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OBJECTIVE To evaluate hearing loss in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS), breed-specific brainstem auditory-evoked response (BAER) testing parameters are needed to help assess the Chiari-like malformation (CM) grade. The purpose of this study was to establish breed-specific BAER data and to determine if BAER indexes differed based on the CM grade. We hypothesized that there would be latency differences based on the CM grade. ANIMALS 20 CKCS without apparent hearing abnormalities as assessed by the owners. PROCEDURES Under general anesthesia, CKCS underwent a CT scan (to assess the middle ear), BAER testing, and MRI (to assess the grade of CM). RESULTS No CKCS had CM0. Nine (45%) CKCS had CM1; 11 (55%) had CM2. All had at least 1 morphologic abnormality in waveforms. Absolute and interpeak latencies were reported for all CKCS and compared between CM grades. The median threshold for CKCS with CM1 was 39 and for CM2 was 46. Absolute latencies for CKCS with CM2 were consistently longer than those for CKCS with CM1 with the exception of waves II and V at 33 dB. Significant differences were found for wave V at 102 dB ( P = .04) and wave II at 74 dB (P = .008). Interpeak latency comparisons were inconsistent between CM1 and CM2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Breed-specific BAER data for CKCS with CM1 and CM2 were established. The results suggest that CM impacts BAER latency results, but the influence of the malformation is not always statistically significant or predictable.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is the prodrug of mycophenolic acid (MPA) which acts as an immunosuppressive agent. During the biotransformation of MMF to MPA, additional metabolites including MPA phenol glucuronide (MPAG), MPA acyl glucuronide (AcMPAG) and MPA phenol glucoside (MPG) are formed.To define the noncompartmental pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of three single doses of intravenous (i.v.) MMF and its downstream metabolites in healthy horses.Six healthy Standardbred mares.Generic MMF (Par Pharmaceuticals; Chestnut Ridge, NY, USA) was reconstituted and administered as a single i.v. bolus at 1.0 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/kg and 10.0 mg/kg with an eight day washout between treatments. Blood samples were collected immediately before MMF administration and over 24 h. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay was developed following FDA guidance to determine plasma MMF, MPA, MPAG, AcMPAG and MPG concentrations. Plasma concentrations were analysed independently, followed by calculation of geometric mean and coefficient of variation.Noncompartmental PK parameters were determined for MMF and all metabolites at all doses. MMF was rapidly converted to MPA in all horses. Each incremental dose of MMF resulted in increases in CHorses biotransform MMF into MPA, MPAG, AcMPAG and MPG via the glucuronidation and glucosidation clearance pathways. Equine reference PK profiles for MPA and the metabolites, MPAG, AcMPAG and MPG were established.Le mycophénolate mofétil (MMF) est le précurseur de l'acide mycophénolique (MPA) qui agit comme agent immunosuppresseur. Au cours de la biotransformation du MMF en MPA, des métabolites supplémentaires, notamment le phénol glucuronide de MPA (MPAG), l'acyl glucuronide de MPA (AcMPAG) et le phénol glucoside de MPA (MPG), sont formés.Définir les paramètres pharmacocinétiques (PK) non compartimentaux de trois doses uniques de MMF par voie intraveineuse (i.v.) et de ses métabolites en aval chez des chevaux sains. Animaux : Six juments trotteur américain sains. Matériels et méthodes : Le MMF générique (Par Pharmaceuticals ; Chestnut Ridge, NY, États-Unis) a été reconstitué et administré en une seule injection i.v. bolus à 1,0 mg/kg, 5,0 mg/kg et 10,0 mg/kg avec un sevrage de huit jours entre les traitements. Des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés immédiatement avant l'administration de MMF et sur 24 h. Un test de chromatographie liquide-spectrométrie de masse en tandem a été développé conformément aux directives de la FDA pour déterminer les concentrations plasmatiques de MMF, MPA, MPAG, AcMPAG et MPG. Les concentrations plasmatiques ont été analysées indépendamment, suivies du calcul de la moyenne géométrique et du coefficient de variation. Résultats : Les paramètres pharmacocinétiques non compartimentaux ont été déterminés pour le MMF et tous les métabolites à toutes les doses. Le MMF a été rapidement converti en MPA chez tous les chevaux. Chaque dose supplémentaire de MMF a entraîné une augmentation de la CIntroducción- El micofenolato mofetilo (MMF) es el profármaco del ácido micofenólico (MPA) que actúa como agente inmunosupresor. Durante la biotransformación de MMF a MPA, se forman metabolitos adicionales que incluyen MPA fenol glucurónido (MPAG), MPA acil glucurónido (AcMPAG) y MPA fenol glucósido (MPG). Objetivo- Definir los parámetros farmacocinéticos (PK) no compartimentales de tres dosis únicas de MMF intravenoso (i.v.) y sus metabolitos progresivos en caballos sanos. Animales- Seis yeguas sanas de raza estándar. Materiales y métodos- MMF genérico (Par Pharmaceuticals; Chestnut Ridge, NY, EE. UU.) se reconstituyó y se administró como una dosis única en un bolo i.v a 1,0 mg/kg, 5,0 mg/kg y 10,0 mg/kg con un lavado de ocho días entre tratamientos. Las muestras de sangre se recogieron inmediatamente antes de la administración de MMF y tras 24 h. Se desarrolló un ensayo de cromatografía líquida-espectrometría de masas en tándem siguiendo las directrices de la FDA para determinar las concentraciones plasmáticas de MMF, MPA, MPAG, AcMPAG y MPG. Las concentraciones plasmáticas se analizaron de forma independiente, seguido del cálculo de la media geométrica y el coeficiente de variación. Resultados- Se determinaron los parámetros farmacocinéticos no compartimentales para MMF y todos los metabolitos en todas las dosis. MMF se convirtió rápidamente en MPA en todos los caballos. Cada dosis incremental de MMF resultó en aumentos en CHintergrund: Mycophenolat Mofetil (MMF) ist der Vorläufer von Mycophenolsäure (MPA), die als immunsupprimierendes Agens wirkt. Während der Biotransformation von MMF zu MPA werden weitere Metaboliten wie MPA Phenolglucuronid (MPAG), MPA Acylglucuronid (AcMPAG) und MPA Phenolglukosid (MPG) gebildet. Ziel: Die Definition von nicht kompartimentierten pharmakokinetischen (PK) Parametern von drei Einzeldosen intravenöser (i.v.) MMF und seiner nachfolgenden Metaboliten bei gesunden Pferden. Tiere: Sechs gesunde Standardbred Stuten. Materialien und Methoden: Generische MMF (Par Pharmaceuticals; Chestnut Ridge, NY, USA) wurden rekonstituiert und als Einzeldosen i.v. als Bolus von 1,0 mg/kg, 5,0 mg/kg und 10,0 mg/kg mit einer acht-tägigen Auswaschzeit zwischen den Behandlungen verabreicht. Es wurden unmittelbar vor der MMF Verabreichung und über einen Zeitraum von 24 h Blutproben genommen. Ein Liquid Chromatografie-Tandem Massenspektrometrie Assay wurde nach FDA Auflagen entwickelt, um Plasma MMF, MPA, MPAG, AcMPAG und MPG Konzentrationen zu bestimmen. Die Plasmakonzentrationen wurden, gefolgt von einer Kalkulation des geometrischen Mittels und des Variationskoeffizienten, unabhängig analysiert. Ergebnisse: Nicht kompartimentalisierte PK Parameter wurden für MMF und alle seine Metaboliten bei allen Dosierungen bestimmt. MMF wurde bei allen Pferden rasch zu MPA konvertiert. Jede zunehmende Dosis von MMF ergab Zunahmen von C背景- ミコフェノール酸モフェチル(MMF)はミコフェノール酸(MPA)のプロドラッグであり、免疫抑制剤として作用する。MMFからMPAへの生体内変換の過程で、MPAフェノールグルクロニド(MPAG)、MPAアシルグルクロニド(AcMPAG)およびMPAフェノールグルコシド(MPG)などの代謝物がさらに生成される。 目的- 本研究の目的は、健常馬にMMFを単回3回静脈内投与し、その下流代謝物のノンコンパートメント薬物動態(PK)パラメータを明らかにすることであった。 供試動物- 健常スタンダードブレッド種牝馬6頭 材料と方法- ジェネリックMMF(Par Pharmaceuticals; Chestnut Ridge, NY, USA)を再構成し、1.0 mg/kg、5.0 mg/kg、10.0 mg/kgを単回静脈内ボーラス投与し、投与後8日間のウォッシュアウト期間を設けた。血漿中のMMF、MPA、MPAG、AcMPAGおよびMPG濃度を測定するために、FDAガイダンスに従って液体クロマトグラフィー-タンデム質量解析法が開発された。血漿中濃度は独立して解析され、幾何平均および変動係数が算出された。 結果- MMFおよび全代謝物について、全用量におけるノンコンパートメントPKパラメータを決定した。MMFはすべての馬で速やかにMPAに変換された。MMFの投与量が増加するごとに、MPAおよび3つの追加代謝物のCmaxおよびAUCinf_obsは増加した。10倍の用量範囲では、MMFおよびその代謝物のCmaxおよびAUCinf_obsの増加は非線形であった。 結論と臨床的意義- 馬はMMFをグルクロン酸化およびグルコシドリデーションクリアランス経路を経て、MPA、MPAG、AcMPAGおよびMPGに生体内移行させる。MPAおよびその代謝物であるMPAG、AcMPAGおよびMPGの馬参照PKプロファイルが確立された。.背景:吗替麦考酚酯 (MMF) 是作为免疫抑制剂的麦考酚酸 (MPA) 的前体药物。在 MMF 生物转化为 MPA 的过程中，形成了其他代谢物，包括 MPA 苯酚葡糖苷酸 (MPAG)、MPA酰基葡糖苷酸 (AcMPAG) 和 MPA 苯酚葡糖苷酸 (MPG)。 目的:定义健康马的3次单独静脉 (i.v.) 给药 MMF 及其下游代谢产物的非房室药代动力学 (PK) 参数。 动物:6只健康标准繁殖母马。 材料和方法:复溶通用MMF(Par Pharmaceuticals；Chestnut Ridge，NY，USA)，并以1.0 mg/kg、5.0 mg/kg和10.0 mg/kg的剂量单次静脉推注给药，两次给药之间间隔8天洗脱期。在 MMF 给药前即刻和 24 h 内采集血样。根据 FDA 指南开发了液相色谱-串联质谱法，以测定血浆MMF、MPA、MPAG、AcMPAG和 MPG 浓度。单独分析血浆浓度，然后计算几何平均值和变异系数。 结果:测定了所有剂量下 MMF 和所有代谢物的非房室 PK 参数。所有马中的 MMF 均迅速转化为MPA。MMF 的每个递增剂量导致 MPA 和另外三种代谢物的 Cmax 和AUCinf_obs增加。在10倍剂量范围内，MMF及其代谢物的 Cmax 和AUCinf_obs呈非线性增加。 结论和临床相关性:马通过葡萄糖醛酸化和糖苷化清除途径，将 MMF 生物转化为MPA、MPAG、AcMPAG和MPG。确定了 MPA 及其代谢物MPAG、AcMPAG和 MPG 的马参考 PK 曲线。.Contexto - O micofenolato de mofetila (MMF) é o precursor do ácido micofenólico (MPA) que age como um agente imunossupressor. Durante a biotransformação do MMF em MPA, metabólitos adicionais incluindo MPA fenolglicuronídeo (MPAG), MPA acilglicuronídeo (AcMPAG) e MPA fenolglicosídeo (MPG) são formados. Objetivo - Definir os parâmetros da farmacocinética (PK) não compartimental de três doses únicas de MMF intravenoso (IV) e sua cascara de metabólitos em cavalos saudáveis. Animais - Seis éguas saudáveis Standarbred. Materiais e métodos - MMF genérico (Par Pharmaceuticals; Chestnut Ridge, NY, USA) foi reconstituído e administrado em uma dose única em bolus IV a 1,0 mg/kg, 5,0 mg/kg e 10,0 mg/kg com um intervalo de oito dias entre tratamentos As amostras de sangue foram coletadas imediatamente antes da administração de MMF e após 24 horas. Um ensaio de espectrometria de massa em tandem líquido foi desenvolvido seguindo as diretrizes do FDA para determinar as concentrações plasmáticas de MMF, MPA, MPAG, AcMPAG e MPG. As concentrações plasmáticas foram analisadas de forma independente, seguido pelo cálculo da média geométrica e do coeficiente de variação. Resultados - Os parâmetros da PK não compartimental foram determinados para MMF e todos os metabólitos em todas as doses. MMF foi rapidamente convertido a MPA em todos os cavalos. Cada incremento na dose de MMF resultou em aumentos de C

