Geneviève Marignac

Clinical characteristics and causes of pruritus in cats: a multicentre study on feline hypersensitivity-associated dermatoses

Hypersensitivity dermatitides (HD) are often suspected in cats. Cats with HD are reported to present with one or more of the following patterns: miliary dermatitis, eosinophilic dermatitis, self-induced symmetrical alopecia or head and/or neck excoriations. Previous reports on feline HD included small numbers of animals, took place in geographically restricted areas or did not compare these conditions with other causes of pruritus. The goal of the present study was to analyse 72 parameters covering signalment, clinical, laboratory and treatment characteristics from a large group of pruritic cats from different geographical areas. Of the 502 cats, the following diagnoses were made: flea HD (29% of cases), food HD (12%) nonflea/nonfood HD (20%) and other diseases in which pruritus was a feature (24%). Cats with signs consistent with a HD but which did not complete a food trial were not analysed further (15% of cases). Most cats with nonflea HD exhibited signs compatible with one or more of the four typical lesional patterns, but none of these patterns was found to be pathognomonic for any specific diagnosis. Food HD and nonflea/nonfood HD were found to be clinically undistinguishable. Young adult, purebred and female cats appeared predisposed to nonflea/nonfood HD. As many diagnoses presented with similar lesional patterns, a thorough clinical work-up is required for establishment of a specific diagnosis.

Clinical characteristics and causes of pruritus in cats

Hypersensitivity dermatitides (HD) are often suspected in cats. Cats with HD are reported to present with one or more of the following patterns: miliary dermatitis, eosinophilic dermatitis, self-induced symmetrical alopecia or head and/or neck excoriations. Previous reports on feline HD included small numbers of animals, took place in geographically restricted areas or did not compare these conditions with other causes of pruritus. The goal of the present study was to analyse 72 parameters covering signalment, clinical, laboratory and treatment characteristics from a large group of pruritic cats from different geographical areas. Of the 502 cats, the following diagnoses were made: flea HD (29% of cases), food HD (12%) nonflea/nonfood HD (20%) and other diseases in which pruritus was a feature (24%). Cats with signs consistent with a HD but which did not complete a food trial were not analysed further (15% of cases). Most cats with nonflea HD exhibited signs compatible with one or more of the four typical lesional patterns, but none of these patterns was found to be pathognomonic for any specific diagnosis. Food HD and nonflea/nonfood HD were found to be clinically undistinguishable. Young adult, purebred and female cats appeared predisposed to nonflea/nonfood HD. As many diagnoses presented with similar lesional patterns, a thorough clinical work-up is required for establishment of a specific diagnosis.

Establishment of diagnostic criteria for feline nonflea-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis.

Hypersensitivity dermatitides (HD) are commonly seen in cats, and they are usually caused by environmental, food and/or flea allergens. Affected cats normally present with one of the following clinical reaction patterns: head and neck excoriations, usually symmetrical self-induced alopecia, eosinophilic skin lesions or miliary dermatitis. Importantly, none of these clinical presentations is considered to be pathognomonic for HD skin diseases, and the diagnosis of HD is usually based on the exclusion of other pruritic diseases and on a positive response to therapy. The objectives of this study were to propose sets of criteria for the diagnosis of nonflea-induced HD (NFHD). We recruited 501 cats with pruritus and skin lesions and compared clinical parameters between cats with NFHD (encompassing those with nonflea, nonfood HD and those with food HD), flea HD and other pruritic conditions. Using simulated annealing techniques, we established two sets of proposed criteria for the following two different clinical situations: (i) the diagnosis of NFHD in a population of pruritic cats; and (ii) the diagnosis of NFHD after exclusion of cats with flea HD. These criteria sets were associated with good sensitivity and specificity and may be useful for homogeneity of enrolment in clinical trials and to evaluate the probability of diagnosis of NFHD in clinical practice. Finally, these criteria were not useful to differentiate cats with NFHD from those with food HD.

