bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FC‐42  Sarcoptic mange epidemic in a cat population
Authors: Bornstein S. , Gidlund K. , Karlstam E. , Bergström K. , Zakrisson G. , Nikkilä T. , Bergvall K. , Renström L. , Mattsson J. G. 
Published: August 2004

Worldwide, sarcoptic mange in cats is seldom reported, and then only in sporadic individual cases. We describe an epidemic in a household with a dog and 25 cats. From September 2002, the dog was repeatedly treated with ivermectin for sarcoptic mange. The diagnosis was confirmed by skin scrapings. Fifteen months later, cats from the same household were diagnosed with severe sarcoptic mange. Twenty‐one of the cats were euthanized and necropsies were performed. Skin samples were taken from all cats from different body sites for histology, and skin scrapings were examined for ectoparasites. Samples for bacterial and dermatophyte culture were taken from six cats. Smears for cytology were made from lesions on four cats with severe mange. Sera from 21 cats and the dog were analysed for specific antibodies to Sarcoptesscabiei. Molecular characterizations of six individual mites were done. Large numbers of S.scabiei were isolated from the infected skin of most of the cats. Two‐thirds of the cats showed skin lesions compatible with chronic sarcoptic mange. Macroscopically, internal organs exhibited no obvious pathology. Yeast organisms and coccoid bacteria were found in the smears; penicillinase‐negative Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from all samples and Malassezia pachydermatis was identified from four cats. Sarcoptes scabiei was seen histologically in all cats showing chronic skin lesions. No other ectoparasites were found. All analysed cats had specific antibodies against S. scabiei. Twenty‐one cats tested negatively for FeLV and FIV. The mites had DNA sequences identical to S. scabiei from naturally infected dogs and Swedish wildlife. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐43  Feline demodicosis: a retrospective study of 12 cases
Authors: Guaguere E. , Muller A. , Degorce‐Rubiales F. 
Published: August 2004

Feline demodicosis is rarely reported compared to canine demodicosis. The objective of this report was to describe a retrospective study of 12 cases of feline demodicosis. Neither sex nor breed predisposition were observed. The age of diagnosis was between 5 months and 13 years. Demodex cati was identified in nine cases and Demodex gatoi in three cases. Cutaneous lesions were localized in 10 cases, generalized in two cases, and present on the face (8 cases), neck (5), shoulders (1), trunk (2) and limbs (1). Pruritus was mild in four cats and moderate in two cats. Dermatological lesions were characterized by alopecia (10 cases), erythema (7), scaling (4), erosions (4), ulcers (2), crusts (2), comedones (2), seborrhea oleosa (2), papules (1), pustules (1) and hyperpigmentation (1). Ceruminous otitis was noted in two cats. Pyoderma was noted in four cases. An underlying disease was identified in eight cats: FeLV infection (two cats), FIV infection (two cats), FeLV/FIV infections (one cat), diabetes mellitus (one cat), iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (one cat), and diabetes mellitus associated with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (one cat). In two cats, an infestation by Demodex cati was identified at lesional sites of multicentric squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Different drugs were used in nine cases: crotamiton (two cases), amitraz (six cases), milbemycin oxime (one case). Therapeutic results were variable and related to the underlying disease. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐44  The therapeutic effect of selamectin and ivermectin regimens in canine sarcoptic mange
Authors: Albanese F. , Leone F. , Ghibaudo G. 
Published: August 2004

Sarcoptic mange is a contagious, parasitic and pruritic skin disease of the dog caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis mite. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ivermectin and selamectin in dogs with sarcoptic mange. The study included 120 naturally infested dogs. Several skin scrapings were collected from each dog. Microscopic evidence of at least one adult mite or its eggs was considered to be diagnostic (inclusion criteria). The dogs were divided into two groups of 60 animals each. Group A dogs were given injectable ivermectin (Ivomec®) at 300 μg/kg subcutaneously every 15 days for three treatments; Group B dogs were treated with selamectin spot‐on (Stronghold®) at 6–12 mg/kg twice monthly. Clinical evaluation was conducted on days 15, 30 and 45, and parasitologic evaluation by skin scrapings on days 30 and 45. On day 30, all dogs in Group B had negative skin scrapings (100%) with no evidence of cutaneous lesions. Only 58 of 60 dogs in Group A had negative skin scrapings (96%), but the two positive dogs became negative on day 45. These results provide preliminary evidence that there is no significant difference between the therapeutic effects of ivermectin and selamectin in the management of sarcoptic mange, with both treatments being highly efficacious. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐45  Mites as newly emerging disease pathogens in rodents and human beings
Authors: Beck W. , Pfister K. 
Published: August 2004