A myringotomy is a surgical incision made in the tympanic membrane (TM). This gives access to the middle ear for sampling, flushing and instilling topical therapy. It should be considered whenever the TM is intact and there is clinical evidence of otitis media, abnormal TMs and/or abnormal diagnostic imaging. Samples should be collected for cytological investigation and culture, and then the external ear should be cleaned and dried (if required). Myringotomies should be performed under general anaesthesia and, wherever possible, using a video otoscope; the enhanced view and instrument ports facilitate the technique and reduce the risk of complications. The myringotomy incision should be made in the caudoventral quadrant of the TM using an appropriately sized urinary catheter to collect samples and flush the middle ear cavity. A thorough understanding of the anatomy, technique and potential ototoxicity of topical therapy is needed to minimize the risk of neurological and other complications. The TM usually heals within 35 days if kept free of infection.Une myringotomie est une incision chirurgicale de la membrane tympanique (TM). Elle donne accès à l’oreille moyenne pour prélèvement, flushing et traitement topique. Elle doit être envisagée même si la TM est intacte et si il y a des signes cliniques évocateurs d’otite moyenne, de TM anormale et/ou un diagnostic anormal d’imagerie. Les échantillons devraient être collectés pour cytologie et culture, et ainsi l’oreille externe devrait être nettoyée et séchée (si besoin). Les myringotomies devraient être réalisées sous anesthésie générale et si possible à l’aide d’un vidéo-otoscope; l’amélioration de la visualisation et du port des instruments facilitent la technique et réduit le risque de complications. L’incision de myringotomie devrait être réalisée dans le cadrant caudo-ventral de la TM à l’aide d’une sonde urinaire de diamètre approprié pour la collecte des échantillons et le nettoyage de la bulle tympanique. Une meilleure connaissance de l’anatomie, la technique et la potentielle ototoxicité du traitement topique est nécessaire pour minimiser le risque de complications, notamment, neurologiques. La Tm cicatrise habituellement en 35 jours si aucune infection n’est présente.Una miringotomía es una incisión quirúrgica realizada en la membrana timpánica (TM). Esto da acceso al oído medio para tomar muestras, lavar e introducir la terapia tópica. Se debe considerar siempre que la TM esté intacta y haya evidencia clínica de otitis media, TM anormales y/o imágenes de diagnóstico anormales. Se deben obtener muestras para investigación citológica y cultivo, y luego se debe limpiar y secar el oído externo (si es necesario). Las miringotomías deben realizarse bajo anestesia general y, siempre que sea posible, utilizando un video otoscopio; la mejor visualización y los enlaces para instrumentos facilitan la técnica y reducen el riesgo de complicaciones. La incisión de miringotomía debe realizarse en el cuadrante caudoventral de la TM utilizando un catéter urinario de tamaño apropiado para recolectar muestras y lavar la cavidad del oído medio. Se necesita un conocimiento profundo de la anatomía, la técnica y la posible ototoxicidad de la terapia tópica para minimizar el riesgo de complicaciones neurológicas y de otro tipo. La TM generalmente cicatriza en 35 días si se mantiene libre de infección.Eine Myringotomie ist eine chirurgische Inzision am Trommelfell (TM). Diese ermöglicht einen Zugang zum Mittelohr, um Proben zu nehmen, es zu spülen oder topische Medikamente zu applizieren. Sie sollte immer in Betracht gezogen werden, wenn das TM intakt ist und eine klinische Evidenz für eine Mittelohrentzündung, abnormale TMs und/oder eine abnormale bildgebende Diagnostik vorliegen. Die Proben sollten für eine zytologische Untersuchung und Kultur genommen werden, danach sollte das äußere Ohr gereinigt und (wenn nötig) getrocknet werden. Myringotomien sollten unter Vollnarkose und wenn möglich mittels Video Otoskop durchgeführt werden; die erweiterte Sicht und die Instrumentenzugänge erleichtern die Technik und reduzieren das Risiko von Komplikationen. Die Inzision für die Myringotomie sollte im caudoventralen Quadranten des TM erfolgen, wobei ein entsprechend großer Katzenharnkatheter zur Probenahme und zur Spülung des Mittelohrs Verwendung finden sollte. Ein genaues Wissen der Anatomie, der Technik und der möglichen Ototoxizität der topischen Therapie ist Voraussetzung, um das Risiko einer neurologischen oder einer anderen Komplikation zu minimieren. Das TM heilt normalerweise, wenn eine Infektion verhindert wird, innerhalb von 35 Tagen zu.鼓膜切開術は, 鼓膜(TM)を切開する手術である。鼓膜を切開することにより, 中耳へのアクセスが可能となり, サンプリング, フラッシング, 外用療法の実施が可能となる。鼓膜が無傷で、中耳炎の臨床的証拠、鼓膜の異常、および画像診断の異常がある場合には、鼓膜切開を考慮すべきである。細胞学的検査および培養のためにサンプルを採取し、外耳洗浄して乾燥させる (必要な場合) 必要がある。鼓膜切開術は全身麻酔下で行い、可能な限りビデオ耳鏡を使用すべきである。鼓膜切開術は、サンプル採取および中耳腔洗浄のために適切なサイズの尿道カテーテルを用いて鼓膜の尾腹側四分円に行うべきである。神経系やその他の合併症のリスクを最小限に抑えるためには、解剖、技術、および外用療法の潜在的な耳毒性を十分に理解する必要がある。感染がなければ、TMは通常35日以内に治癒する。.鼓膜切开术是在鼓膜(TM)上做的手术切口。这允许进入中耳进行采样、冲洗和外部治疗灌注。当TM完整且有中耳炎、TM异常和/或诊断成像异常的临床证据时, 应考虑TM。应采集样本进行细胞学检查和培养, 然后 (如需要) 清洁外耳并使之干燥。鼓膜切开术应在全身麻醉下进行, 并在可能的情况下使用视频耳镜进行操作; 增强的视野和器械端口有助于该技术, 并降低并发症的风险。应使用合适尺寸的导管在TM尾腹侧象限做鼓膜切开术切口, 采集样本并冲洗中耳腔。需要全面了解外部治疗的解剖结构、技术和潜在耳毒性, 以将神经和其他并发症的风险降至最低。如果保持无感染,TM通常在35天内愈合。.A miringotomia é uma incisão cirúrgica realizada na membrana timpânica (MT) que dá acesso ao ouvido médio para coleta de amostras, limpeza e instilação de terapia tópica. A miringotomia deve ser considerada sempre que a MT está intacta e há evidência clínica de otite média, MTs anormais e/ou exame de imagem anormal. As amostras devem ser coletadas para investigação citológica e cultura, e depois o ouvido médio deve ser limpo e seco (se necessário). Miringotomias devem ser realizadas sob anestesia geral e, sempre que possível, utilizando um vídeo otoscópio; a visão ampliada e as portas para instrumentos facilitam a técnica e reduzem o risco de complicações. A incisão da miringotomia deve ser realizada no quadrante caudoventral da MT utilizando um cateter urinário de tamanho apropriado para coletar amostras e lavar a cavidade do ouvido médio. Um conhecimento aprofundado da anatomia, técnica e potencial ototoxicidade de produtos tópicos é necessário para minimizar o risco de complicações neurológicas e de outra natureza. A MT geralmente cicatriza em 35 dias se for mantida sem infecção.

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical use of wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) reflectance for middle ear assessment in dogs. Otoscopy and brainstem auditory evoked response testing was performed on all dogs prior to the WAI assessment. Following calibration, dogs were comfortably restrained while the probe was placed into the ear canal to obtain recordings. Testing was repeated for replicability. Repeatable WAI reflectance patterns were observed in 24 dogs, characterized by low-reflectance resonant peaks at approximately 1500–1800 Hz and 3000–4000 Hz. Observed patterns suggest WAI may be a practical means of assessing middle ear function in dogs.

Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are common illnesses that can cause debilitating neuropathic pain in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). The current imaging modality to screen CKCS for CM/SM is MRI of the brain and cervical spine. Magnetic resonance imaging provides good soft tissue detail and contrast of the cerebellum and cervical spinal cord. Computed tomography (CT) is another cross-sectional imaging technique that facilitates brain and neck evaluation; however, soft tissue resolution does not match that of MRI. Computed tomography benefits include identification of concurrent craniocervical junction anomalies (atlantooccipital overlap) and shorter imaging/anesthesia times with the ability to use only sedation. The aim of this retrospective, method comparison study is to assess the utility of multidetector CT for screening CM and SM in CKCS as compared to high-field MRI. Three groups of observers with different levels of experience graded CM and SM based on the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club CM/SM classification criteria. Thirty CKCS underwent multidetector CT and 3 Tesla MRI studies. Computed tomography and MRI studies were reviewed at different timepoints to minimize bias. Computed tomography has lower Cohen's Kappa agreement for each observer group compared to MRI. The intraclass correlation coefficient averaging CM and SM for all groups was excellent using MRI, while CT was poor for SM and moderate for cerebellar herniation. Greater observer experience resulted in a higher agreement for CT and MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging should remain the standard for screening of CM and SM as CT can result in misclassification and greater disagreement.

