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Recurrent eosinophilic granuloma (EG) in two captive eastern black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis michaeli) was effectively managed with glucocorticoids and antihistamines. The first case was a female and the second case was a male. The animals were housed at separate institutions and initially presented with hemorrhagic oral lesions. Multifocal lesions occurred in the second case. Multiple biopsies were taken from each animal, all of which were consistent with EG. Each animal was anesthetized multiple times for surgical treatment but experienced frequent recurrence. Due to lack of response to therapy and the risks and adverse events associated with repeated anesthesia, medical treatment was initiated in both cases using a tapering dose of oral dexamethasone. The lesions dramatically improved, but would recur frequently after treatment. Hydroxyzine, an oral antihistamine, greatly reduced the incidence and severity of the lesions. Medical management with glucocorticoids and antihistamines minimized stressful anesthetic events in both cases and contributed to the successful management of this recurrent disease. The exact pathogenesis of EG in black rhinoceros remains unknown but response to antihistamines suggests an allergic etiology.

Background: Placement of ciclosporin (Atopica(®); Novartis Animal Health, Greensboro, NC, USA) capsules in a freezer prior to administration may reduce the incidence of vomiting in dogs. However, its impact on ciclosporin stability and pharmacokinetics is unknown., Hypothesis/objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of Atopica(®) capsules and pharmacokinetics of ciclosporin in dogs after storage at -20°C in comparison with storage of capsules at 15-25°C. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in stability or pharmacokinetic parameters between freezer-stored and room-temperature Atopica(®) capsules., Animals: Eight healthy research beagle dogs received one 5.0 mg/kg oral dose each of freezer-stored and room-temperature Atopica(®) capsules with a 1 week washout period between., Methods: Ciclosporin concentrations of all available Atopica(®) capsule strengths were assessed for stability after -20°C storage at five time points over 30 days and at room temperature (15-25°C). A blinded, randomized cross-over study was also performed to compare blood concentrations of ciclosporin after capsule storage for 28 days at -20 versus 15-25°C. Blood samples were obtained over a 24 h period after administration. Capsule and whole-blood ciclosporin concentrations were assessed via high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry., Results: There was no significant difference in stability between freezer-stored and room-temperature Atopica(®) capsules at any time point. In the cross-over study, there were no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters assessed., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Placing Atopica(®) capsules in a -20°C freezer for 28 days does not affect stability or absorption in the dog., (© 2015 ESVD and ACVD.)

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a commonly prescribed and effective therapy for canine atopic dermatitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between patient body weight and CsA dosing. Seventy-seven cases of canine atopic dermatitis managed between 2000 and 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. Duration of CsA therapy was at least 16 wk. Groups analyzed included the study population as a whole, those treated with only CsA, and those treated with both CsA and metoclopramide. The division between small and large dogs was set at 15 kg. Descriptive analysis, two-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlations, and a Student t test were used to analyze data. There were no significant differences between CsA dose and body weight regardless of method of analysis. Concurrent corticosteroid use, other medication use, and pruritus score were also analyzed over the study period. There was a significant decrease in CsA dose, corticosteroid dose, medication score, and pruritus score between the time points for all patients, but no significant relationship between those changes and body weight. These study findings suggest that differential CsA dosing is not warranted based on body weight.

Background: Various antihistamines have been used in the management of feline atopic dermatitis, with variable reported benefit. To date, there have been no randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trials on the use of this drug class in cats., Hypothesis/objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of cetirizine hydrochloride for the control of pruritus and dermatitis in cats diagnosed with atopic dermatitis., Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial, 21 client-owned cats diagnosed with mild to moderate nonseasonal atopic dermatitis were randomly assigned to two groups. Cats in each group received either 1 mg/kg cetirizine hydrochloride or placebo once daily per os for 28 days followed by a 14 day wash-out period. Treatments were then crossed over, and cats received placebo or cetirizine hydrochloride for another 28 days. Owners marked a pruritus severity scale before inclusion in the study and weekly throughout the entire study period. Lesions were scored by the clinician using a Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)-03 modified for the cat before enrolment and at day 28 of each treatment., Results: Nineteen cats completed the study. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment with cetirizine hydrochloride and placebo for modified CADESI-03 or pruritus scores., Conclusion and Clinical Importance: This study suggests that cetirizine hydrochloride cannot be recommended for the management of feline atopic dermatitis., (© 2013 ESVD and ACVD.)