Masitinib decreases signs of canine atopic dermatitis: a multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 3 trial

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of masitinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor capable of downregulating mast cell functions, for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). Dogs with confirmed CAD received masitinib at 12.5 mg/kg/day (n = 202) or control (n = 104) for 12 weeks. A reduction in CAD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-02) score of ≥ 50% at week 12 was observed in 61% of masitinib-treated dogs versus 35% of control dogs (P < 0.001), according to the modified intent-to-treat population. For dogs resistant to ciclosporin and/or corticosteroids (60% of the study population), CADESI-02 response rates were 60 versus 31%, respectively (P = 0.004). The mean reduction in pruritus score of severely pruritic dogs was 46 versus 29%, respectively (P = 0.045). Furthermore, 65% of owners with severely pruritic dogs assessed masitinib efficacy as good/excellent versus 35% control (P = 0.05). Overall, 63% of investigators assessed masitinib efficacy as good/excellent versus 35% control (P < 0.001). Premature discontinuations from the modified intent-to-treat population (28.2% masitinib versus 26.0% control) were mainly due to adverse events (13.4 versus 4.8%, respectively) or lack of efficacy (12.4 versus 18.3%, respectively). In total, 13.2% dogs presented with severe adverse events (16.0% masitinib versus 7.7% control). Masitinib showed a risk of reversible protein loss, although regular surveillance of blood albumin and proteinuria allowed for discontinuation of treatment while the dog was still clinically asymptomatic. Masitinib proved to be an effective and mostly well-tolerated treatment of CAD, including severe and refractory cases, with medically manageable adverse effects.

Association between passive smoking and atopic dermatitis in dogs

Onset of atopic dermatitis and occurrence of related skin lesions are influenced by various environmental factors in humans, and companion animals. Several studies have demonstrated an association between passive smoking and the development of atopic dermatitis in children. This association has never been investigated in the dog to our knowledge. We enrolled 161 dogs seen at dermatology and vaccination consultations over a six-month period for this study. Dog owners were asked to complete a questionnaire, to evaluate the exposure of the dog to tobacco smoke. The atopic or non-atopic status of the dog was assessed on the basis of Favrots criteria (history, clinical examination and cutaneous cytology for Malassezia). Analysis of the data for the 161 dogs enrolled revealed a significant association between high levels of passive exposure to tobacco smoke (cigarette consumption divided by the area of the home) and the presence of atopic dermatitis in the dogs (OR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.10-17.44; p=0.03; NNH (number needed to harm) 3, 95% CI 2-52). The prevalence of atopic dermatitis showed a slight, but non-significant association with breed predisposition. Dogs with high levels of exposure to tobacco smoke may have a higher risk of atopic dermatitis than non-exposed dogs.

Skin fragility syndrome in a cat with multicentric follicular lymphoma

An 11-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented for a right flank wound. On clinical examination, a single non-painful skin tear lesion with irregular edges was detected. During the examination, star-shaped cigarette paper-like skin lesions appeared spontaneously. An abdominal mass was also palpated. Feline skin fragility syndrome (FSFS) was suspected and a multicentric lymphoma was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration. The cat’s condition declined and it died spontaneously. Post-mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma. Neoplastic lymphocytes were not observed in the skin. Histological analysis of the skin was consistent with the morphological aspects of FSFS. A possible direct link between the two conditions remains a matter of speculation, but this case report provides the first description of FSFS associated with multicentric follicular lymphoma. Thus, multicentric follicular lymphoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats presenting with FSFS.