Conventional therapy for canine acral lick dermatitis (ALD) consists of systemic antibiotics and anti-anxiety medications. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a noninvasive therapy used to treat inflammatory and painful conditions.The primary objective was to determine whether LLLT with conventional therapy would be beneficial as an adjunct treatment for ALD. We hypothesized that LLLT and conventional therapy combined would result in a greater reduction in licking Visual Analog Score (LVAS) compared to conventional therapy alone. Secondary objectives were to assess change in lesion/ulcer size, thickness and hair growth.Thirteen dogs with a skin lesion consistent with ALD.Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups. All dogs received systemic antibiotics and trazodone. The treatment group (TG) received LLLT by laser (130 mW, 2 min) with blue and red light-emitting diodes (LEDs), while the control group (CG) had sham therapy (laser/LEDs off). Treatments were administered three times weekly for two weeks, then twice weekly for two weeks for a total of 10 visits. Descriptive statistics were performed (mean, median); primary and secondary objectives were assessed with nonparametric ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis test), with significance set at P 0.05.Thirteen dogs (six CG, seven TG) were enrolled. There were no significant differences in median LVAS, lesion/ulcer size or thickness of the ALD lesion between TG and CG. There was a significantly greater increase (24%) in hair growth in TG (P = 0.0081) compared to CG.Treatment of ALD requires multimodal therapy. Although combining LLLT with conventional therapy did not result in a significantly greater reduction in LVAS, there was a significant increase in hair growth compared to conventional therapy alone.Le traitement de la dermatite de léchage du chien (ALD) consiste en une antibiothérapie systémique et un traitement anxiolytique. Un traitement au laser de basse énergie (LLLT) est un traitement non invasif utilisé pour traiter les atteintes douloureuses et inflammatoires. HYPOTHÈSES/OBJECTIFS: L’objectif initial était de déterminer si LLLT avec traitement conventionnel pourrait être bénéfique comme traitement complémentaire pour l’ALD. Nous supposons que LLLT et le traitement conventionnel associé résulterait en une meilleure amélioration de l’échelle visuelle analogue de léchage (LVAS) comparé à un traitement conventionnel seul. Les objectifs secondaires étaient d’estimer les changements dans la taille de la lésion/ulcère, l’épaississement et la croissance pilaire.Treize animaux atteints de lésions compatibles avec ALD. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Les chiens ont été répartis au hasard en deux groupes. Tous les chiens recevaient des antibiotiques systémiques et de la trazodone. Le groupe traitement (TG) a reçu LLLT par laser (130 nW, 2 min) avec diodes LEDs émettant de la lumière bleue et rouge, tandis que le groupe contrôle (CG) avait un traitement placebo (laser/LEDS éteint). Les traitements ont été administrés trois fois par semaine pendant deux semaines, puis deux fois par semaine pendant deux semaines pour un total de 10 visites. Les statistiques descriptives ont été réalisées (moyenne, médiane) ; les objectifs primaires et secondaires ont été évalués par ANOVA non paramétrique (Kruskal-Wallis test), avec limite significative à P 0.05. RÉSULTATS: Treize chiens (six GC, sept TG) ont été inclus. Il n’y avait pas de différence significative des médianes de LVAS, taille de lésion/ulcère ou épaississement de lésion ALD entre TG et CG. Il y avait significativement une meilleure augmentation (24%) de la croissance pilaire dans TG (P = 0.0081) comparé à CG.Le traitement de l’ALD nécessite un traitement multimodal. Bien que l’association de LLLT avec un traitement conventionnel ne résulte pas en une réduction significativement plus marquée de LVAS, il y avait une augmentation significative de la croissance pilaire comparée à un traitement conventionnel seul.INTRODUCCIÓN: la terapia convencional para la dermatitis acral por lamido canina (ALD) consiste en antibióticos sistémicos y medicamentos contra la ansiedad. La terapia con láser de bajo nivel (LLLT) es una terapia no invasiva que se usa para tratar afecciones inflamatorias y dolorosas. HIPÓTESIS/OBJETIVOS: el objetivo principal fue determinar si la LLLT con terapia convencional sería beneficiosa como tratamiento complementario para la ALD. Planteamos la hipótesis de que la LLLT y la terapia convencional combinada daría como resultado una mayor reducción en la valoración visual análoga (LVAS) en comparación con la terapia convencional sola. Los objetivos secundarios fueron evaluar el cambio en el tamaño de la lesión/úlcera, el grosor y el crecimiento del cabello. ANIMALES: trece perros con una lesión compatible con ALD. MÉTODOS Y MATERIALES: los perros se asignaron al azar a dos grupos. Todos los perros recibieron antibióticos sistémicos y trazodona. El grupo de tratamiento (TG) recibió LLLT por láser (130 mW, 2 min) con diodos emisores de luz (LEDs) azul y rojo, mientras que el grupo de control (CG) recibió terapia simulada (láser/LED apagados). Los tratamientos se administraron tres veces por semana durante dos semanas, luego dos veces por semana durante dos semanas para un total de 10 visitas. Se realizaron estadísticas descriptivas (media, mediana); los objetivos primarios y secundarios se evaluaron con ANOVA no paramétrico (prueba de Kruskal-Wallis), con una significación establecida en P 0,05. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron trece perros (seis CG, siete TG). No hubo diferencias significativas en la mediana de LVAS, tamaño de la lesión/úlcera o grosor de la lesión de ALD entre TG y CG. Hubo un aumento significativamente mayor (24%) en el crecimiento del cabello en TG (P = 0,0081) en comparación con CG. CONCLUSIONES Y RELEVANCIA CLÍNICA: el tratamiento de la ALD requiere terapia multimodal. Aunque la combinación de la LLLT con la terapia convencional no dio como resultado una reducción significativamente mayor en LVAS, hubo un aumento significativo en el crecimiento del cabello en comparación con la terapia convencional sola.Die konventionelle Therapie einer akralen Leckdermatitis (ALD) besteht in einer Verabreichung von Antibiotika sowie angstlösenden Medikamenten. Low-Level Lasertherapie (LLLT) ist eine nicht-invasive Therapie, die zur Behandlung von entzündlichen und schmerzhaften Zuständen eingesetzt wird.Das primäre Ziel war es festzustellen, ob die LLLT mit einer konventionellen Therapie als zusätzliche Behandlung für die ALD vorteilhaft wäre. Wir hypothetisierten, dass die LLLT und die konventionelle Therapie in Kombination in einer größeren Reduzierung der Schleck Visual Analog Score (LVAS) resultieren würde als die konventionelle Therapie allein. Sekundäre Ziele waren die Erfassung der Veränderungen von Läsionen/Ulzera, Dicke und Haarwachstum.Dreizehn Hunde mit Veränderungen, die mit einer ALD kompatibel waren.Die Hunde wurden zufällig in zwei Gruppen eingeteilt. Alle Hunde erhielten systemische Antibiotika und Trazodon. Die Behandlungsgruppe (TG) erhielt LLLT mittels Laser (130 mW, 2 min) mit Blau- und Rotlicht-emittierenden Dioden (LEDs), während die Kontrollgruppe (CG) eine vorgetäuschte Therapie (Laser/LEDs aus) erhielt. Die Behandlungen wurden dreimal wöchentlich für zwei Wochen durchgeführt, dann zweimal wöchentlich für zwei Wochen für insgesamt 10 Besuche. Es wurde eine deskriptive Statistik durchgeführt (Durchschnitt, Median); Primär- und Sekundärziele wurden mittels nicht parametrischer ANOVA (Kruskall-Wallis Test) erfasst, mit einer festgesetzten Signifikanz bei P 0,05.Dreizehn Hunde (Sechs CG, sieben TG) wurden verwendet. Es bestanden keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den Medianwerten der LVAS, der Größe der Läsionen/Ulzera oder der Dicker der ALD Veränderungen zwischen der TG und der CG. Es bestand eine signifikant höhere Zunahme an Haarwachstum (24%) bei der TG (P = 0,0081) im Vergleich zur CG.Die Behandlung der ALD benötigt eine multimodale Therapie. Obwohl eine Kombination der LLLT mit konventioneller Therapie nicht in einer signifikanten Reduktion der LVAS resultierte, bestand eine signifikante Zunahme beim Haarwachstum im Vergleich zur konventionellen Therapie allein.背景: 犬肢端舐性皮膚炎 (ALD) の従来の治療法は、全身性抗生物質および抗不安薬で構成されている。低レベルレーザー治療法 (LLLT) は、炎症および疼痛を伴う状態を治療するために使用される非侵襲的治療法である。 仮説/目的: 主な目的は、従来の治療法を用いたLLLTがALDの補助療法として有益であるかどうかを判断することであった。LLLTと従来の治療法を組み合わせると、従来の治療法のみと比較して、舐性行動の視覚的アナログスコア (LVAS) が大幅に減少するという仮説を立てた。二次的な目的は、病変/潰瘍のサイズ、厚さ、および発毛の変化を評価することであった。 供試動物: ALDと一致した病変を持つ13頭の犬。 材料と方法: 犬はランダムに2グループに割り当てられた。すべての犬は全身抗生物質およびトラゾドンを投与された。治療群 (TG) は青および赤の発光ダイオード (LED) を使用したレーザー (130 mW、2分) でLLLTを受け、対照群 (CG) は偽治療 (レーザー/ LEDオフ) を受けた。治療は週に3回、2週間、次に週に2回、2週間、合計10回の訪問で行われた。記述統計が実行された (平均、中央値) 。一次および二次目的は、ノンパラメトリックANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis検定) で評価され、有意性はP 0.05に設定された。 結果: 13頭の犬 (6頭のCG、7頭のTG) が登録された。TGとCGの間で、LVASの中央値、病変/潰瘍のサイズ、またはALD病変の厚さに有意差はなかった。CGと比較してTG (P = 0.0081) の発毛は有意に大きく増加した (24%)。 結論と臨床的関連性: ALDの治療にはマルチモーダル療法が必要である。LLLTを従来の治療法と組み合わせても、LVASの大幅な低下は見られなかったが、従来の治療法単独と比較して、発毛が大幅に増加した。.背景: 犬肢端舔性皮炎(ALD)的常规治疗包括全身抗生素和抗焦虑药物。低水平激光治疗(LLLT)是一种用于治疗炎症和疼痛疾病的无创疗法。 假设/目的: 主要目的是确定联合ALD的常规治疗,LLLT作为辅助治疗是否有益。我们假设, 与单独常规治疗相比, LLLT和常规治疗联合, 可更多降低舔舐视觉模拟评分(LVAS)。次要目的是评估病变/溃疡大小、厚度和毛发生长的变化。 动物: 13只犬的病变符合ALD。 方法和材料: 将犬随机分配至两组。所有犬均接受全身抗生素和曲唑酮治疗。治疗组(TG)用蓝光和红光发光二极管(LEDs)激光(130 mw,2 min)接受LLLT, 而对照组(CG)为假治疗 (激光/LEDs关闭) 。每周治疗3次, 持续2周, 然后每周治疗2次, 持续2周, 到院治疗共10次。进行描述性统计 (平均值、中位数) ; 使用非参数ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis检验) 评估主要和次要目的, 显著性设定为P0.05。 结果: 入组13只犬 (6只CG,7只TG) 。TG和CG之间的中位LVAS、病变/溃疡大小或ALD病变厚度无显著差异。与CG相比, TG的毛发生长显著增加(24%)(P=0.0081)。 结论和临床相关性: ALD需要多种形式治疗。尽管LLLT联合常规治疗未导致LVAS显著降低, 但与单独常规治疗相比, 毛发生长增加显著。.A terapia convencional para a dermatite acral por lambedura (DAL) consiste em antibioticoterapia sistêmica e medicamentos ansiolíticos. A laserterapia de baixa potência (LBP) é um método terapêutico não invasivo utilizado no tratamento de doenças inflamatórias e dolorosas. HIPÓTESE/OBJETIVOS: O objetivo primário foi determinar se a LBP com a terapia convencional seria benéfica como um tratamento adjuvante para DAL. A nossa hipótese foi que a LBP associada à terapia convencional resultaria em uma maior redução do escore visual analógico de lambedura (LVAS) comparado à terapia convencional isoladamente. Os objetivos secundários foram acessar alterações no tamanho, espessura e crescimento de pelos na lesão/úlcera.Treze cães com uma lesão consistente com DAL. MÉTODOS E MATERIAIS: Os cães foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. Todos os cães receberam antibióticos sistêmicos e trazodona. O grupo tratamento (GT) recebeu LBP por laser (130 mW, 2 min) com diodos emissores de luz (LEDs) azul e vermelha, enquanto o grupo controle (GC) recebeu a terapia sham (sem laser/LEDs). Os tratamentos foram administrados três vezes por semana por duas semanas, depois duas vezes por semana por duas semanas em um total de 10 visitas. Realizou-se estatística descritiva (média, mediana); os objetivos primários e secundários foram avaliados por ANOVA não-paramétrica (Teste de Kruskal-Wallis), com o nível de significância de P0,05.Treze cães (seis do GC e sete do GT) foram incluídos. Não houve diferenças significativas no LVAS médio, tamanho ou espessura da lesão/úlcera da lesão por DAL entre GT e GC. GT. Observou-se um crescimento de pelos significativamente maior (24%) no GT (P = 0,0081) comparado ao GC. CONCLUSÕES E RELEVÂNCIA CLÍNICA: O tratamento da DAL requer terapia multimodal. Apesar de associação de LBP com a terapia convencional não ter resultado em uma redução significativa no LVAS, houve um aumento significativo no crescimento de pelos comparado à terapia convencional isoladamente.