Noninflammatory, nonpruritic alopecias are uncommonly encountered in the horse. Alopecia areata, an apparently autoimmune hair follicle bulbitis produces focal, multifocal to widespread hair loss. The skin is otherwise normal. Diseases that can mimic the widespread hair loss associated with alopecia areata include telogen and anagen effluvium, seasonal alopecias, follicular dysplasias (including color dilution alopecia), various nutritional deficiencies and chemical toxicosis, and diseases that result in defective hair shafts (eg, trichorrhexis nodosa and piedra). These problems are differentiated by history, physical examination, trichography, and skin biopsy. Most are cosmetic diseases that do not have predictably effective therapies., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The role of Corynebacterium spp. in the pathogenesis of canine and feline otitis externa/media and their appropriate antimicrobial therapy are unclear. The objectives of this study were to (1) better establish the pathogenicity of Corynebacterium spp. in otitis utilizing reported criteria and by assessing clinical response to antibiotic therapy and (2) to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Corynebacterium spp. associated with otitis. The study was retrospective, targeting cultures positive for Corynebacterium spp. Corynebacterium spp. were part of mixed microbial populations in 79/81 cultures. Corynebacterium spp. pathogenicity was highly questionable because of their almost invariable presence with other microbes and the observation that Corynebacterium spp. usually disappear from the ear with resolution of other infections, even when the Corynebacterium spp. are resistant to the prescribed antibiotic(s). However, 2/81 cultures came from two canine ears wherein Corynebacterium spp. may have been pathogenic. Antimicrobial sensitivities for Corynebacterium spp. were available for 54 isolates. Most isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol (53/54), amikacin (50/54), tetracycline (50/54), gentamicin (46/54), and enrofloxacin (32/54). Among those antibiotics available in otic products, gentamicin and enrofloxacin would be rational choices for the empirical, topical therapy of Corynebacterium spp.

Benign, inflammatory polyps may affect the nasopharynx and auditory canal of cats. It has been proposed that inflammation induced by infectious disease agents could trigger polyp formation. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the prevalence of feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), Mycoplasma species, Bartonella species and Chlamydophila felis nucleic acids in polyp tissues collected from 30 clinically affected cats. Samples collected from the tympanic bulla from 12 clinically normal cats were also assayed. DNA or RNA of some of the target agents were amplified from samples from 25% of normal cats and 33% of affected cats; however, statistical associations were not detected for individual agent results or grouped results. The study documents that common oropharyngeal or blood borne agents can be detected in the tympanic bullae of normal cats. Failure to consistently amplify RNA or DNA of the select agents from polyp tissues suggests the agents studied were not directly associated with the pathogenesis of this syndrome in the cats tested. Alternately, the inflammatory response may have cleared microbial nucleic acids to undetectable levels by the time of sample collection., (Copyright © 2010 ISFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objectives of this multicentre study were to analyse and compare breed predispositions and lesion distributions of 552 dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis from five different dermatologic referral centres located in Australia, Germany (2) and the United States (2). Breeds were compared with the canine population in the respective locations. Breed predispositions varied from geographical site, although golden retrievers and German shepherd dogs were predisposed in three of five practices. Lesions were present most commonly on the paws (62%), ventrum (51%), ears (48%) and face (39%). Various breeds had specific site predilections. Based on this study, breed predispositions can vary greatly both between continents and also between different locations on the same continent. In addition, some breeds showed predispositions for certain body sites which also varied in some instances with the geographical location.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate reactions to intradermal injections of Tyrophagus putrescentiae extract in healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis and to compare the prevalence of positive reactions in the two groups. Twenty-one healthy dogs and 26 atopic dogs were tested intradermally with T. putrescentiae extract at 1000, 500, 250, 125, 63, 32 and 16 PNU/mL. Reactions were evaluated objectively and subjectively. A Mann-Whitney test was used to determine differences in grade of reaction to storage mites between healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis. Positive reactions to storage mite extract were most common at 1000 PNU/mL with approximately one third of normal and atopic dogs showing a positive reaction to T. putrescentiae. There was no significant difference in the incidence of positive reactions between normal and atopic dogs for any of the Tyrophagus extract concentrations.

