and significance of P. australasiensis infections in reptiles in New Zealand is important for both welfare and conservation purposes.

The skin is the site of inoculation of Leishmania spp. in susceptible hosts, and consequently dermatopathies, especially ulcerative dermatitis, are the main clinical signs observed. The aim of this study was to assess parasitism of the skin (intact and ulcerated) among dogs that were naturally infected by Leishmania spp., through immunohistochemical analysis. Skin fragments (intact and ulcerated) were collected from 13 dogs with positive parasitological (bone marrow aspiration and exfoliative skin) and serological examinations (ELISA S7® Biogene) forLeishmania spp. These samples were processed using the immunohistochemical technique, involving the streptavidin-peroxidase complex. Ulcerative lesions were mainly observed on the elbows (53.84%; 7/13), nostrils (15.38%; 2/13), ears (23.07%; 3/13) and wings of the ilium (7.69%; 1/13). A severe parasite load was detected in 46.15% and 76.92% of the intact and ulcerated skin samples tested, respectively. The parasite load on ulcerated skin was statistically higher than on intact skin (p = 0.0221). These results indicate that the intact and ulcerated skin may host a high parasite load of amastigote forms of Leishmania spp., which can favor the transmission of the parasite. Resumo A pele é o local de inoculação da Leishmania spp. nos hospedeiros susceptíveis e dessa forma, as dermatopatias, principalmente as dermatites ulcerativas são os principais sinais clínicos observados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o parasitismo na pele (íntegra e ulcerada) em cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania spp. através da técnica de imunohistoquímica. Fragmentos de pele (íntegra e ulcerada) foram coletados de 13 cães com diagnóstico parasitológico (aspirado de medula óssea e esfoliação cutânea) e sorológico positivos (ELISA S7® Biogene) paraLeishmania spp. Amostras foram processadas por imunohistoquímica pelo complexo estreptoavidina-peroxidase. As lesões ulcerativas foram observadas principalmente nas regiões do cotovelo 53,84% (7/13), narina 15,38% (2/13), orelha 23,07% (3/13) e sobre a asa do ílio 7,69% (1/13). Uma intensa carga parasitária foi detectada 46,15% e 76,92% das amostras de pele íntegra e ulcerada, respectivamente. A carga parasitária na pele ulcerada foi estatisticamente superior à pele íntegra (p = 0,0221). Esses resultados indicam que a pele intacta e ulcerada pode albergar uma intensa carga parasitária de formas amastigotas de Leishmania spp., o que pode favorecer a transmissão do parasita.

Ulcerative Dermatitis (UD) is the most common cause of unplanned euthanasia in mice used in research, with prevalence rates reported between 4 and 21%. UD is characterized by a deep, ulcerative lesion that appears most commonly over the dorsal neck and is attendant with an intense pruritus. The underlying cause of UD is currently unknown, and as a consequence, there are no directed therapies that resolve lesions reliably. However, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests a behavioral component to the onset, maintenance, and progression of UD lesions. Scratching behavior in response to the intense pruritus associated with UD lesions may be an effective target for interventional therapies. We hypothesized that interfering with scratching behavior by trimming the toenails of mice with UD, would resolve UD lesions. To test this hypothesis, we first evaluated the efficacy of toenail trims with a single application of Vetericyn at the time of treatment versus our previous standard of care, topical Tresaderm applied daily. We found that toenail trims were significantly more effective at resolving lesions (n = 39 toenail trims, n = 100 Tresaderm, p

A number of C57BL/6 (B6) substrains are commonly used by scientists for basic biomedical research. One of several B6 strain-specific background diseases is focal alopecia that may resolve or progress to severe, ulcerative dermatitis. Clinical and progressive histologic changes of skin disease commonly observed in C57BL/6J and preliminary studies in other closely related substrains are presented. Lesions develop due to a primary follicular dystrophy with rupture of severely affected follicles leading to formation of secondary foreign body granulomas (trichogranulomas) in affected B6 substrains of mice. Histologically, these changes resemble the human disease called central centrifugal cicatrical alopecia (CCCA). Four B6 substrains tested have a polymorphism in alcohol dehydrogenase 4 ( Adh4) that reduces its activity and potentially affects removal of excess retinol. Using immunohistochemistry, differential expression of epithelial retinol dehydrogenase (DHRS9) was detected, which may partially explain anecdotal reports of frequency differences between B6 substrains. The combination of these 2 defects has the potential to make high dietary vitamin A levels toxic in some B6 substrains while not affecting most other commonly used inbred strains.