Efficacy of a 2% climbazole shampoo for reducing Malassezia population sizes on the skin of naturally infected dogs

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY Shampoo therapy is often recommended for the control of Malassezia overgrowth in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo activity of a 2% climbazole shampoo against Malassezia pachydermatis yeasts in naturally infected dogs. ANIMALS Eleven research colony Beagles were used. MATERIALS AND METHODS The dogs were distributed randomly into two groups: group A (n=6) and group B (n=5). Group A dogs were washed with a 2% climbazole shampoo, while group B dogs were treated with a physiological shampoo base. The shampoos were applied once weekly for two weeks. The population size of Malassezia yeasts on skin was determined by fungal culture through modified Dixons medium contact plates pressed on left concave pinna, axillae, groins, perianal area before and after shampoo application. Samples collected were compared by Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS Samples collected after 2% climbazole shampoo application showed a significant and rapid reduction of Malassezia population sizes. One hour after the first climbazole shampoo application, Malassezia reduction was already statistically significant and 15 days after the second climbazole shampoo, Malassezia population sizes were still significantly decreased. No significant reduction of Malassezia population sizes was observed in group B dogs. CONCLUSION The application of a 2% climbazole shampoo significantly reduced Malassezia population sizes on the skin of naturally infected dogs. Application of 2% climbazole shampoo may be useful for the control of Malassezia overgrowth and it may be also proposed as prevention when recurrences are frequent.

Assessment of ocular discomfort caused by 5 shampoos using the Slug Mucosal Irritation test

Assessment of ocular discomfort caused by veterinary care products is less legitimately regulated than that caused by human care products. The Slug Mucosal Irritation (SMI) assay was adapted to evaluate canine hygiene shampoos to predict ocular discomfort. Experiments were performed using four commercial canine shampoos, a baby care product, and two controls (ArtTear® and BAC1%). Groups of 3 slugs were tested with 5% dilution of the 7 test substances. The negative control (ArtTear®) was the best tolerated. The baby care product Mixa bébé as well as Douxo Entretien Démêlant and Phlox Shampooing Entretien were classified to cause mild ocular discomfort. Together with the positive control (BAC 1%), Shampooing Physiologique Virbac and Physiovet Shampooing were considered to cause severe ocular discomfort. Different intensities of ocular discomfort were measured for veterinary care products. The SMI model was considered as a reproducible and adaptable evaluation method for screening veterinary care products causing ocular discomfort.

Detection of Enrofloxacin After Single-Dose Percutaneous Administration in Python regius, Boa constrictor imperator, and Acrantophis dumerili

Abstract In this study, the blood concentrations of enrofloxacin administered transdermally to 3 different reptilian species, Python regius, Acrantophis dumerili, and Boa constrictor imperator, at 50 mg/kg was determined. The formulation used was a transdermal commercial vehicle, Pentravan cream, a hydrophilic base emulsion that uses the liposomal technique to penetrate the skin. The enrofloxacin was incorporated at 5 wt% in the Pentravan cream, and the plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the detected amounts of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (0.33 and <0.15 &mgr;g/mL, respectively) were below the limit of quantification. Enrofloxacin was detected in P. regius and B. constrictor, while ciprofloxacin was detected only in A. dumerili. Although the values were unquantifiable, this study confirms the absorption of enrofloxacin. Therefore, these findings suggests that enrofloxacin may be a candidate for treatment using the transdermal route in certain reptile species.

Canine Atopic Dermatitis Diagnostic Criteria: Evaluation of Four Sets of Published Criteria among Veterinary Students

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a major teaching point as its diagnosis and treatment are difficult. During 11 weeks, 140 dogs and students (third, fourth, and fifth years) were recruited and paired. One of the four lists of diagnostic criteria was randomly attributed to each student. Concordance results, calculated with Cohens kappa, ranged from slight (κ=0.07) to moderate (κ=0.53). Favrots diagnostic criteria received the best results. It has been observed that results are improved with clinical experience. We observed that students often forgot that Favrots criteria apply only to pruritic dogs and that the fulfillment of the criteria allows only a suspicion, not a diagnosis, of cAD. Primary pruritus and corticosteroid-responsive pruritus were often misunderstood.