Different mite species generally found on animals may temporarily also infest humans. Consequently, these arthropods may be responsible for pruritic skin reactions that are often misdiagnosed. Mite dermatitis caused by the tropical rat mite Ornithonyssus bacoti occurs in several small mammals and rodents under tropical and temperate climatic conditions. According to various observations in Germany, O. bacoti appears in wild rodents more frequently than previously thought. In most cases, symptoms of mites are recognized only when they attack humans, but the diagnosis of rat mite dermatitis requires identification of the parasite, which is more likely to be found in the environment than on the hosts’ skin itself. Here, five different outbreaks from Bavaria are reported. A clinical example is the case of a 23‐year‐old medical student and several other residents inhabiting a rat‐ and mouse‐infested house in Munich. The arthropods originally came from an Italian restaurant and surrounding facilities. Mites were found in large numbers in the students’ flat. The patient was suffering from severe itching and papular urticaria. He consulted a dermatology clinic complaining of a pruritic dermatitis of 2‐weeks duration. Dermatitis was misdiagnosed as allergy and treatment with an anti‐inflammatory agent was unsuccessful. Eradication of rodents and treatment of the house with a pyrethroid were performed to prevent reinfestation. Ornithonyssus bacoti is a periodic haematophageous parasite and spends a relatively short time on the host. Causal therapy with antiparasitic agents on human patients is not necessary. If indicated, treatment should be symptomatic. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐46  Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus intermedius organisms from the vertical ear canal of dogs with end‐stage otitis externa
Authors: Cole L. K. , Kwochka K. W. , Hillier A. , Kowalski J. J. , Smeak D. D. 
Published: August 2004

Methicillin‐resistant staphylococci (MRS) have been isolated from the ears of dogs with otitis externa; however, the specific location of the sample and the condition of the ear were not disclosed. The purpose of this study was to identify MRS from the vertical ear canal in dogs with end‐stage otitis externa. Swab samples were obtained from one vertical ear canal of 26 dogs undergoing a total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy. Swab samples were routinely processed for bacterial culture. No topical or oral antimicrobial agents had been administered within 24 h of obtaining the sample. Testing for oxacillin (methicillin) resistance was performed with the disk diffusion test (DD) and confirmed with the oxacillin screen agar test (OSA) for staphylococcal organisms. Twenty‐three staphylococcal organisms [21 Staphylococcus intermedius (SI), 2 coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS)] were isolated from 17 dogs. On the DD, 15 organisms were susceptible (13 SI, two CNS), one was intermediate (SI), and seven were resistant (all SI) to methicillin. On the OSA, one SI that was intermediate on DD was susceptible, and of the seven that were resistant on DD, five SI were susceptible and two SI were resistant to methicillin. Both methicillin‐resistant S. intermedius (MRSI) were susceptible to chloramphenicol, polymyxin B and trimethoprim‐sulfadiazine. In dogs with end‐stage otitis externa, MRSI may be an important pathogen. Had OSA not been performed to confirm MRS, five of seven staphylococcal organisms would have been erroneously reported as resistant to certain antibiotics, which may have affected antibiotic selection and treatment of the otitis. Funding: Bayer Animal Health, The Ohio State University Canine Research Fund, American College of Veterinary Dermatology, Ohio Animal Health Foundation.
FC‐47  Comparison of four different types of stain in ear cytology
Authors: Cornegliani L. , Toma S. , Persico P. , Noli C. 
Published: August 2004