BACKGROUND –: Limited information is available for dogs on threshold concentrations (TCs), and the protein composition of common allergenic extracts produced by different manufacturers. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES –: To characterize the protein heterogeneity of tree, grass, weed and mite allergens from different lots of allergenic extracts, and to determine intradermal TCs for healthy dogs using extracts from two manufacturers. ANIMALS –: Twenty five privately owned, clinically healthy dogs and ten purpose-bred beagle dogs. METHODS AND MATERIALS –: Protein concentration and heterogeneity of 11 allergens from two manufacturers were evaluated using a Bradford-style assay and SDS-PAGE. Intradermal testing was performed with 11 allergens from each company at four dilutions. Immediate reactions were subjectively scored (0 to 4+), and objectively measured (mm) and their percentage concordance evaluated. Model-based TCs were determined by fitting positive reactions (≥2+) at 15 min to generalized estimating equations. RESULTS –: Allergen extract protein quantity and composition varied within and between manufacturers despite sharing the same PNU/mL values. Model-based TCs of one weed, five trees, two grasses and a house dust mite were determined for extracts from Manufacturer 1 (M1), and for extracts of three weeds, three trees and two grasses from Manufacturer 2 (M2). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses determined a percentage concordance of the objective and subjective measurements of 77.3% for M1 and 75% for M2 allergens. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE –: Veterinary allergen extracts labelled as the same species and PNU/mL are not standardized; they show heterogeneity in composition and potency within and between manufacturers. Variability in extract content may require adjustment of intradermal testing concentrations.

Background Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the most common cause of bacterial skin infections in dogs. Meticillin-resistant infections have become more common and are challenging to treat. Blue light phototherapy may be an option for treating these infections. Hypothesis/Objectives The objective of this study was to measure the in vitro bactericidal activity of 465 nm blue light on meticillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MSSP) and meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP). We hypothesized that irradiation with blue light would kill MSSP and MRSP in a dose-dependent fashion in vitro as previously reported for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods In six replicate experiments, each strain [MSSP, n = 1; MRSP ST-71 (KM1381) n = 1; and MRSA (BAA-1680) n = 1] were cultivated on semisolid media, irradiated using a 465 nm blue light phototherapeutic device at the cumulative doses of 56.25, 112.5 and 225 J/cm2 and incubated overnight at 35°C. Controls were not irradiated. Colony counts (CC) were performed manually. Descriptive statistics were performed and treatment effects assessed using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney rank-sum test. Bonferroni-corrected rank-sum tests were performed for post hoc analysis when significant differences were identified. Results There was a significant decrease in CC with blue light irradiation at all doses for MRSA (P = 0.0006) but not for MSSP (P = 0.131) or MRSP (P = 0.589). Conclusions Blue light phototherapy significantly reduced CC of MRSA, but not of MSSP or MRSP. The mechanism for the relative photosensitivity of the MRSA isolate is unknown, but is hypothesized to be due to an increased concentration of porphyrin in S. aureus relative to S. pseudintermedius, which would modulate blue light absorption.

Primary secretory otitis media (PSOM) is a disease that has been described in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS). A large, bulging pars flaccida identified on otoscopic examination confirms the diagnosis. However, in many CKCS with PSOM the pars flaccida is flat, and radiographic imaging is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Current treatment for PSOM includes performing a myringotomy into the caudal-ventral quadrant of the pars tensa with subsequent flushing of the mucus out of the bulla using a video otoscope. Repeat myringotomies and flushing of the middle ear are necessary to keep the middle ear free of mucus.