Data on fifty horses with hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA; "hyperelastosis cutis") were collected on clinical, histopathological, ultrastructural and immunohistological findings. All horses were Quarter horses or of Quarter horse ancestry. Pedigree evaluation strongly supported an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. The most common lesions were seromas/haematomas, open wounds, sloughing skin, and loose, easily tented skin that did not return to its initial position. Definitive diagnosis could not be made via histopathology, although the presence of tightly grouped thin and shortened collagen fibres arranged in clusters in the deep dermis was suggestive of the disease. Trichrome, acid orcein-Giemsa and immunohistochemical stains for collagens I and III showed no consistent abnormalities compared to control horses; an increase in elastic fibres was not a consistent finding. Electron microscopy showed no abnormalities in the periodicity of the collagen bundles; neither orientation nor variation of cross-section diameter of the collagen fibrils differentiated control from affected horses. The diagnosis of HERDA relies on clinical presentation, but may be supported by suggestive (although not pathognomonic) histopathological lesions.

Twenty-nine dogs were included in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised trial and were orally supplemented for 10 weeks with either flax oil (200 mg/kg/day), eicosapentaenoic acid (50 mg/kg/day) and docosahexaenoic acid (35 mg/kg/day) in a commercial preparation, or mineral oil as a placebo. For each dog, clinical scores were determined based on a scoring system developed prior to the trial. Total omega-6 and omega-3 intake and the ratio of omega-6:omega-3 (omega-6:3) were calculated before and after the trial. The dogs' clinical scores improved in those supplemented with flax oil and the commercial preparation, but not in the placebo group. No correlation was identified between total fatty acid intake or omega-6:3 ratio and clinical scores. Based on the results of this study, the total intake of fatty acids or the omega-6:3 ratio do not seem to be the main factors in determining the clinical response.

The treatment records of 30 dogs with lupoid onychodystrophy were evaluated retrospectively. Dogs were treated with fatty acid supplementation (n=18), doxycycline and niacinamide (n=12), tetracycline and niacinamide (n=10), pentoxifylline (n=6), prednisolone (n=5), azathioprine (n=1), clofazimine (n=1), or with combinations thereof. An excellent response was seen in almost half of the patients treated with tetra- or doxycycline in combination with niacinamide. Six of the dogs were maintained successfully on fatty acid supplementation. Spontaneous remissions and recurrences made evaluation of success rates difficult and emphasized the varied and often unclear etiology and natural course of the syndrome.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of long-term treatment with tetracycline and niacinamide on antibody production in dogs by measuring postvaccinal serum concentrations of antibodies against canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus., Animals: 10 dogs receiving long-term treatment with tetracycline and niacinamide (treatment group) and 10 healthy dogs (control group)., Procedure: The treatment group included 9 dogs with discoid lupus erythematosus and 1 dog with pemphigus foliaceus on long-term treatment (> 12 months) with tetracycline and niacinamide. The control group included 10 healthy dogs with no clinical signs of disease and no administered medications for the past 3 months. Blood samples were obtained from all dogs by jugular venipuncture. Serum antibody titers against canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus antigens were measured, using hemaglutination inhibition and serum neutralization, respectively, and compared between groups., Results: A significant difference in antibody titers between treatment- and control-group dogs was not found. All dogs had protective antibody titers against canine distemper virus, and 8 of 10 dogs from each group had protective titers against canine parvovirus infection., Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: These results provide evidence that long-term treatment with tetracycline and niacinamide does not interfere with routine vaccinations and thus does not seem to influence antibody production in dogs.

Forty-one cases of zinc-responsive dermatosis in the dog are described. The Siberian husky was the predominant breed affected. Periocular crusts were the most common clinical sign and parakeratosis was noted in the skin biopsy specimens of all dogs. Treatment with oral zinc ameliorated the clinical signs in most dogs, but cases necessitating other treatments such as parenteral zinc or retinoids are reported. The authors recommend a starting dose of 2-3 mg kg-1 elemental zinc per day in the treatment of this disorder.