Swab cytology is one of the most useful and rapid methods to assess the presence of external infections in ear canals. Smears are generally stained with Romanowsky‐type stains, with or without prior heat fixation. The aim of this study was to compare four different ways of staining ear cytology swab samples. Eight animals with ceruminous or purulent otitis externa were selected. Cotton swabs were introduced in a total of 12 ear canals, and four cytologic samples on four different slides were obtained from each swab. Glass slides were air‐dried and randomly identified with the number of the ear canal and the letters A, B, C or D. Slides marked with A were heat‐fixed and stained with Dip Quick®; slides marked with B were stained without heat fixation. Slides marked with C were heat‐fixed and dipped in the blue colour only; slides marked with D were stained in the blue colour only without prior heat fixation. Ten high‐power fields (oil immersion) were evaluated for each slide, and keratinocytes, yeasts, bacteria and neutrophils were counted. A statistical comparison was performed with parametric (Student's t‐test applied after verifying the normal distribution of the data) and nonparametric tests (Wilcoxson's and signs’ tests). There were no significant differences between the four staining methods (P ≤ 0.05). The authors conclude that heat fixation does not improve the cytological evaluation of ear swab samples and propose a one‐step dip in the blue colour only as a rapid method of staining cytological samples from ear canals. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐48  Reliability of the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Scoring Index
Authors: Germain P. A. , Bensignor E. 
Published: August 2004

Objective assessment of canine atopic dermatitis severity is very difficult and only a few scoring systems have been developed. The most commonly used is the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Scoring Index (CADESI), adapted from the human SCORAD. Despite wide use of this score in clinical trials, no validation has been performed to our knowledge. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of the CADESI in clinical practice. First, a set of 28 pictures taken from dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis was scored by six different investigators for three items: erythema, lichenification and excoriation. Next, 23 dogs with clinical signs compatible with atopic dermatitis were graded by two investigators using the CADESI. Erythema, lichenification and excoriation were assessed on 39 areas. With the pictures, significant correlations (Spearman's r, P < 0.05) were found for each combination of investigators for erythema and lichenification, but only in 10 of 15 combinations for excoriation. Interobserver agreement ranged between poor and fair (0.221 < Cohen's κ <0.508, mean = 0.395). For the living animals, significant correlations (P < 0.0001), but poor interobserver agreement, were found for the three items (κerythema = 0.366, κlichenification = 0.385, and κexcoration = 0.226). A significant correlation (P < 0.05) was found for each location, and interobserver agreement varied between very poor and good (0.16 < κ < 0.66). These results suggest that erythema and lichenification are reliably assessed, but that grading excoriation is more difficult. Also, the assessment of severity varied depending on the site studied. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐49  Feline Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index: a pilot study
Authors: Nuttall T. J. , Steen R. V. , Cawood M. I. , Houghton C. A. 
Published: August 2004

Feline dermatology lacks a reliable clinical scoring system. A Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) is widely used. Cats, however, develop well‐defined reaction patterns: symmetrical alopecia (SA), eosinophilic plaque (EP), miliary dermatitis (MD), and head and neck dermatitis (HND). This might preclude comparisons between cats with different lesions of a similar aetiology. A pilot study was therefore undertaken using a modified CADESI termed the Feline Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (FeDESI). Cats with SA (n = 11), EP (n = 11), MD (n = 5) and HND (n = 3) were recruited. The aetiologies included atopic dermatitis (n = 8), adverse food reactions (n = 2), flea allergic dermatitis (n = 8), psychogenic alopecia (n = 2) and idiopathic (n = 10). Erythema, excoriation and alopecia were graded 0 (normal), 1 (mild), 3 (moderate) or 6 (severe) at 42 body sites to give a final score from 0 to 756. The clinical grading was repeated 2–4 h later for each cat. All cats were assessed by the same investigator and the two scores were blinded. The mean (SD) scores were: SA 50.6 (18.4) and 52.8 (21.8); EP 63.9 (21.5) and 64.4 (19.0); MD 47.2 (17.4) and 43.4 (24.0); HND 57.3 (23.2) and 58.0 (29.5). There were no significant differences between different lesions or between the two scores for each lesion. The proposed FeDESI is therefore an accurate and reliable way for a single investigator to objectively grade the severity of feline skin lesions. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐50  Results of repeat intradermal testing in 135 dogs
Authors: Petersen A. D. , Striler E. L. 
Published: August 2004