Primary secretory otitis media (PSOM) in the cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS) is similar to otitis media with effusion (OME) in humans. A proposed aetiology of OME is inflammation of the middle ear mucosa, usually due to bacterial infection, leading to auditory tube dysfunction.Our objective was to characterize the microbiological and cytological findings of otic exudates from the external ear canal (EEC) (n = 68) and middle ear (ME) (n = 69) from 41 CKCSs with PSOM.Swab samples from the EEC and mucus aspirated from the ME after performing a myringotomy were obtained for bacterial culture and cytological analysis.Fifty-five of 68 (81%) EEC and 46 of 69 (67%) ME yielded no bacterial growth. Thirty-eight of the 68 (56%) ears had no microbial growth from neither the EEC nor ME; seven (10%) had bacteria isolated from the EEC only; 17 (25%) had bacteria isolated from the ME only, and six (8%) had bacteria isolated from both EEC and ME. Thirty-four total bacterial isolates were cultured from ME. The most common bacterial species isolated were coagulase-negative staphylococci, followed by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Otic cytology identified coccoid organisms in only three of 68 EEC and four of 69 ME.The role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of PSOM in CKCS is unclear. The majority of the EEC and ME of the CKCS with PSOM were negative by conventional bacterial culture and the cytological presence of bacteria was not correlated with culture positives. The potential role of noncultivable microbiota in PSOM requires exploration using molecular methods.L'otite moyenne sécrétante primaire (PSOM) du cavalier king charles spaniel (CKCS) est similaire à l'otite moyenne avec effusion (OME) de l'homme. Une étiologie proposée de l’OME est une inflammation de la muqueuse de l'oreille moyenne, usuellement due à une infection bactérienne menant à un dysfonctionnement du canal auditif. HYPOTHÈSES/OBJECTIFS: Notre objectif était de caractériser les données cytologiques et microbiologiques d'exsudats auriculaires des conduits auriculaires externes (EEC) (n=68) et de l'oreille moyenne (ME) (n=69) de 41 chiens CKCS avec PSOM. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODE: Des écouvillons de EEC et du mucus aspiré de ME après myringotomie ont été obtenus pour culture bactériologique et analyse cytologique. RÉSULTATS: Cinquante cinq des 68 (81%) EEC et 46 des 69 (67%) ME n'ont pas permis de croissance bactérienne. Trente huit des 68 (56%) oreilles n'avaient pas de croissance bactérienne ni de EEC ni de ME; sept (10%) avaient une bactérie isolée de EEC seulement; 17 (25%) avaient des bactéries isolées de ME seulement et six (8%) avaient des bactéries isolées à la fois de EEC et de ME. Trente quatre souches bactériennes totales ont été cultivées de ME. L'espèce bactérienne la plus fréquemment isolée était un staphylocoque coagulase-négatif suivi de Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. La cytologie auriculaire a identifié des organismes coccoïdes dans seulement trois des 68 EEC et quatre des 69 ME.Le rôle bactérien dans la pathogénie de PSOM du CKCS n'est pas clair. La majorité des EEC et ME des CKCS avec PSOM était négative par les cultures bactériologiques conventionnelles et la présence cytologique de bactérie n’était pas corrélée aux cultures positives. Le rôle potentiel du microbiote non cultivable des PSOM nécessite l'exploration à l'aide de méthodes moléculaires.INTRODUCCIÓN: la otitis media secretora primaria (PSOM) en perros de raza Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) es similar a la otitis media con derrame (OME) en humanos. Una etiología propuesta de la OME es la inflamación de la mucosa del oído medio, generalmente debido a una infección bacteriana, que conduce a una disfunción del canal auditivo. HIPÓTESIS/OBJETIVOS: nuestro objetivo fue caracterizar los hallazgos microbiológicos y citológicos de exudados óticos del canal auditivo externo (EEC) (n = 68) y el oído medio (ME) (n = 69) de 41 CKCS con PSOM. MÉTODOS Y MATERIALES: se obtuvieron muestras con hisopo del EEC y mucosidad aspirada de la ME después de realizar una miringotomía para cultivo bacteriano y análisis citológico. RESULTADOS: cincuenta y cinco de 68 (81%) de muestras del CEE y 46 de 69 (67%) del ME no produjeron crecimiento bacteriano. Treinta y ocho de los 68 oídos (56%) no tuvieron crecimiento microbiano ni del EEC ni del ME; siete (10%) presentaron aislados bacterianos solo del CEE; 17 (25%) mostraron bacterias aisladas solo del ME, y seis (8%) tuvieron bacterias aisladas tanto del EEC como del ME. Treinta y cuatro aislamientos bacterianos totales se cultivaron a partir del ME. Las especies bacterianas más comunes aisladas fueron estafilococos coagulasa negativos, seguidos de Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. La citología ótica identificó los organismos cocoides en solo tres de 68 muestras d el EEC y cuatro de 69 del ME. Conclusionesel papel de las bacterias en la patogénesis de la PSOM en CKCS no está claro. La mayoría de las muestras del EEC y del ME de CKCS con PSOM fueron negativas en cultivo bacteriano convencional y la presencia citológica de bacterias no se correlacionó con los positivos del cultivo. El papel potencial de la microbiota no cultivable en PSOM requiere estudios utilizando métodos moleculares.Die primäre sekretorische Otitis media (PSOM) beim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) ist einer Otitis media mit Effusion (OME) beim Menschen ähnlich. Die vermeintliche Ätiologie einer OME ist eine Entzündung der Mittelohrmukosa, üblicherweise durch eine bakterielle Infektion, die zu einer Gehörkanal Dysfunktion führt.Unser Ziel war es, die mikrobiellen und zytologischen Befunde von Ohrexsudaten aus dem äußeren Ohrkanal (EEC)(n = 68) und Mittelohr (ME)(n = 69) von 41 CKCSs mit PSOM zu charakterisieren.Tupferproben vom EEC und aspirierter Schleim vom ME nach Durchführung einer Myringotomy wurden zur Bakterienkultur und zytologischen Analyse entnommen.Fünfundfünfzig von 68 (81%) EEC und 46 von 69 (67%) ME ergaben kein Bakterienwachstum. Achtunddreißig von 68 (56%) Ohren zeigten kein mikrobielles Wachstum, weder aus dem EEC noch aus dem ME; bei sieben (10%) konnten Bakterien nur aus dem EEC isoliert werden; bei 17 (25%) konnten Bakterien nur aus dem ME isoliert werden, und bei sechs (8%) wurden Bakterien sowohl vom EEC wie auch aus dem ME isoliert. Insgesamt wurden vierunddreißig Bakterienisolate aus dem ME kultiviert. Die häufigste Bakterienspezies, die nachgewiesen werden konnte, waren Koagulase-negative Staphylokokken, gefolgt von Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Mittels Zytologie aus dem Ohr wurden kokkoide Organismen in nur drei von 68 EEC und vier von 69 ME nachgewiesen.Die Rolle der Bakterien in der Pathogenese der PSOM beim CKCS ist unklar. Die Mehrheit der EEC und ME der CKCS mit PSOM waren mit konventioneller Bakterienkultur negativ und das zytologische Auftreten der Bakterien war nicht mit den positiven Kulturen korreliert. Die mögliche Rolle von nicht kultivierbaren Mikrobiota bei PSOM sollte mittels molekularer Methoden durchleuchtet werden.背景: キャバリア・キング・チャールズ・スパニエル(CKCS)の原発性滲出性中耳炎(PSOM)は、人の滲出性中耳炎(OME)と似ている。提案されているOMEの病因としては、通常は細菌感染による中耳粘膜の炎症であり、これは聴覚管機能不全につながる。 仮説/目的: 本研究の目的は、PSOMを有するCKCS41頭の外耳道(EEC)(n =68 )および中耳(ME)(n = 69)から得た耳滲出液の微生物学的および細胞学的所見を特徴付けることであった。 材料および方法: EECから採取したスワブサンプルおよび鼓膜切開術実施後MEから吸引した粘液を細菌培養および細胞学的解析のために得た。 結果: 68のうち55 のEEC(81%)および69のうち46 のME(67%)は細菌増殖を生じなかった。 68のうち38の耳(56%)ではEECおよびMEのどちらにおいても細菌増殖を生じなかった。 7つの耳(10%)がEECのみ細菌を分離した。 17の耳(25%)がMEのみ分離された細菌を保有し、6の耳(8%)がEECとMEの両方から分離された細菌を保有していた。合計34の細菌分離株をMEから培養した。単離された最も一般的な細菌種は、コアグラーゼ陰性ブドウ球菌、続いてStaphylococcus pseudintermediusであった。耳垢細胞診では、68のうち3つのEECおよび69のうち4つの MEのみ球菌様微生物を同定した。 結論: CKCSのPSOM病因に対する細菌の役割は不明である。 PSOMを有するCKCSのEECおよびMEの大部分は、従来の細菌培養によって陰性であり、細菌の細胞学的存在は培養陽性と相関していなかった。 PSOMにおける培養不可能な微生物叢の潜在的な役割は、分子法を用いた探査を必要とする。.A otite média secretória primária (PSOM) nos cães da raça cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS) é similar à otite média com efusão (OME) em humanos. A etiologia proposta da OME é a inflamação da mucosa da orelha média, usualmente devido à infecção bacteriana, levando à disfunção da tuba auditiva. HIPÓTESE/OBJETIVOS: Nosso objetivo foi caracterizar os achados microbiológicos e citológicos de exsudatos óticos de conduto auditivo externo (CAE) (n = 68) e ouvido médio (OM) (n = 69) de 41 CKCSs com PSOM. MÉTODOS E MATERIAIS: Amostras por swabs de CAE e muco aspirado de OM pós miringotomia foram obtidos para culturas bacterianas e análises citológicas.Cinquenta e cinco de 68 (81%) dos CAE e 46 de 69 (67%) dos OM não demonstraram crescimento bacteriano. Trinta e oito de 68 (56%) das orelhas não apresentaram nenhum crescimento bacteriano nas amostras oriundas de CAE, bem como das amostras de OM; sete (10%) apresentaram bactérias isoladas apenas no CAE; 17 (25%) apresentaram bactérias isoladas do OM apenas, e seis (8%) apresentaram bactérias isoladas de CAE e OM. Trinta e quatro isolados bacterianos no total foram cultivados do OM. As espécies bacterianas mais comumente isoladas foram os estafilococos coagulase-negativos, seguido de Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Citologia otológica identificou microrganismos cocoides em apenas três dos 68 CAE e 69 OM. CONCLUSÕES: A função das bactérias na patogênese da PSOM em CKCS não está esclarecida. A maioria dos CAE e OM de CKCS com PSOM foram negativos por métodos de cultura convencionais e não houve correlação entre a presença citológica de bactérias e as culturas positivas. A potencial função da microbiota não-cultivável no PSOM requer exploração por métodos moleculares.

Background Hearing loss (HL) is classified as conductive when sound transmission is compromised in the ear canal or middle ear, or sensorineural when there is an abnormality of the receptor cells of the cochlea or auditory pathway. Hearing in dogs is evaluated using the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test. Hypothesis/objectives Our objective was to characterize BAER findings pre- and post-ear flushing in four dogs with acute HL following application of an ointment-based otic medication containing betamethasone, clotrimazole and gentamicin in a mineral oil-based system containing a plasticized hydrocarbon gel. Animals Dogs, ranging from 9 to 11 years old, that had been treated with the otic medication for one to three weeks prior to hearing loss and on otoscopic examination had evidence of medication in the horizontal ear canals. Methods Dogs were anaesthetized for an ear flush to remove the medication from the ear canals. Hearing was assessed using BAER testing, measurements were initiated with 116 decibel peak equivalent sound pressure level (dBpeSPL) click. Estimated threshold was defined as the lowest intensity in dB in which wave V was still present. Results Post-ear flush the estimated threshold improved in both ears of all dogs (mean 22.3 dB; range 13-41 dB), confirming conductive HL due to the otic medication. All owners noted an improvement in their dog's hearing post-ear flush, validating the BAER findings. Conclusions and clinical importance These results emphasize the importance of an ear flush to remove otic medications in dogs that experience acute HL, to determine if the HL is conductive, and if so, to restore hearing.

The canine ear consists of the pinna, external ear canal, middle ear and inner ear. The external ear is composed of auricular and annular cartilage. The auricular cartilage of the pinna becomes funnel shaped at the opening of the external ear canal. The vertical ear canal runs for about 1 inch, then forms the horizontal ear canal, which is composed of auricular and annular cartilage. The middle ear consists of an air-filled tympanic cavity, three auditory ossicles, and tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane is a semitransparent membrane divided into the pars flaccida and pars tensa. The tympanic cavity consists of a small epitympanic recess, a large ventral bulla and the tympanic bulla proper. On the medial wall of the tympanic cavity is the promontory, which houses the cochlea. The cochlear (round) window is located in the caudolateral portion of the promontory, covered by a thin membrane. The vestibular (oval) window is located on the dorsolateral surface of the promontory, covered by a thin diaphragm over which the footplate of the stapes is attached. The auditory tube is a short canal that extends from the nasopharynx to the rostral portion of the tympanic cavity proper. The auditory ossicles are the bones that transmit and amplify air vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear. The inner ear is housed in a bony labyrinth in the petrous portion of the temporal bone. The bony labyrinth contains the membranous labyrinth with its sensory organs responsible for hearing and balance.

The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute published in 2008 new interpretive criteria for the identification of methicillin resistance in staphylococci isolated from animals. The sensitivity of the 2008 interpretive criteria for mecA gene-positive Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, compared with the previous criteria of 2004, was investigated. Thirty clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius from dogs were used. The presence of the mecA gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction. The minimum inhibitory concentration for oxacillin was determined by broth microdilution. The 2008 breakpoint ofor=4 microg/ml for methicillin resistance resulted in a diagnostic sensitivity of 73.3% (22/30). The 2004 breakpoint guideline ofor=0.5 microg/ml resulted in a diagnostic sensitivity of 97% (29/30). For oxacillin disk diffusion, the 2008 interpretive criterion ofor=10 mm for methicillin resistance resulted in a sensitivity of 70% (21/30). If intermediate isolates (11 or 12 mm) were considered resistant, the sensitivity was 93% (28/30). If intermediate isolates (11 or 12 mm) were considered resistant, the sensitivity was 93% (28/30). Application of the 2004 interpretive criterion ofor=17 mm resulted in a diagnostic sensitivity of 100% (30/30). For cefoxitin disk diffusion, the interpretive criterion ofor=21 mm for methicillin resistance (as used for Staphylococcus aureus) resulted in a diagnostic sensitivity of 6.7% (2/30). The interpretive criterion ofor=24 mm (as used for coagulase-negative staphylococci) resulted in a diagnostic sensitivity of 43.3% (13/30). With the use of 2008 interpretive criteria, all 3 tests produced what we consider to be an unacceptable level of false negative results. Our findings also suggest that cefoxitin disk diffusion is an inappropriate screening test for methicillin resistance of canine S. pseudintermedius.