Red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) found dead or dying on the Isle of Wight and the island of Jersey were suffering from exudative, ulcerative dermatitis and superficial staphylococcal pyoderma. The principal gross lesions were on the lips, eyelids and feet and showed similarities to those of squirrelpox. The histopathological lesions were also similar and, although there was no ballooning degeneration of epidermal cells, intracytoplasmic inclusions resembling those seen in poxvirus infections were present. Examination of lesions by electron microscopy failed to identify any virions, and PCR analysis for squirrelpox virus proved negative. The skin lesions also resembled those of mange, but although numerous mites were present in the fur these were mostly Dermacarus sciurinus with small numbers of Metalistrophorus pagenstecheri. The occurrence of these species on red squirrels in Britain is confirmed, but neither is pathogenic and they were not considered to have been involved in the pathogenesis of the dermatitis, the primary cause of which was not established.

Goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) weighing 13 ± 2 g were administered intramuscularly a sublethal dose (1.8 × 10 3 cfu/ml) of Aeromonas hydrophila to induce ulcerative dermatitis. On day 3 and day 6 after infection the fish were dip-treated (for 5 min/day) with a tri-herbal concoction of Curcuma longa, Ocimum sanctum and Azadirachta indica (1%). The LD 50 value was recorded at a concentration of 2.3 × 10 4 between 30 and 36 days after infection. In the infected untreated group the cumulative mortality was higher, while in the early-treated group (day 3) there was no mortality. In the late-treated group (6th day) the mortality increased to 23.3% on day 36. In the infected group the size of ulcers progressively increased from 43.3% of the body length on day 18 to 86.7% on day 36. In the early-treated fish the size of ulcers was 23.3% of the body length on day 18; by day 36 after treatment the ulcer had completely healed. In contrast, there was only a moderate recovery in the late-treated group. From the results it can be concluded that early tri-herbal treatment ensures successful recovery from ulcerative dermatitis induced by A. hydrophila .

Author(s): MacDonald, K A; Kittleson, M D; Kass, P H; White, Stephen D | Abstract: Myocardial fibrosis occurs in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and is one factor that leads to diastolic dysfunction. Spironolactone (SPIR) reduces myocardial fibrosis in several models of HCM and in humans with cardiac disease.SPIR will improve diastolic function and reduce left ventricular (LV) mass in Maine Coon cats with HCM.Maine Coon cats with familial HCM were included if there was concentric hypertrophy (g or =6 mm end diastolic wall thickness) and decreased early lateral mitral annular velocity (Em) or summated early and late mitral annular velocity (EAsum) measured by pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography. Cats were paired by Em-EAsum and randomized to receive 2 mg/kg SPIR (n = 13) or placebo (n = 13) PO q12 h for 4 months. Em-EAsum, systolic velocity, LV mass, and the ratio of left atrial to aortic diameter were measured at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months. Statistical analysis included 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance and the Student's t-test.Plasma aldosterone concentration increased in cats treated with SPIR (235 ng/mL, baseline; 935 ng/mL, 2 months; 1,077 ng/mL, 4 months; P l .001 at 2 and 4 months). No significant treatment effect was identified for early or early-late summated diastolic mitral annular velocity or any other variable except plasma aldosterone concentration. Severe facial ulcerative dermatitis developed in 4 of 13 cats treated with SPIR, requiring discontinuation of the drug.SPIR did not improve Em or EAsum of the lateral mitral annulus or alter LV mass over 4 months. One third of cats treated with SPIR developed severe ulcerative facial dermatitis.

The influence of low-dose-rate chronic radiation exposure and adaptive responses on non-cancer diseases is largely unknown. We examined the effect of low-dose/low-dose-rate fractionated or single exposures on spontaneous chronic ulcerative dermatitis in Trp53 normal or heterozygous female C57BL/6 mice. From 6 weeks of age, mice were exposed 5 days/week to single daily doses (0.33 mGy, 0.7 mGy/h) totaling 48, 97 or 146 mGy over 30, 60 or 90 weeks, and other Trp53+/- mice were exposed to a single dose of 10 mGy (0.5 mGy/min) at 20 weeks of age. The 90-week exposure produced an adaptive response, decreasing both disease frequency and severity in Trp53+/+ mice and extending the life span of older animals euthanized due to severe disease. The 30- or 60-week exposures had no significant protective or detrimental effect. In contrast, the chronic, fractionated exposure for 30 or 60 weeks significantly increased the frequency and severity of the disease in older Trp53+/- mice, significantly decreasing the life span of the animals required to be euthanized for disease. Similarly, the single 10-mGy exposure also increased disease frequency in older animals. However, the chronic, fractionated exposure for 90 weeks prevented these detrimental effects, with disease frequency and severity not different from unexposed controls. We conclude that very low-dose fractionated exposures can induce a protective adaptive response in both Trp53 normal and heterozygous mice, but that a lower threshold level of exposure, similar in both cases, must first be passed. In mice with reduced Trp53 functionality, doses below the threshold can produce detrimental effects.