Twenty-three dogs with positive skin scrapings for Cheyletiella sp. were treated with milbemycin oxime using a protocol approximating 2 mg kg-1 orally once weekly for three weeks. Nineteen of these dogs belonged to a household of 41 dogs and two dogs were in households with one other dog. All in-contact dogs were treated. Pre-treatment intradermal skin tests showed positive reactions to D. farinae in 13 dogs and to D. pteronyssinus in 12 dogs; these became negative post-treatment in four and seven dogs, respectively. All dogs showed a dramatic reduction in clinical signs one week after the third treatment. Eighteen dogs no longer had mites on skin scrapings, three had dead mites and two had deformed eggs. Recurrence of clinical signs necessitated two additional courses of the protocol in the multiple dog household and for a dog receiving immunosuppressive treatment for pemphigus foliaceus. Possible adverse reactions to the milbemycin (vomiting, lethargy) were noted once in two dogs.

Our objective was to determine if thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), the enzyme important in the metabolism of azathioprine in human beings, is detectable in red blood cell lysates (RBCL) of healthy dogs, cats, and horses. Values for TPMT activity were determined from blood collected from 20 healthy dogs, cats, and horses. The TPMT activity in each animal's RBCL was determined using a radioenzymatic end point involving TPMT-facilitated metabolism of 6-mercaptopurine to 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP). One unit of TPMT activity represents the formation of 1 nmol of 6-MMP per milliliter of packed red blood cells per hour of incubation at 37 degrees C. TPMT activity in RBCL was detectable in all species, with mean RBC values +/- standard deviation of 17.9 +/- 3.79 U/mL in dogs; 2.76 +/- 0.70 U/mL in cats; and 2.185 +/- 0.36 U/mL in horses. Values for TPMT in the 3 species were significantly (P < .05) different from one another. TPMT values for dogs were significantly higher than the other species, and TPMT values for cats were significantly higher than those for horses. We conclude that RBCL TPMT values are measurable in dogs. cats, and horses and that dogs have higher values than cats or horses. These findings are consistent with the lower tolerance for azathioprine in cats as compared with dogs. It remains to be determined whether RBCL TPMT values in these species correlate with TPMT activity in the liver, where most of the metabolization of azathioprine is believed to occur.

Corticotropin (ACTH) pharmacokinetics was assessed in 10 normal dogs receiving exogenous ACTH (0.5 U/kg, i.v.). A two-compartment open model was most appropriate for description of exogenous ACTH pharmacokinetics. The apparent distribution and elimination rate constants (alpha and beta) were 7.4 +/- 2.7 x 10(-2) min(-1) and 5.5 +/- 3.8 x 10(-3) min(-1), respectively. Area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was 2.91 +/- 0.78 x 10(4) pg x min/mL, mean residence time (MRT) was 45.0 +/- 12.2 min, the distribution half-life (t1/2alpha) was 9.4 min (harmonic mean), and the elimination half-life (t1/2beta) was 128 min (harmonic mean). The total body clearance of ACTH (ClB) was 1.83 +/- 0.46 x 10(4) mL x min/kg and volume of distribution (Vd(area)) was 30 +/- 15 L/kg. Corticotropin pharmacokinetics was also assessed in 12 client owned dogs, six dogs with non adrenal illness (NAI) and six dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), receiving exogenous ACTH (0.5 U/kg, i.v.). For these patients, data was best fitted to a one-compartment open model. In dogs with NAI, the AUC was 6.23 +/- 0.62 x 10(5) pg x min/mL, MRT was 38.7 +/- 12 min, the apparent elimination rate constant (k(el)) was 0.26 +/- 0.0017 min(-1) elimination half-life was 26.7 min, ClB was 0.84 +/- 0.1 x 10(4) mL/min/kg, and Vd(area) was 31.9 +/- 5.7 L/kg. In dogs with HAC, AUC was 4.74 +/- 0.23 x 10(5) pg x min/mL, MRT was 20.4 min, k(el) was 0.034 +/- 0.009 min(-1), half-life was 20.4 min, CIB was 1.06 +/- 6.0 x 10(4) mL/min/kg and Vd(area) was 29.7 +/- 6.7 L/kg. Dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism showed more rapid elimination and clearance of exogenous corticotropin than dogs with NAI.

Thirty adult, client-owned dogs were diagnosed with hypothyroidism based on history, physical examination findings, hematologic and biochemical abnormalities, thyrotropin (TSH) response testing, endogenous canine thyrotropin (cTSH) concentration, or both, and total serum thryoxine concentration. All dogs received levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) at an initial dose of 22 micrograms/kg PO sid in either a tablet (13 dogs) or chewable form (17 dogs). Energy expenditure of each dog during apparent rest was estimated with an open-flow indirect calorimetry system by determining the rates of carbon dioxide production and oxygen consumption. Energy expenditure of apparent rest (EE) was lower in untreated hypothyroid dogs compared with reference values for EE. After treatment with L-thyroxine, EE of the hypothyroid dogs was significantly (P < .05) higher than pretreatment values.