Computed tomography after contrast medium injection was performed in three mesaticephalic canine cadavers to image the auditory tube. Cadavers were positioned in lateral recumbency for imaging. A myringotomy incision was made in the left tympanic membrane of each dog, and contrast medium was infused into the ear canal and middle ear through a balloon-tip catheter. With this method, contrast medium filled the left bulla and auditory tube in all three cadavers. Computed tomography following contrast medium injection was effective for evaluation of the canine auditory tube. Future studies are required to determine the usefulness, as well as the safety, of this procedure in the evaluation of the auditory tube in other breeds of dogs as well as dogs with otitis media.

Background Primary secretory otitis media (PSOM) is a disease reported in the cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS). The diagnosis of PSOM has been made based only on visualization of a bulging tympanic membrane and mucus in the middle ear post-myringotomy. No additional tests have been evaluated for the diagnosis of PSOM; CKCSs with early disease may have been missed. Hypothesis/Objectives The objective of this study was to compare otoscopy, tympanometry, pneumotoscopy and tympanic bulla ultrasonography, using computed tomography (CT) as the gold standard for the diagnosis of PSOM in the CKCS. Animals Sixty CKCSs with clinical signs suggestive of PSOM. Methods Otoscopy, CT scan, tympanic bulla ultrasonography, tympanometry and pneumotoscopy were performed; those CKCSs with a soft tissue density in the middle ear identified on CT had a myringotomy and middle ear flush. Results Forty-three (72%) CKCSs had PSOM (30 bilateral, 13 unilateral). A large bulging pars flaccida was identified in only those CKCS with PSOM (specificity of 100%); however, only 21 of 73 ears with PSOM had a large bulging pars flaccida (sensitivity of 29%). Sensitivity and specificity for tympanometry, pneumotoscopy and tympanic bulla ultrasonography were (84%, 47%), (75%, 79%) and (67%, 47%), respectively. Conclusions and clinical importance Based on these results a large bulging pars flaccida indicates the presence of PSOM, whereas a flat pars flaccida may be present in CKCS that have PSOM as well as those that do not. In CKCSs with a flat pars flaccida none of the above diagnostic tests can be recommended in place of CT scan for the diagnosis of PSOM.

Objective To determine if a constant rate local anesthetic delivery system is more effective than continuous intravenous (IV) morphine infusion for postoperative analgesia. Animals Twenty client-owned dogs undergoing total ear canal ablation. Methods Dogs were randomly assigned to the lidocaine group (LID) or the morphine group (MOR). The LID group received a constant rate infusion of lidocaine locally and a continuous IV infusion of saline, while the MOR group received a constant rate infusion of saline locally and a continuous IV infusion of morphine. The primary investigator evaluated each patient and determined a hospital behavior score, anesthesia recovery score, preoperative pain score, and serial postoperative pain and sedation scores over 38 hours. Pain and sedation observations were videotaped and scored by three additional evaluators. Evaluators were blinded to treatment assignments. Results There were no significant differences in age, weight, hospital behavior scores or anesthesia recovery scores. The primary investigator's pain scores were not significantly different, but sedation scores were significantly lower for the LID group. Sedation and pain scores by the video evaluators were not significantly different between groups. Kappa agreement between observers was poor, but better agreement was noted between sedation scores than pain scores. Drug-related complications were significantly lower in the LID group ( n = 0) compared with the MOR group ( n = 5). Wound complications were not significantly different (LID = 4, MOR = 4). Intravenous delivery complications occurred in 12 (60%) patients. Local delivery complications occurred in five (25%) dogs. Delivery complications were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions and clinical relevance Continuous incisional lidocaine delivery was an equipotent and viable method of providing postoperative analgesia compared with IV morphine. Lidocaine delivery resulted in a trend toward lower pain scores, significantly lower sedation scores, and no dogs requiring analgesic rescue. Wound complications secondary to local infusion were minor and self-limiting. Drug-related complications occurred only in the MOR group.

Objective—To evaluate the in vitro activity of an ear rinse (ER) containing tromethamine, EDTA, and benzyl alcohol on bacterial pathogens from dogs with otitis. Sample Population—Organisms were collected from ear swab specimens from the external and middle ear and included Staphylococcus spp (n = 11; Staphylococcus intermedius [7] and Staphylococcus spp [4]), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5), Proteus spp (5), β-hemolytic streptococcus (11), and 1 control strain of each organism. Procedures—3 test solutions were evaluated including EDTA, tromethamine, and benzyl alcohol (ER); EDTA and tromethamine (ER without benzyl alcohol [ER – BA]); and purified water. Ten-milliliter aliquots of each test solution were transferred into 36 tubes and inoculated with one of the organisms. Samples were retrieved from each tube at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, transferred to Petri dishes, mixed with soybeancasein digest agar, and incubated. After incubation, plates were examined for growth, and the number of colonies was expressed as CFU per milliliter. Results—ER significantly decreased bacterial growth in vitro of P aeruginosa and β-hemolytic streptococcal organisms within 15 minutes, Proteus spp within 30 minutes, and Staphylococcus spp within 60 minutes. Comparatively, the presence of benzyl alcohol in ER significantly decreased bacterial growth of β-hemolytic streptococcus and Proteus spp. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—On the basis of results of this study, future studies should be performed to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of ER alone as a treatment for otic infections caused by β-hemolytic streptococcus, P aeruginosa, and Proteus spp and of ER combined with an antimicrobial agent for otic infections caused by Staphylococcus spp.

Otoscopic evaluation of the external ear canal and tympanic membrane is the first diagnostic procedure that should be performed in animals presented with otitis externa. It is important to become familiar with the normal structures of the ear to identify any abnormalities. The video otoscope greatly enhances visualization of these structures as well as aiding in retrieval of foreign bodies, biopsy of masses, and performance of a myringotomy. In some cases, a complete otoscopic examination is not possible on the first visit, and the animal may require anti-inflammatory medications or otic flushing to visualize the entire ear canal as well as the tympanic membrane. The purpose of the otoscopic examination is to address the otitis by evaluating the condition of the ear, looking for any masses or foreign bodies; noting the presence, consistency, and color of any exudate; and evaluating the patency of the tympanic membrane. Once a complete otic evaluation has been performed, additional diagnostics as well as a treatment plan can be formulated.

Objective—To determine the prevalence of late-phase reactions to intradermal testing with Dermatophagoides farinae in healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis and an immediate reaction to D farinae. Animals—6 healthy dogs and 20 dogs with atopic dermatitis and immediate reactions to D farinae. Procedure—Intradermal tests were performed with D farinae at 1:1,000 wt/vol and 1:50,000 wt/vol concentrations, and skin reactivity was evaluated after 0.25, 6, and 24 hours. Serum D farinae-specific IgE antibodies were assayed. Extent of lesions (atopy index) and pruritus (visual analogue scale) were evaluated in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Results—Late-phase reactions were observed in healthy dogs at 6 hours (n = 2 dogs) and 24 hours (1) with the 1:1,000 wt/vol concentration, and at 6 hours (1) and 24 hours (1) with the 1:50,000 wt/vol concentration of allergen. Late-phase reactions in healthy dogs were only observed in dogs with an immediate reaction to D farinae. Late-phase reactions were observed in 11 of 20 dogs with atopic dermatitis at 6 and 24 hours with the 1:1,000 wt/vol concentration and in 10 of 20 at 6 and 24 hours with the 1:50,000 wt/vol concentration of allergen. There was no difference in mean atopy index, mean visual analogue scale of pruritus, or mean serum D farinae-specific IgE concentration of dogs with a late-phase reaction, compared to dogs without a late-phase reaction. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Late-phase reactions may be observed after an immediate reaction to intradermal skin testing in healthy and allergic dogs but are more commonly observed in dogs with atopic dermatitis. (Am J Vet Res 2002;63:69–73)

Ciclosporin (CSA) is approved for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Ciclosporin is metabolized by liver cytochrome P450 enzymes, a process inhibited by ketoconazole (KTZ).The aims of this study were to determine skin and blood CSA concentrations when CSA was administered alone at 5.0 (Treatment 1) or 2.5 mg/kg (Treatment 2) and when CSA was administered at 2.5 mg/kg concurrently with KTZ at 5 (Treatment 3) or 2.5 mg/kg (Treatment 4). We hypothesized that skin and blood CSA concentrations in Treatment 1 would not differ from those obtained with T3 or T4.In a randomized cross-over study, six healthy research dogs received each of the treatments (Treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4) once daily for 7 days.After the first, fourth and seventh dose for each treatment, a peak and trough skin punch biopsy sample and whole blood sample were collected and analysed with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Data were analysed using a repeated measures approach with PROC MIXED in SAS. Pairwise comparisons were performed with least squares means and Tukey-Kramer adjustment for multiple comparisons.Mean blood CSA concentrations in Treatment 1 were not different from those in Treatment 2 or 4, but were less than in Treatment 3. Mean skin CSA concentrations in Treatment 1 were greater than in Treatment 2, not different from those in Treatment 4, and less than those in Treatment 3.Administration of CSA and KTZ concurrently at 2.5 mg/kg each may be as effective as CSA alone at 5.0 mg/kg for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis.

Knowledge of the normal structure and function of the canine and feline ear is critical to be able to diagnose abnormalities that either involve the ear or originate within one or more of the ear compartments. In addition, a veterinarian must be aware of various structures within or associated with the ear so that they are not damaged or destroyed while treating an animal with otic disease. This article provides a brief discussion of the various anatomic features of the ear and normal physiology of portions of the ear.

Epithelial migration (EM) is a process that serves as a self-cleaning and repair mechanism for the ear canal and tympanic membrane (TM). Epithelial migration has been evaluated in humans and several other species, but not in dogs. The objective of this study was to determine the rate and pattern of EM on the TM in clinically normal laboratory dogs. Eighteen dogs were anaesthetized, and three drops of waterproof drawing ink were placed on two sites of the pars tensa (PT) and one on the pars flaccida (PF). Images were recorded with a video otoscope and digital capture system. Each dog was evaluated and images were recorded every 6-8 days for four evaluations. Migration pattern analysis and EM rate calculation were performed with image-processing software. Descriptive statistics for EM rate (mean, SD, 95% confidence interval) were calculated for all ink-drop locations on the TM (PT1, PT2 and PF) at each time point. No significant differences in the mean EM rates were identified between right and left ears of the fox hounds breeds (beagle or fox hound), or locations PT1 and PT2. The mean overall EM rates (± SD) were 96.4 (± 43.1) and 225.4 (± 128.1) μm/day for the PT and PF, respectively. All ink drops moved outwards, the majority in a radial direction, from the original location to the periphery of the TM. The ink-drop placement method used in this study can be used in future studies to determine the EM rate of the canine TM.