A 9-yr-old male cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) housed at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia developed cutaneous lesions consisting of alopecia, erythema, ulceration, and crusting on the left fore and hind limbs. Histopathology of skin biopsies in conjunction with indirect fluorescent antibody and polymerase chain reaction testing confirmed a diagnosis of feline herpesvirus-1 dermatitis; microbial culture indicated secondary bacterial infection. Therapy included targeted systemic antimicrobial and antiviral treatment, topical medications, and repeated cryotherapy. Lesions exhibited varying degrees of clinical improvement but, overall, progressed in extent, size, and severity during the subsequent 2.5 yr of intense treatment. The cheetah was ultimately euthanized due to a guarded prognosis and concerns about poor quality of life. Potential factors initiating or contributing (or both) to the severity and nonhealing nature of the cutaneous lesions include chronic unidentified stress, altered immune system function, and other environmental influences.

A 2-yr-old, captive, intact female Virginia opossum ( Didelphis virginiana ) with a 7-mo history of ulcerative dermatitis and weight loss was euthanatized for progressive worsening of clinical signs. Initially the opossum was treated with several courses of antibiotics, both topically and systemically; systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication; and, later, systemic glucocorticoids, with no improvement in clinical signs. Histopathologic samples of skin lesions taken 3 mo into the course of disease revealed no evidence of neoplasia; however, cytologic samples of a skin lesion taken 5 mo into the course of disease revealed mature lymphocytes, and were suggestive of cutaneous lymphoma. Postmortem histopathology revealed neoplastic cells consistent with lymphoma; these were found in the haired skin of the forearm, axilla, hind limb, face, and lateral body wall, as well as the liver, kidney, axillary lymph node, heart, and spleen. Multifocal neutrophilic and eosinophilic ulcerative and necrotizing dermatitis and folliculitis of the haired skin were also present. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of cutaneous lymphoma in a Virginia opossum and the first documented case with visceral metastases in a marsupial.

Skin Picking Disorder affects 4% of the general population, with serious quality of life impacts, and potentially life threatening complications. Standard psychoactive medications do not help most patients. Similarly, Mouse Ulcerative Dermatitis (skin lesions caused by excessive abnormal grooming behavior) is very common in widely used inbred strains of mice, and represents a serious animal welfare issue and cause of mortality. Treatment options for Ulcerative Dermatitis are largely palliative and ineffective. We have proposed mouse Ulcerative Dermatitis as a model for human Skin Picking Disorder based on similar epidemiology, behavior, and its comorbidity and mechanistic overlap with hair pulling (trichotillomania). We predicted that mouse Ulcerative Dermatitis would be treated by N-Acetylcysteine, as this compound is highly effective in treating both Skin Picking Disorder and Trichotillomania. Furthermore, we hypothesized that N-Acetylcysteine's mode of action is as a precursor to the production of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione in the brain, and therefore intranasal glutathione would also treat Ulcerative Dermatitis. Accordingly, we show in a heterogenous prospective trial, the significant reduction in Ulcerative Dermatitis lesion severity in mice receiving either N-acetylcysteine (oral administration) or glutathione (intranasal). The majority of mice treated with N-acetylcysteine improved slowly throughout the course of the study. Roughly half of the mice treated with glutathione showed complete resolution of lesion within 2-4 weeks, while the remainder did not respond. These findings are the first to show that the use of N-acetylcysteine and Glutathione can be curative for mouse Ulcerative Dermatitis. These findings lend additional support for mouse Ulcerative Dermatitis as a model of Skin Picking Disorder and also support oxidative stress and glutathione synthesis as the mechanism of action for these compounds. As N-Acetylcysteine is poorly tolerated by many patients, intranasal glutathione warrants further study as potential therapy in Skin Picking, trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behavior disorders.

To compare detection rates of feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) DNA in skin biopsy specimens from cats with herpetic dermatitis, cats with nonherpetic dermatitis, and cats without dermatitis.Prevalence survey. Animals-5 cats (9 biopsy specimens) with herpetic ulcerative dermatitis, 14 cats (17 biopsy specimens) with nonherpetic ulcerative dermatitis, and 8 cats (21 biopsy specimens) without clinically apparent skin lesions.A single-phase PCR assay was used to detect FHV-1 DNA in biopsy specimens. Assay results were compared with results of histologic examination.FHV-1 DNA was detected in all 9 biopsy specimens from the 5 cats with herpetic dermatitis and in 1 of 17 biopsy specimens from the 14 cats with nonherpetic dermatitis, but was not detected in any of the 21 biopsy specimens from the 8 cats without dermatitis. When results of histologic examination were used as the gold standard, sensitivity and specificity of the PCR assay were 100% and 95%, respectively.Results confirmed that FHV-1 DNA can be detected in the skin of cats with herpetic dermatitis and suggest that the virus may play a causative role in the disease. In addition, the PCR assay may be useful in confirming a diagnosis of herpetic dermatitis.

