Stannard Aa

Canine discoid lupus erythematosus.

Two dogs were found to have clinical, histopathological and immunofluorescent findings compatible with a diagnosis of canine discoid lupus erythematosus. The primary lesions included erythema and depigmentation of the nasal planum. Both dogs responded favorably to systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Clinical evaluation of etretinate for the treatment of canine solar-induced squamous cell carcinoma and preneoplastic lesions

BACKGROUND Tumors of the skin and subcutaneous tissue account for 30% of all canine neoplasms. Canine solar-induced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequently reported canine cutaneous neoplasm. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary observations on the safety and efficacy of etretinate for the treatment of solar-induced SCC and associated preneoplastic lesions in dogs. METHODS Etretinate was administered to 10 dogs at 1 mg/kg twice daily for a minimum of 90 days. RESULTS Clinically, two dogs showed complete resolution of their preneoplastic lesions, three dogs had partial responses, two dogs maintained stable disease, and three dogs showed progression of lesions after 90 days of etretinate administration. Three dogs showed histologic improvement, four dogs showed no changes, and three dogs showed evidence of progressing SCC. Treatment-related biochemical abnormalities included reversible hypertriglyceridemia and transient serum liver enzyme elevations in three dogs. CONCLUSION These preliminary findings suggest that etretinate, at the dosage administered, may provide therapeutic efficacy for solar-induced preneoplastic lesions in the dog, particularly for those multifocal lesions not easily managed by local methods of therapy.

The duration and quality of positive direct immunofluorescence in skin biopsies using michel's fixative on a case of equine pemphigus foliaceus

Summary A special buffered ammonium sulfate fixative (Michels fixative) designed for use as a liquid media capable of preserving in vivo tissue fixed immunoglobulins and complement was evaluated. The preservative ability of this fixative was studied by using skin biopsies from a confirmed case of spontaneously occurring equine pemphigus foliaceus. Once obtained, 16 skin biopsies were placed in Michels fixative. Eight samples were stored at ambient temperature (21°C) and 8 samples were stored in a conventional refrigerator at 4°C. Over an 8 month time period, direct immunofluorescence was performed on these skin biopsies looking for the abnormal presence of IgG, IgM (when done) and C 3 deposition within the intercellular spaces of the epidermis. The results of this study indicated that Michels fixative was capable of preserving in vivo tissue fixed immunoglobulin and complement for 8 months. This was demonstrated by positive direct immunofluoresence spaces of the epidermis in all of the skin biopsies examined. In addition, it was shown that refrigerated and non-refrigerated skin biopsies in Michels fixative both yielded a diagnostic quality of direct immunofluorescence. This will allow the mailing of skin biopsies without requiring refrigeration and specimens mailed in the winter should demonstrate reliable results on fluorescent antibody testing when performed.

The longevity of immunoglobulin preservation in canine skin utilizing Michel's fixative

Skin biopsy specimens from 7 dogs with immune-mediated skin diseases diagnosed by routine histology and 5 dogs with other skin diseases were placed in Michels transport medium for 4 to 9 years. Direct immunofluorescence yielded positive results in tissue samples from 3 dogs with pemphigus foliaceus and 2 dogs with discoid lupus erythematosus. Direct immunofluorescence was not seen in tissue samples from 1 dog with pemphigus foliaceus and 5 dogs with non immune-mediated skin diseases. Direct immunofluorescence was seen in skin biopsy specimens maintained in Michels medium for 4 to 8 years.