The canine ear consists of the pinna, external ear canal, middle ear and inner ear. The external ear is composed of auricular and annular cartilage. The auricular cartilage of the pinna becomes funnel shaped at the opening of the external ear canal. The vertical ear canal runs for about 1 inch, then forms the horizontal ear canal, which is composed of auricular and annular cartilage. The middle ear consists of an air-filled tympanic cavity, three auditory ossicles, and tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane is a semitransparent membrane divided into the pars flaccida and pars tensa. The tympanic cavity consists of a small epitympanic recess, a large ventral bulla and the tympanic bulla proper. On the medial wall of the tympanic cavity is the promontory, which houses the cochlea. The cochlear (round) window is located in the caudolateral portion of the promontory, covered by a thin membrane. The vestibular (oval) window is located on the dorsolateral surface of the promontory, covered by a thin diaphragm over which the footplate of the stapes is attached. The auditory tube is a short canal that extends from the nasopharynx to the rostral portion of the tympanic cavity proper. The auditory ossicles are the bones that transmit and amplify air vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear. The inner ear is housed in a bony labyrinth in the petrous portion of the temporal bone. The bony labyrinth contains the membranous labyrinth with its sensory organs responsible for hearing and balance.

The purpose of this study was to measure the concentrations of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin following intravenous administration of enrofloxacin in the plasma and ear tissue of dogs with chronic end-stage otitis undergoing a total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy. The goals were to determine the relationship between the dose of enrofloxacin and the concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, and determine appropriate doses of enrofloxacin for treatment of chronic otitis externa and media. Thirty dogs were randomized to an enrofloxacin-treatment group (5, 10, 15 or 20 mg kg(-1)) or control group (no enrofloxacin). After surgical removal, ear tissue samples (skin, vertical ear canal, horizontal ear canal, middle ear) and a blood sample were collected. Concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in the plasma and ear tissue were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Repeated measures models were applied to log-transformed data to assess dosing trends and Pearson correlations were calculated to assess concentration associations. Ear tissue concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than plasma concentrations. Each 5 mg kg(-1 )increase in the dose of enrofloxacin resulted in a 72% and 37% increase in enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin concentrations, respectively. For bacteria with an minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.12-0.15 or less, 0.19-0.24, 0.31-0.39 and 0.51-0.64 microg mL(-1), enrofloxacin should be dosed at 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg kg(-1), respectively. Treatment with enrofloxacin would not be recommended for a bacterial organism intermediate or resistant in susceptibility to enrofloxacin since appropriate levels of enrofloxacin would not be attained.

The tympanic membrane is divided into the pars flaccida (PF) and pars tensa. Otoscopic differences in the appearance of the PF in the dog (flat vs. bulging) have been reported anecdotally. The purpose of this study was to histologically examine the canine PF to determine if differences exist between a flat and a bulging PF. We hypothesized that differences in the PF may be structural or due to an increased pressure in the middle ear. Four adult canine cadavers were used (two had bilateral bulging PF, two had bilateral flat PF). The ear specimens were fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin, decalcified, routinely processed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue (staining for mast cells), and Verhoeff-van Gieson (staining for elastic fibres). One blinded investigator evaluated each PF histologically. Seven ears (three with bulging PF, four with flat PF) were evaluated in the study. The PF was identified in all seven ears. No histological differences that distinguished a bulging PF from a flat PF were identified. Six ears were evaluated for the presence of mast cells and elastic fibres. Less than one mast cell per x40 field was identified in the PF in five of six ears. No elastic fibres were identified in any of the six PF. Based on the results of this study, it appears unlikely that there is a structural difference that accounts for a bulging PF. Therefore, there may be increased middle ear pressure in dogs with a bulging PF.

The efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions to treat canine Pseudomonas otitis externa and media were evaluated based on the systematic review of clinical trials published between 1967 and 2006. Clinical trials were included if Pseudomonas species were cultured from the ears of dogs with otitis externa or otitis media prior to treatment, and if the outcome of these interventions was reported at the end of the study. Studies were compared with regard to design characteristics (randomization generation and concealment, masking, intention-to-treat analyses), benefit (microbiological and/or clinical resolution of the Pseudomonas otitis), and adverse effects. Ten trials reporting data on 162 patients and 13 different pharmacological interventions were identified. Based on the accepted criteria for quality of evidence, there is insufficient evidence for or against recommending the use of any of these treatments for Pseudomonas otitis in dogs. This is largely because there is only one trial supporting the use of each treatment option and none were randomized controlled trials. Future studies need to be prospective, randomized, blinded and controlled; designed to evaluate pharmacological interventions for otitis regardless of the infective organism; have appropriate statistical advice on recruitment numbers, the power of the study and appropriate statistical analysis; include details of underlying conditions and concomitant treatments; and be designed such that inclusion criteria include microbial culture and antimicrobial sensitivity, and outcome assessments include clinical examination, cytology and microbial culture.

In this report we describe the historical, clinical, histopathological and microbiological features, as well as treatments and clinical outcome, of pyoderma where Pseudomonas aeruginosa alone was isolated on bacterial culture from lesional skin. Twenty dogs were included in this retrospective study. Seven dogs without prior history of systemic or skin disease presented with acute deep pseudomonal pyoderma characterized by a sudden onset of dorsal truncal pain. Skin lesions in these dogs consisted of erythematous papules, haemorrhagic bullae, ulcers and haemorrhagic crusts confined to the dorsum. An excellent clinical response was achieved with 3-4 weeks of treatment with oral fluoroquinolones. Thirteen dogs with a more gradual onset of skin lesions associated with pseudomonal pyoderma had a history of prior skin, ear or systemic disease and had previously been treated with antibiotics and/or immunomodulatory drugs. Skin lesions in these dogs were variable and similar to those described for superficial and deep staphylococcal pyoderma. In this group, one dog was euthanized prior to commencement of treatment, two dogs were lost to follow up, and 9 had resolution of lesions following treatment with topical silver sulfadiazine (one dog), fluoroquinolones (six dogs) or cephalexin (two dogs) administered orally for 3 to 12 weeks. Rod-shaped bacteria were not always detected on cytology. Histopathology of dogs with deep pseudomonal pyoderma was characterized by severe perforating suppurative folliculitis and furunculosis.

STAPHYLOCOCCAL organisms resistant to both oxacillin and methicillin have historically been referred to as methicillin-resistant staphylococci. However, these organisms are now more correctly referred to as oxacillin-resistant staphylococci, as oxacillin is more stable and appears to be superior for detecting resistance than the other penicillinase-resistant penicillins, methicillin and nafcillin (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards [NCCLS] 1997, Swenson and others 2003, Diekema and others 2004). Oxacillin resistance is initially screened for by using the standard disc diffusion test (DDT) with oxacillin discs, then confirmed by the oxacillin salt agar (OSA) screening test (NCCLS 1997, Swenson and others 2003). Most studies documenting the presence of oxacillin-resistant staphylococcal organisms in the ear do not describe the use of the OSA screening test (Guedeja-Marron and others 1997, 1998, Kiss and others 1997, Cole and others 1998, Lilenbaum and others 2000, Peterson and others 2002), and thus true oxacillin resistance was not verified, except in the study by Gortel and others (1999). In that study, 36 of 51 (71 per cent) staphylococcal organisms were found to be oxacillin resistant by the DDT; however, only 25 of 51 (49 per cent) were oxacillin resistant by the OSA screening test (Gortel and others 1999). Of the 25 isolates of oxacillin-resistant staphylococci identified, seven (28 per cent) were obtained from ear samples (Gortel and others 1999). The identification of true oxacillin resistance is of clinical importance in the selection of antimicrobial therapy for treatment of otitis externa. Oxacillin-resistant staphylococcal organisms are considered resistant to the beta-lactam antimicrobial agents, regardless of their in vitro susceptibility (Brown 2001). It is important to use the OSA screening test to eliminate false-positive oxacillin resistance (that is, apparent resistance to oxacillin and thus all beta-lactam antimicrobials) that might result in incorrect interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility test results. This short communication describes a study to identify apparent (by the DDT) and true (by the OSA screening test) oxacillin-resistant staphylococcal organisms in the ear canal of dogs with chronic end-stage otitis externa. Twenty-six dogs with chronic end-stage otitis externa undergoing an elective unilateral total ear canal ablation at the Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were studied. All the dogs had received topical and systemic medication before entering the study, but none had any topical or systemic antimicrobial agent administered on the day of entry into the study. Before each dog was anaesthetised for surgery, a swab sample was obtained, using a sterile culturette, from one external ear canal from each dog, for bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. The sample was routinely plated on sheep blood agar and MacConkey’s agar and incubated at 35°C for 18 to 24 hours. Staphylococcal organisms were identified on the basis of pigmentation, haemolytic pattern, catalase reaction, coagulase test, Gram stain reaction, and cellular morphology (Bannerman 2003). Antimicrobial susceptibilities were assessed using the standardised DDT and the results were judged as susceptible, intermediate or resistant (Acar and Goldstein 1996). Thirteen antimicrobial agents were tested: ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cephalothin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, neomycin, oxacillin, polymyxin B sulphate, ticarcillin, tobramycin and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine. If the staphylococcal organism was resistant to oxacillin on the standardised DDT, indicating apparent oxacillin resistance, resistance was confirmed with the OSA screening test (Isenberg 1998). If true oxacillin resistance was recorded on the basis of the OSA test, the organism was reported as being resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cephalothin, regardless of the in vitro DDT results with these antimicrobial agents. Twenty-three staphylococcal organisms, 21 Staphylococcus intermedius and two coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), were isolated from the external ear canal of 17 of the 26 (65·4 per cent) dogs. Based on the results of the oxacillin DDT, 15 staphylococcal isolates (13 S intermedius and both CNS) were susceptible, one S intermedius was of intermediate susceptibility and seven S intermedius were resistant to oxacillin. However, when oxacillin resistance was verified with the OSA screening test, the S intermedius isolate that was of intermediate susceptibility and five of the seven isolates that were resistant on the oxacillin DDT, were susceptible to oxacillin on the OSA. The susceptibility of the oxacillin-susceptible staphylococcal organisms to the other 12 antimicrobial agents was as follows: 10 were susceptible to all 12 antimicrobial agents, one was susceptible to 11 antimicrobials, three were susceptible to 10 antimicrobials, six were susceptible to eight antimicrobials, and one was susceptible to seven antimicrobials. The susceptibility of the oxacillin-resistant staphylococcal organisms to the other 12 antimicrobial agents was as follows: one was resistant to six antimicrobials and the other was resistant to nine antimicrobials. On the basis of the results of this study, and in accordance with the results of Gortel and others (1999), it is important to perform the OSA screening test to confirm apparent oxacillin resistance of staphylococcal organisms. In the present study, the oxacillin DDT identified seven (30·4 per cent) of 23 staphylococcal organisms to be apparently resistant to oxacillin. However, when the OSA screening test was used to confirm oxacillin resistance, only two (8·7 per cent) of the staphylococcal organisms were truly resistant. Five of seven staphylococcal organisms would have erroneously been reported as resistant to oxacillin as well as resistant to the beta-lactam antibiotics, which may have affected the choice of antibiotic and the outcome of treatment of the otitis.