The usefulness of repeat intradermal testing (IDT) was assessed in 135 dogs in which initial IDT results were inconsistent with the history or when response to treatment was unsatisfactory. The interval between repeat IDT ranged from 8 days to 7 years. Repeat IDT was pursued: when a seasonal history was inconsistent with initial IDT results (45); response to immunotherapy (18) or flea treatment (3) was unsatisfactory; an elimination diet was unsuccessful (66); or for miscellaneous reasons (3). Fifteen dogs that had no reaction on first or second IDT were diagnosed with cutaneous food reaction (9), idiopathic seborrheic dermatitis (2), scabies (1), hypothyroidism (1), or an unidentified seasonal pruritus (1). The signs of the final dog in this group resolved with long‐term antibiotic therapy. Twenty‐two dogs that had negative initial IDT results developed one or more positive reactions on the repeat IDT and of these, 14 were started on immunotherapy. Forty‐four dogs with initial positive IDT results developed at least one additional significant reaction on repeat IDT leading to initiation or reformulation of immunotherapy in 34 dogs. Thirty‐three dogs with initial positive IDT results had the same number of reactions on repeat IDT, but reactions were not identical and prompted reformulation of immunotherapy. Twenty‐one dogs with initial positive results had fewer reactions on repeat IDT. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that repeat IDT is worthy of consideration in dogs with atopic dermatitis when initial IDT is negative, a seasonal history is inconsistent, or response to treatment has been suboptimal. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐51  Comparison of intradermal test and antigen‐specific IgE test in 22 cases of feline allergic dermatitis
Authors: Kadoya M. , Momoi Y. , Iwasaki T. 
Published: August 2004

The usefulness of the intradermal test (IDT) and the serological allergy test (SAT) for detecting antigen‐specific IgE in allergic cats has not yet been established. In this study, we compared the results of IDT with those of SAT and evaluated the clinical usefulness of the two tests for detecting possible allergens in allergic cats. IDT and SAT using eight antigens were performed on 22 cats with intense pruritus after excluding ectoparasites and performing diet elimination tests. Approximately 50% of the cats reacted to at least one allergen by either IDT or SAT, and 36.4% of the cats reacted on both IDT and SAT. In contrast, seven healthy cats did not show any reactions on IDT or SAT. The most commonly detected allergen in both tests was house dust mites (IDT, 36.4%; SAT, 40.9%). Five cats reacted to one allergen and the others reacted to more than one allergen with IDT. Three cats reacted to one allergen with SAT. The following percentage agreement between the results of the two tests was calculated: house dust mites (86.4%), cat fleas (63.6%), grass mix (86.4%), common mugwort (81.8%), cat epithelia (90.9%), ragweed (86.4%), Japanese cedar (90.9%), and plantain (81.8%). The overall mean percentage agreement was 83.5%. In summary, the present study showed good agreement between IDT and SAT for cats, and SAT may be more sensitive than IDT, but less specific for detecting sensitized allergens. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐52  Cross‐reactivity between house dust, sarcoptic and storage mites in dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Virchow F. , Bigler B. 
Published: August 2004

In this study, sera from 43 dogs that previously tested positive to different mites with IgE antibodies were used for immunoblotting to screen for common allergen bands. The use of gradient gels allowed the search for small (<20 kD) and large (up to 250 kD) proteins. Anticanine‐IgE detection antibody (D9) was used for immunostaining. The mites showed species‐specific allergen patterns; yet, we had reason to believe that several proteins might be conserved among mites and cause cross‐reactivity. Often observed bands for Acarus siro had sizes of approximately 43, 45, 54, 63, 71 and 96 kD; for Dermatophagoides farinae, 55, 68, 96, 98, 104 and 114 kD; for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 98 kD; for Lepidoglyphus destructor, 45, 46, 55 and 107 kD; for Sarcoptes scabiei, 98 and 104 kD; and finally for Tyrophagus puterescientiae, 55, 66, 68, 70, 89 and 98 kD. We have shown that cross‐reactivity can lead to false‐positive results if serological tests or intradermal tests are carried out with total mite protein extracts. Funding: Laupeneck AG.
FC‐53  Serologic allergy testing in horses with insect hypersensitivity
Authors: Kolm G. , Wagner R. 
Published: August 2004