A monoclonal gammopathy composed of immunoglobulin G, with concurrent light-chain proteinuria and generalized lymph node plasmacytosis, was associated with chronic pyoderma in a dog. A uniform population of plasma cells was observed cytologically and histologically in multiple lymph node specimens. A diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance was eventually made by exclusion of other known causes of monoclonal gammopathy, resolution after antibiotic therapy, and no evidence of lymphoproliferative disease after 11 months of follow-up and subsequent necropsy. This report expands the diagnostic considerations for monoclonal gammopathies in the dog.

Medical records of 30 dogs with histologically confirmed sebaceous adenitis that were treated with isotretinoin or etretinate were reviewed. Akitas and Standard Poodles were overrepresented, compared with the general hospital population. Thirteen dogs had concurrent pyoderma. The retinoids were administered for a minimum of 2 months. Dosage for the 13 dogs treated with isotretinoin only ranged from 0.8 to 3.5 mg/kg of body weight/d (mean, 1.4 mg/kg/d). Dosage for the 10 dogs treated with etretinate only ranged from 0.7 to 1.8 mg/kg/d (mean, 1.1 mg/kg/d). Two dogs were first given isotretinoin (mean dosage, 1.5 mg/kg/d) and, when they did not respond, were subsequently given etretinate (mean dosage, 0.85 mg/kg/d). Five dogs were first given etretinate (mean dosage, 1 mg/kg/d) and, when they did not respond, were subsequently given isotretinoin (mean dosage, 1.6 mg/kg/d). For the 20 dogs treated with isotretinoin, 1 was lost to follow-up; 9 of the remaining 19 had a successful outcome (> 50% reduction in severity of scaling and extent of alopecia, compared with pretreatment appearance). For the 17 dogs treated with etretinate, 9 had a successful outcome. Outcome could not be predicted on the basis of clinical signs or histologic findings, and a prognosis could not be determined on the basis of whether sebaceous glands were evident histologically.

Otitis externa represents one of the most common reasons that pets are presented for veterinary attention. They are also some of the more frustrating entities practitioners are called on to deal with. Successful management depends on an understanding of the primary, predisposing, and perpetuating factors involved in the pathogenesis of otitis externa. Emphasis is then placed on establishing a diagnosis through physical examination, cytologic examination, culture and sensitivity testing, radiographs and biopsies. The general goals of management are to resolve, remove, or control primary factors, clean and dry the ear, reduce inflammation and resolve secondary infections. These goals are achieved through various cleaning techniques, topical, and systemic therapies. Therapeutic alternatives are given for otitis involving bacteria, Malassezia, otodectes, demodex, allergies, ceruminous disorders, the idiopathic inflammatory/hyperplastic otitis externa of cocker spaniels, "Swimmer's Ear", contact/irritant reactions, overtreatment, and concurrent otitis media.

The purpose of this article is to add information to the many dermatologic topics initially discussed in the 1989 issue on llama medicine (normal anatomy; bacterial, fungal, ectoparasitic, immune-mediated, and zinc-responsive disease) and make mention of newly recognized diseases. Since 1989, it appears that one of the most common and perplexing groups of dermatoses seen at Colorado State University are hyperkeratotic/inflammatory dermatoses. These remain poorly understood. Idiopathic hyperkeratosis (zinc-responsive dermatosis) may be a true zinc deficiency or a keratinizing disorder responsive to supraphysiologic dosages of zinc supplementation. Idiopathic nasal/perioral hyperkeratotic/ inflammatory dermatosis (munge) and idiopathic necrolytic/neutrophilic/hyperkeratotic dermatosis bear clinical, histologic, and therapeutic similarities, and may be subsets of the same disease. Further studies (e.g., looking for metabolic derangements) are necessary to better answer these questions.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the synthetic retinoids isotretinoin and etretinate to treat dogs with intracutaneous cornifying epitheliomas (ICE), other benign skin neoplasias, and cutaneous lymphoma. Twenty-four dogs were used. All tumors were diagnosed by histologic examination. Ten dogs with multiple (at least 5) benign skin tumors (7 with ICE, 1 each with inverted papillomas, sebaceous adenomas and epidermal cysts) were treated with isotretinoin (n = 7) and/or etretinate (n = 5). Twelve dogs with cutaneous lymphoma were treated with isotretinoin, and 2 dogs with cutaneous lymphoma were initially treated with etretinate. Successful treatment with isotretinoin was achieved in 1 dog with ICE, 1 with inverted papillomas, and 1 with epidermal cysts. Partial improvement with isotretinoin was seen in 2 dogs with ICE. Successful treatment was achieved with etretinate in 4 dogs with ICE (Norwegian Elkhound was the predominant breed with ICE). Remission was achieved in 6 of the 14 dogs with cutaneous lymphoma. Adverse effects developed in 7 of the 24 dogs, so treatment was stopped in 2 dogs.