Objective—To determine whether staphylococcal isolates cultured from pustules and carriage sites in dogs with superficial bacterial folliculitis were genotypically the same strain by use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Animals—40 dogs with superficial bacterial folliculitis. Procedures—Samples were obtained from 3 pustules and 3 carriage sites (anus, axillary skin, and nasal mucosa). Bacterial culture, morphologic identification, Gram staining, catalase and coagulase tests, speciation, and PFGE were performed. Results—Of 246 isolates, 203 were Staphylococcus intermedius, 5 were Staphylococcus aureus, 15 were Staphylococcusspp, and 22 were coagulase-negative staphylococcal isolates. No dog had an isolate with the same PFGE pattern as an isolate from another dog. Coagulase-positive isolates from multiple pustules and multiple carriage sites had the same PFGE pattern in 37 of 39 (94.9%) and 22 of 39 (56.4%) dogs, respectively. Coagulase-positive staphylococcal isolates from at least 1 pustule had the same PFGE pattern as an isolate from at least 1 carriage site in 34 of 36 (94.4%) dogs. Ninety-seven of 116 (83.6%) coagulase-positive staphylococcal isolates from pustules had the same PFGE pattern as an isolate from at least 1 carriage site. Sixty-nine of 91 (75.8%) coagulase-positive staphylococcal isolates from carriage sites had the same PFGE pattern as an isolate from at least 1 pustule. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Coagulasepositive staphylococcal strains were heterogeneous among dogs with superficial bacterial folliculitis. In individual dogs, strains from multiple pustules were genotypically the same, and strains from pustules were genotypically the same as strains from carriage sites.

The purposes of this study were to determine whether ciprofloxacin disk diffusion susceptibility test (DDT) results could be used to assess the in vitro susceptibility of otic bacterial organisms to enrofloxacin and to determine the effect of concurrent enrofloxacin administration on the DDT results for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Thirty dogs with end-stage otitis externa undergoing unilateral total ear canal ablation were enrolled. The dogs were randomized to one of four enrofloxacin-treatment groups or to the control group. Each dog in the treatment groups received two intravenous doses of enrofloxacin prior to surgical removal of the middle-ear tissue while the control group did not receive any enrofloxacin. One dog was excluded from the study as no middle-ear tissue was removed during surgery. Twenty-four dogs were in the enrofloxacin-treatment groups and five dogs were in the control group. In 12 of 29 dogs (41.4%), 14 of 82 (17.1%) of bacteria had discrepancies in DDT results for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Discrepancies between the control group and treatment groups were not significantly different even though the percentage of discrepancies for the combined treatment group was 19.4% compared to 6.7% for the control group. In this study, ciprofloxacin DDT results were not an accurate indicator of the in vitro susceptibility of enrofloxacin for bacteria isolated from the middle-ear tissue of dogs with end-stage otitis.

The purpose of this prospective study was to compare bacterial organisms and their susceptibility patterns from otic exudate and ear tissue from the vertical ear canal of six dogs with end-stage otitis undergoing a total ear canal ablation. Twenty-six organisms, 13 from the exudate and 13 from the tissue, were morphologically and biochemically similar, and their susceptibility patterns were compared. There were discrepancies for only 5 antibiotics for 4 organisms from 3 dogs. Culture of otic exudate from the vertical ear canal of dogs with chronic end-stage otitis externa provides an accurate reflection of the bacterial species present and the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of these infections.

Objective—To determine the concentration of house dust mite (HDM) allergens, Der f 1 and group 2, on the skin and hair of dogs and whether associations exist between the presence of Der f 1 and group 2 allergens on the skin and hair of dogs and household and dog characteristics. Animals—63 pet dogs from 50 homes. Procedure—Dogs were weighed and body surface area in square meters was determined. Skin and hair samples were obtained by vacuuming dogs. Collected dust was analyzed by use of standard ELISA techniques. Results—HDM allergen was detected in 21 of 59 skin and hair samples. Presence of group 2 allergen on skin and hair of dogs was significantly associated with long hair, compared with short or medium length hair. Median house dust sample concentrations of Der f 1 and group 2 allergens were high in homes with dogs that had skin and hair samples that were positive for Der f 1 and group 2 allergens. Dogs with skin and hair samples that were positive for Der f 1 and group 2 allergens resided in homes with a high number of house dust samples that were positive for Der f 1, group 2, or both allergens and in homes with a mean house dust sample allergen concentration of ≥ 2 µg/g of dust. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Associations exist between environmental HDM allergen concentrations and HDM allergens on the skin and hair samples of dogs. Environmental allergen load is a major factor in accumulation of allergens on the skin and hair of dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2005;66:143–149)

Objective—To quantitate the density of Dermatophagoides farinae and D pteronyssinus and concentrations of house dust mite (HDM) allergens (Der f 1, Der p 1, and Group 2 allergens) in the indoor microenvironment of dogs. Sample Population—50 homes in Columbus, Ohio. Procedure—In each home, samples of dust were collected from 3 locations in which dogs spent most time. Whenever possible, the species of mites collected was identified. Mite density (mites/g of dust) was assessed, and allergen concentrations were assayed by standardized ELISAs. Relative humidity and temperature in each home were monitored during a 5-day period. Characteristics of homes and sample sources were evaluated. Results—Dust samples from all 50 homes contained ≥ 1 HDM allergen; Der f 1 and Der p 1 were detected in 100 and 74% of homes, respectively. Fifteen homes had HDMs; compared with D pteronyssinus, D farinae was found more commonly (14/15 homes) and at a higher density. Basements, homes without central air-conditioning, and dog beds that were ≥ 1 year old had high HDM allergen concentrations. Homes with ≥ 2 µg of Der f 1 or Group 2 allergens/g of dust or ≥ 100 mites/g of dust were significantly more likely to have a maximum relative humidity ≥ 75%. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated the presence of HDMs and HDM allergens in the specific microenvironment of dogs in homes. Factors associated with high levels of exposure were identified, which may be associated with increased risk for sensitization and development of atopic diseases. (Am J Vet Res 2003;64:1580–1588)

Thirty-one ears (16 dogs) with otitis externa originating from bacterial or yeast infections were enrolled in a study to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of an ear cleanser containing 2.5% lactic acid and 0.1% salicylic acid for the treatment of infectious otitis externa. The affected ears were treated with the ear cleanser twice daily for 2 weeks and evaluated after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment. The ear cleanser was effective in resolution of infection in 67.7% of the ears, and clinical signs of infectious otitis externa were significantly reduced within 2 weeks.

Background – Ciclosporin (CSA) is approved for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Ciclosporin is metabolized by liver cytochrome P450 enzymes, a process inhibited by ketoconazole (KTZ). Hypothesis/Objectives – The aims of this study were to determine skin and blood CSA concentrations when CSA was administered alone at 5.0 (Treatment 1) or 2.5 mg/kg (Treatment 2) and when CSA was administered at 2.5 mg/kg concurrently with KTZ at 5 (Treatment 3) or 2.5 mg/kg (Treatment 4). We hypothesized that skin and blood CSA concentrations in Treatment 1 would not differ from those obtained with T3 or T4. Animals – In a randomized cross-over study, six healthy research dogs received each of the treatments (Treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4) once daily for 7 days. Methods – After the first, fourth and seventh dose for each treatment, a peak and trough skin punch biopsy sample and whole blood sample were collected and analysed with high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Data were analysed using a repeated measures approach with PROC MIXED in SAS. Pairwise comparisons were performed with least squares means and Tukey–Kramer adjustment for multiple comparisons. Results – Mean blood CSA concentrations in Treatment 1 were not different from those in Treatment 2 or 4, but were less than in Treatment 3. Mean skin CSA concentrations in Treatment 1 were greater than in Treatment 2, not different from those in Treatment 4, and less than those in Treatment 3. Conclusions and clinical importance – Administration of CSA and KTZ concurrently at 2.5 mg/kg each may be as effective as CSA alone at 5.0 mg/kg for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis.

Cultures of otic exudate from the tympanic bulla to identify the infective organism(s) are usually performed in dogs suspected of otitis media. If the infection extends into the otic tissue and antibiotic selection is made based on exudate results only, treatment failure may result. In addition, dogs may be on systemic antibiotics when cultures are performed, potentially affecting culture results. The objective of this study was to compare the organisms in the exudate and tissue obtained from the middle ear of dogs with chronic end-stage otitis. Additionally, the effect of concurrent antibiotic (enrofloxacin) administration on this comparison was assessed. It was hypothesized that the organisms identified from the exudate and tissue would match biochemically and morphologically, regardless of antibiotic administration. Samples for bacterial culture, one from tissue and one from exudate, were obtained from the middle ear of 23 dogs undergoing a unilateral total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy. These dogs were selected from 30 dogs enrolled in a study measuring concentrations of enrofloxacin in ear tissue. The dogs were randomized to one of four treatment groups or a control group. Seven dogs were not included since they did not have a sample from the middle ear exudate. Nineteen dogs (treatment group) received two intravenous doses of enrofloxacin (four dogs received 5 mg/kg, five dogs each received 10, 15 or 20 mg/kg) within a 24-h period of being sampled, while four dogs (control group) did not receive any antibiotic. Samples for the tissue and exudate were routinely processed for aerobic bacterial culture. Bacterial organisms were identified biochemically and morphologically. The data were analysed using the Fisher's Exact test and Kruskal–Wallis test to analyse discrepancies between organisms identified. One hundred and thirty-eight organisms were identified, 71 from tissue and 67 from exudate. One hundred and eight organisms (78%), 54 from tissue and 54 from exudate, matched biochemically and morphologically. Thirty organisms (22%) were unmatched, 17 from tissue and 13 from exudate. There were no significant differences (P = 0.23) detected between the dose of enrofloxacin administered and the number of matched and unmatched organisms identified in the tissue and exudate. When treatment groups were combined, discrepancies between organisms in the tissue and exudate were identified in 15 of 19 (79%) dogs that received enrofloxacin compared to only one of four (25%) dogs in the control group (P = 0.067). Based on these results, samples for culture should be obtained from both tissue and exudate to identify all organisms. If only one sample is obtained, tissue would be best. Although there were no significant differences between the dose of enrofloxacin administered and the number of matched and unmatched organisms in the tissue and exudate, when the treatment groups were combined and compared to the control group, the differences approached significance (P = 0.067). This suggests it would be best to obtain cultures off antibiotics. These differences would need to be assessed using more dogs, since the lack of significance was likely due to the low numbers in the control group. Funding: Bayer Animal Health, The Ohio State University Canine Research Fund, American College of Veterinary Dermatology, Ohio Animal Health Foundation.