Serologic allergy testing (SAT) results in horses have not been consistent with manifestations of hypersensitivity or intradermal test (IDT) results. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the level of agreement between insect‐specific IgE values (as measured by a commercial polyclonal antihorse IgE‐based ELISA) and manifestation of disease or IDT was improved by shifting the positive/negative threshold from 200 (positive) to 150 (borderline) or by the utilization of insect type‐specific cut‐off points. The study included a population of 37 healthy horses and 40 Icelandic horses suffering from insect hypersensitivity. The study was conducted during the fall when affected horses showed acute clinical signs. IDT was performed as standard procedure using extracts of black ant, mosquito, horsefly, deerfly, housefly, and Culicoidesvariipennis. Insect‐specific IgE levels in horse sera were measured by an equine ELISA. Sensitivity and specificity was 98 and 3% (SAT versus insect hypersensitivity) and 97 and 4% (SAT versus IDT), respectively. A shift of the threshold value from 200 to 150 increased sensitivity, but did not improve the level of agreement between IDT and SAT (κ = 0.04, slight agreement). Circulating allergen‐specific IgE levels were not significantly different for the incidence and size of positive skin reactions or the onset and severity of insect hypersensitivity for any insect tested. Therefore, the utilisation of insect type‐specific cut‐off points did not increase the level of agreement between SAT and IDT or clinical data. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐54  Evaluation of IgE‐mediated late‐phase reactions in the skin of normal placebo‐ and prednisolone‐treated dogs: cellular, cytokine and chemokine responses
Authors: Pucheu‐Haston C. , Shuster D. , Olivry T. , Brianceau P. , Lockwood P. , Mcclanahan T. , De Waal Malefyt R. , Mattson J. , Hammerberg B. 
Published: August 2004

IgE‐mediated late‐phase reactions can be induced in the skin of normal and atopic dogs by intradermal injections of anti‐IgE antibody. The histology of these reactions is very similar to that of naturally occurring atopic dermatitis. To characterize the cellular, cytokine and chemokine responses in the skin of placebo‐ and prednisolone‐treated dogs, normal beagles received either placebo or 0.5 mg/kg prednisolone twice daily for three days prior to intradermal injection of polyclonal rabbit anti‐canine IgE. Eight‐millimetre punch biopsy skin samples were taken before injection and at the injection sites after 6, 24 and 48 h. Histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed a rapid cellular influx. Eosinophil and neutrophil numbers increased from <1 to 61.4 ± 14.1, and from 7 to 62.2 ± 10.8 cells/mm2, respectively, within 6 h after injection, and remained moderately elevated 48 h later. The numbers of CD1c+, CD3+ and CD4+ mononuclear cells were also increased by 6 h. Taqman analysis demonstrated 2.5‐ to 72‐fold increases in mRNA expression for IL‐13, IL‐5, MCP (CCL2), RANTES (CCL5) and TARC (CCL17). Levels of mRNA for IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, and IFNγ remained negligible. Prednisolone administration suppressed the influx of neutrophils and eosinophils, and the expression of IL‐13, CCL2, CCL5 and CCL17 (33, 97, 58, 86, 73 and 90%, respectively), as well as the influx of CD1c+ and CD3+ cells. These data document the cytokine and chemokine response to anti‐IgE injection and demonstrate the anti‐inflammatory effect of prednisolone. Funding: Schering‐Plough Animal Health.
FC‐55  Efficacy of low‐dose immunotherapy in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: a prospective, double‐blinded study
Authors: Colombo S. , Hill P. B. , Shaw D. J. , Thoday K. L. 
Published: August 2004

There are anecdotal reports of increased effectiveness of allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) with doses of vaccine lower than that recommended by the manufacturers. However, no controlled studies have been carried out. The aim of this prospective, double‐blinded study was to evaluate whether induction and maintenance with low‐dose (LD) ASIT resulted in a different success rate compared with the standard dose (SD). Twenty‐seven dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis were allotted by block randomisation to two groups. One (n = 13) received SD ASIT; the other (n = 14) received LD ASIT (1/10 of the SD) following the same frequency protocol. Cases were graded at 0, 3, 6 and 9 months for clinical signs using a modified Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (mCADESI) and for pruritus using a 0–5 descriptor scale. There were no significant differences between the groups in the pruritus and mCADESI scores (P > 0.155) at the end of the study. Changes in pruritus (P > 0.920) and mCADESI (P > 0.296) scores from the beginning to the end of the study were similar in both groups, with pruritus scores in both groups not changing during the study (P > 0.052). However, significant reductions in mCADESI scores were seen in both groups (P < 0.032). Six dogs achieved a final pruritus score of 0, six dogs achieved a reduction in pruritus score, and 15 did not improve or worsened. There was, therefore, no evidence that LD ASIT was more effective than the standard protocol. Funding: Petsavers, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Wellcome Trust.