Inflammatory conditions of the feline mouth are commonly encountered in small animal practice. Although the majority can be attributed to dental disease and a small percentage are due to autoimmune diseases, the eosinophilic granuloma complex, neoplasia, and other miscellaneous syndromes, many cases appear to be due to a gingivitis-stomatitis-pharyngitis complex, which is likely multifactorial in origin. Viruses, bacterial infection, diet, dental disease, oral conformation, genetic predisposition, hypersensitivities, immunoinsufficiencies, and other defects in oral defense mechanisms may all be contributory. The complexities of this syndrome have made it one of the most challenging diagnostic and therapeutic problems in feline medicine.

Determination of antibodies to specific nuclear antigens, termed extractable nuclear antigen (ENA), was investigated in healthy dogs and in dogs with autoimmune, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. Using a counterimmunoelectrophoresis method, the dogs' sera were tested for antibodies against the nuclear antigens single-stranded DNA, Sm, Ro, La, ribonucleoprotein, Scl, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Antibodies to the Ro antigen were found in 1 dog with discoid lupus erythematosus, in 1 dog with pemphigus erythematosus, and in 1 dog with facial pyoderma and chronic superficial keratitis. In 15 dogs, antibodies were detected to ENA, but the precipitin lines were too weak to identify the specific ENA. These antibodies were found in some dogs with systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, pemphigus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, vitiligo, lymphoma; in the dog with facial pyoderma and chronic superficial keratitis; and in 1 healthy dog. The highest percentage of dogs with antibodies to ENA in a large series (greater than 8) of this study was in dogs with systemic lupus erythematosus (4 of 13; 31%).

A combination of niacinamide and tetracycline was used to treat 31 dogs with various autoimmune skin diseases (discoid lupus erythematosus, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus, and bullous pemphigoid). Of the 20 dogs with discoid lupus erythematosus, 70% had excellent or good response to treatment. Serious side effects were not noticed in any dog.

Clinical signs, laboratory findings, and treatment results of 40 cats with the histologic diagnosis of plasma cell stomatitis-pharyngitis are discussed. Median age was 7.1 years, with no discernable sex predilection. Anorexia and difficulty prehending food were the most common clinical signs. Hyperproteinemia with associated hyperglobulinemia was the most common laboratory finding. Of various treatments, administration of corticosteroids or injectable gold (aurothioglucose) proved most effective in controlling the clinical signs.