A 10.5-yr-old male spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) developed acute, severe erythematous and ulcerative dermatitis of the hindquarters, feet, face, and ears 19 days after receiving a recombinant canary pox vectored canine distemper vaccine. Biopsies of the lesions supported a diagnosis of erythema multiforme (EM), which is an immune-mediated disorder that can occur days to months after exposure to antigenic stimuli. During the lengthy recovery, esophageal regurgitation and ulceration developed either as complications of the disease or secondary to therapy. The esophageal disease was managed with metoclopramide, sulcrafate, omeprazole, and frequent feedings. The distemper vaccine is postulated to have been the inciting cause of EM in this animal.

Summary The nomenclature of ulcerative dermatitis as used in literature is somehow confusing because on the one hand this skin disorder is associated with bacterial growth and on the other hand it is a synonym for a chronic sporadic disease of adult sows with unknown aetiology. Thus, we propose the terminus ‘Porcine Ulcerative Dermatitis Syndrome (PUDS)’ for the latter to distinguish between these two disease complexes. This syndrome could be identified by clinical and pathological examinations in six sows, that were submitted to the clinic. Epidermal ulcers could be found nearly all over the body, but teats were always spared. Haematological examination showed a slight anaemia but physiological leucocyte counts. However, lymphopenia (x = 44.8%), granulocytosis (x = 42.0%) and an increased number of monocytes (x = 13.1%) could be found. Histologically, a lymphoplasmacytic and granulohistiocytic infiltration in the corium was most prominent. In some cases, a moderate leucocytoclastic vasculitis and perivasculitis could be seen at the dermo-epidermal border. Additionally, a multifocal interstitial nephritis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration was a prominent feature in all animals. Participation of an immune complex associated disorder can be assumed when regarding histological findings as skin lesions in combination with glomerulonephritis are a common feature of such diseases. Also, IgG levels were elevated two- to fourfold in all affected sows when compared with healthy control pigs. This supports the hypothesis that not only T cells, as shown previously, but also the humoral branch of the immune system is involved in the aetiology of PUDS.

Two forms of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in Israeli dairy cattle herds during a survey period of 13 years (1989–2001) are described. The more common form, which was diagnosed in 45 herds, was characterized by ulcerative granulomatous lesions which occurred either sporadically – in 26 herds (with a morbidity rate of up to 5% – or in an epidemic course in 19 herds. Most (80·6%) of the affected animals were cows; the rest were first-calving cows (16·2%) and heifers (3·2%). The morbidity occurred mostly during the summer months. The ulcerative granulomatous lesions appeared in three clinical forms: cutaneous, mastitic and visceral. Mixed forms were also observed. The morbidity rate was 6·4% and the culling rate reached 16·3% of the affected animals. Most of the strains of C. pseudotuberculosis which were isolated from the abscesses in the cutaneous form of the disease and from milk samples failed to reduce nitrate. A decrease in milk production (6%) and an increase in bulk-milk somatic cell count were noted. Necrotic and ulcerative dermatitis on the heel of the foot occurred in an epidemic course in heifers in only two herds during the winter months, with morbidity rates of 7·5 and 76·2%, respectively. C. pseudotuberculosis isolates from skin lesions and from the soil did reduce nitrate. Clinical, epizootiological and microbiological aspects of the infection are described.

In addition to being important upper respiratory tract pathogens of cats, FCVs are increasingly reported as a cause of a highly contagious febrile hemorrhagic syndrome. Strains causing this syndrome are genetically different from the vaccine strain and other nonhemorrhagic FCV isolates. They apparently differ from one outbreak to another. The syndrome is characterized variably by fever; cutaneous edema and ulcerative dermatitis; upper respiratory tract signs; anorexia; occasionally icterus, vomiting, and diarrhea; and a mortality that approaches 50%. Adult cats tend to be more severely affected than kittens, and vaccination does not appear to have a significant protective effect. Rapid recognition of the disease through identification of clinical signs and appropriate testing, followed by strict institution of disinfection, isolation, and quarantine measures, are essential to prevent widespread mortality resulting from the infection.