Flunixin meglumine has been reported to induce gastrointestinal lesions in dogs when administered at therapeutic dosages. We administered flunixin meglumine to dogs daily for 10 days to assess the effect of this drug on the gastrointestinal tract. We also evaluated the possibility of corticosteroid potentiation of gastrointestinal toxicosis by concurrent administration of prednisone to 1 group of dogs. Dogs were monitored for gastrointestinal toxicosis by means of serial endoscopic evaluation, measurement of fecal occult blood, PCV, and total solid concentration, and by physical examination. There were 3 treatment groups of 5 dogs each. Group-1 dogs were given 2.2 mg of flunixin meglumine/kg daily, in 2 divided doses IM; group-2 dogs were given 4.4 mg of flunixin meglumine/kg daily, in 2 divided doses IM; and group-3 dogs were given 2.2 mg of flunixin meglumine/kg daily, in 2 divided doses IM plus 1.1 mg of prednisone/kg/d orally, in 2 divided doses. A fourth group of 5 dogs served as a control group. Endoscopically visible gastric mucosal lesions developed in all treated dogs within 4 days of initiating treatment. Lesions first developed in the gastric pylorus and antrum and lesions at these sites were more severe than those observed elsewhere. Dogs treated with flunixin meglumine plus prednisone developed the earliest and most severe lesions; lesion scores in group-2 dogs were higher than those in group-1 dogs. All dogs treated had occult blood in their feces by day 5 and its presence appeared to correlate more closely with endoscopic findings than did physical examination findings or changes in values for PCV or total solids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Response to thyrotropin (TSH) was evaluated in 2 groups of mixed-breed dogs. Thyrotropin (5 IU) was administered IV to dogs in group 1 (n = 15) and IM to dogs in group 2 (n = 15). Venous blood samples were collected immediately before administration of TSH and at 2-hour intervals for 12 hours thereafter. In group 1, the maximum mean concentration (+/- SD) of thyroxine (T4; 7.76 +/- 2.60 micrograms/dl) and 3,5,3'-triiodothyroxine (T3; 1.56 +/- 0.51 ng/ml) was attained at postinjection hours (PIH) 8 and 6, respectively. However, the mean concentration of T4 at PIH 6 (7.21 +/- 2.39 micrograms/dl) was not different (P greater than 0.05) from the mean concentration at PIH 8. The maximum mean concentration of T4 (10.10 +/- 3.50 micrograms/dl) and T3 (2.22 +/- 1.24 ng/ml) in group 2 was attained at PIH 12 and 10, respectively. Because dogs given TSH by the IM route manifested pain during injection, had variable serum concentrations of T3 after TSH administration, and may require 5 IU to achieve maximal increases in serum T4 concentrations, IV administration of TSH is recommended. The optimal sampling time to observe maximal increases in T3 and T4 after IV administration of TSH was 6 hours. Repeat IV administration of TSH may cause anaphylaxis and, therefore, is not recommended.

The records of 15 dogs diagnosed as having juvenile cellulitis (juvenile pyoderma, puppy strangles) were evaluated for clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic results. Mandibular lymphadenopathy was observed in 14 dogs, and was not associated with skin lesions in 5 dogs. Edema, pustules, papules, or crusts were noticed periorally, periocularly, on the chin or muzzle, or in the ears of those dogs with skin lesions. Eight dogs were lethargic; fever and anorexia were inconsistent findings. Four dogs had signs of pain on manipulation of their joints. Complete blood counts revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia in 4 dogs, and normocytic, normochromic anemia in 6 dogs. Three dogs had suppurative lymphadenitis with many neutrophils. Cytology of the aspirate of pustules or abscesses in 6 dogs revealed many neutrophils without bacteria. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp were isolated from draining lesions in 2 dogs. Intact abscesses and lymph nodes were negative for bacterial growth in 4 dogs. Three of these dogs were being administered antibiotics at the time of bacterial culturing. Cytology of the aspirates of joints in 3 of the 4 dogs with joint pain revealed suppurative arthritis with no bacteria, and the aspirates were negative for bacterial growth on culturing, although all 3 dogs were being administered antibiotics at the time of culturing. Of 12 dogs initially treated with antibiotics, only 4 (33%) responded favorably; the other 8 dogs were then given antibiotics and corticosteroids. Three dogs were initially given antibiotics and corticosteroids. All dogs treated concurrently with antibiotics and corticosteroids responded favorably. One of these dogs had a relapse after treatment was discontinued. The concurrent arthritis in 4 of the dogs resolved with treatment of the juvenile cellulitis and did not redevelop once the medication was discontinued. Concurrent treatment with antibiotics (cephalosporins) and prednisone (2.2 mg/kg of body weight/day) was the most consistently effective treatment in the dogs in this study.

Concentrations of serum thyroxine (T4) and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) were determined after the administration of freshly reconstituted thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), reconstituted TRH that had been previously frozen, or thyrotropin (TSH) to 10 mature dogs (6 Greyhounds and 4 mixed-breed dogs). Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (0.1 mg/kg) or TSH (5 U/dog) was administered IV; venous blood samples were collected before and 6 hours after administration of TRH or TSH. Concentrations of the T4 and T3 were similar (P greater than 0.05) in serum after administration of freshly reconstituted or previously frozen TRH, indicating that TRH can be frozen at -20 C for at least 1 week without a loss in potency. Concentrations of T4, but not T3, were higher after the administration of TSH than they were after the administration of TRH (P less than 0.01). Concentrations of T4 increased at least 3-fold in all 10 dogs given TSH, whereas a 3-fold increase occurred in 7 of 10 dogs given freshly reconstituted or previously frozen TRH. Concentrations of T4 did not double in 1 dog given freshly reconstituted TRH and in 1 dog given previously frozen TRH. Concentrations of T3 doubled in 5 of 10, 2 of 10, and 5 of 10 dogs given TSH, freshly reconstituted TRH, or previously frozen TRH, respectively. Results suggested that concentrations of serum T4 are higher 6 hours after the administration of TSH than after administration of TRH, using dosage regimens of 5 U of TSH/dog or 0.1 mg of TRH/kg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

As llamas become more common in North America, veterinarians will be called on ever more frequently to deal with their dermatologic problems. Adherence to the basic tenets of the thorough dermatologic work up, including history, physical examination, skin scrapings, cytological examinations, fungal culture, skin biopsies, and assessing response to judiciously chosen trial therapies will offer the best opportunity of arriving at proper diagnoses. Special attention must be paid to the fact that llama skin bears some histological differences that may prove confusing to the uninitiated. A mild degree of hyperkeratosis, a prominent vascular plexus in the superficial dermis that is associated with mild perivascular mononuclear cell accumulations, and regional differences in sebaceous gland size and numbers, all are considered normal findings. Ectoparasites, including sarcoptic mange, chorioptic manage, and pediculosis, appear to be the most common causes of pruritus in the llama. Although ivermectin therapy would appear to be very effective for the treatment of scabies and, indeed, may work well against sucking lice, chorioptic mange and biting lice usually do not respond to this medication. Corticosteroids can be used to treat pruritus in the llama nonspecifically, using the anti-inflammatory dosages established in other species. These drugs are used most appropriately for the management of the allergies that we suspect occur in this species, until better alternative therapies can be developed. Variably pruritic focal areas of alopecia, exudation, and crusting suggest differential diagnoses including bacterial folliculitis and furunculosis, dermatophilosis, dermatophytosis, and coccidioimycosis. The diagnosis of bacterial problems often is made by assessing response to antibiotic therapy. Topical disinfectants and/or systemic penicillin or trimethoprim-sulfadiazine are indicated. Dermatophilosis is treated by cleaning and drying the leasions, applying topical antibiotics, and, occasionally, using parenteral penicillin and streptomycin. Dermatophytosis usually is treated with topical antibiotics only. Captan is one of several therapies of choice. There is no therapy presently available for coccidioidomycosis in the llama. Perhaps most perplexing is the fact that one of the most common dermatopathies seen in the llama is an idiopathic keratinizing disorder that, in some cases, is responsive to zinc supplementation. We have no real idea of the pathogenesis of this problem and recognize that some affected animals will not respond to supplementation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Pulmonary thromboembolism was confirmed at necropsy in 10 (32.2%) of 31 dogs treated for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Radiographic findings associated with thromboembolism included pronounced interstitial lung pattern and small amounts of pleural effusion. Variables associated with significantly higher incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism included hyperbilirubinemia (P = 0.023), negative Coombs test result (P = 0.032), and presence of an indwelling catheter (P = 0.04). There was a tendency (P = 0.06) for association of higher number of whole blood transfusions with pulmonary thromboembolism.

Many of the etiologies of pruritus presented herein have been discussed with a view to promoting an awareness of less common causes of pruritus in the dog and cat. For those differential diagnoses that have as yet not been described in our companion animals, the purpose is to stimulate us to look. Of particular interest are the diseases that may cause pruritus without obvious cutaneous pathology. In these instances, the challenge is to make the association. To this end, Table 1 lists those differential diagnoses that would be considered in human beings who have generalized pruritus unassociated with significant cutaneous pathology. Those diseases described to date in the dog and cat have been identified.

Hypertestosteronemia was diagnosed in a spayed bitch with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and perianal adenomas. Serum concentrations of cortisol and testosterone decreased after treatment with mitotane was instituted. Excessive testosterone in this dog was thought to have been produced by the adrenal cortex, possibly in response to excessive ACTH concentrations. Development of androgen- or estrogen-responsive tumors in castrated dogs may be an early indication of adrenocortical hyperfunction.