BACKGROUND: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a group of genes which codes for binding of antigenic peptides and presenting them to T cells. MHC molecules polymorphism is associated with presenting different antigens, immune and autoimmune responses. One of the most important dog MHC genes is DRB1. The association between this gene and its alleles with Atopic Dermatitis has been reported. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the association between canine Atopic Dermatitis and DLA-DRB1 alleles has been evaluated using HRM (High Resolution Melting) genotyping method. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 20 dogs with Atopic Dermatitis and 20 healthy dogs. Frequency of different DRB1 genotypes, as well as heterozygosity and homozygosity of alleles were analyzed using HRM. Their associations with Atopic Dermatitis were evaluated by statistical analysis. RESULTS: Based on the HRM analysis, genotypes were grouped in 9 types (A-I). Statistical analysis showed that the presence of type D allele in the exon II of DLA-DRB1 gene increases the risk of Atopic Dermatitis (Odd ratio=0.206 and p < /em>=0.064). A significantly increased risk of Atopic Dermatitis in heterozygous samples was also observed (Odd=0.158 and p < /em>=0.090). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that some alleles of DLA-DRB1 gene can play a role in the sensitivity or resistance to Atopic Dermatitis in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinicopathologic, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic effects of short-term administration of anti-inflammatory dosages of prednisolone to systemically normal cats. ANIMALS 10 cats with allergic dermatitis and 10 healthy control cats. PROCEDURES Cats with allergic dermatitis were randomly allocated to 2 groups and received 2 dosages of prednisolone (1 and 2 mg/kg/d, PO, for 7 days) in a crossover design followed by 9-day tapering and 14-day washout periods. Each prednisolone-treated cat was matched to a healthy control cat on the basis of sex, neuter status, age (± 1 year), and body weight (± 10%). Control cats received no treatment during the 35-day observation period. Clinicopathologic, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic variables were measured at baseline (day 0) and predetermined times during and after prednisolone administration and compared within and between the 2 treatment groups. RESULTS Prednisolone-treated cats had expected clinicopathologic alterations (mild increases in neutrophil and monocyte counts and serum concentrations of albumin, cholesterol, and triglycerides) but systolic arterial blood pressure; blood glucose, serum potassium, and cardiac biomarker concentrations; urinary sodium excretion; and echocardiographic variables did not differ significantly from baseline at any time. Statistically significant, albeit clinically irrelevant, increases in blood glucose and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations were observed between baseline and the prednisolone pharmacokinetic steady state (7 days after initiation) only when the 2-mg/kg dosage was administered. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated short-term oral administration of anti-inflammatory dosages of prednisolone did not cause relevant hemodynamic, echocardiographic, or diabetogenic effects in systemically normal cats with allergic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate mechanisms by which anti-inflammatory doses of orally administered intermediate-acting glucocorticoids (prednisone) could predispose dogs to progression of heart disease or congestive heart failure. ANIMALS 11 client-owned dogs with allergic dermatitis and 11 matched healthy control dogs. PROCEDURES Clinicopathologic, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic variables were measured. Dogs with allergic dermatitis then received prednisone (1 mg/kg, PO) once daily for 14 consecutive days beginning on day 0 (baseline), followed by a tapering and washout period; control dogs received no treatment. Measurements were repeated on days 7, 14, and 35. Linear mixed modeling was used to compare changes in variables across measurement points and between dog groups. RESULTS Prednisone administration caused no significant changes in serum sodium or potassium concentration, blood glucose concentration, or target echocardiographic variables. The change from baseline in systolic arterial blood pressure at day 7 was significantly greater in prednisone-treated dogs than in control dogs. Expected changes in hematologic and serum biochemical values with prednisone administration (neutrophilia, eosinopenia, isosthenuria, and high serum alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activities) also occurred in the prednisone-treated dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that anti-inflammatory doses of orally administered glucocorticoids have the potential to adversely impact cardiac function in dogs by causing an increase in blood pressure and thus increased cardiac afterload.

An 11-year-old, toy poodle dog was presented with dermatologic lesions and mammary gland tumor (MGT) evaluation. A solitary, lobulated MGT (size 2.5 × 3.5 cm) was affecting the 5th left mammary gland. Firm, oval plaque skin lesions were present on the left dorsal carpal area. The skin lesions were alopecic and salivary staining. The dog had historical separation anxiety and excessive licking of skin lesions were observed. Based on the clinical and histopathologic examinations, MGT was diagnosed with mammary complex adenoma and the skin lesions were diagnosed with acral lick dermatitis. Behavior modification treatment using oral clomipramine was effective.

Forty-five claw lamed cows with pododermatitis circumscripta, hyperplasia interdigitalis, and dermatitis verrucosa were treated surgically through resection of necrotic tissues, currettage, antibiotics application, and compressive bandage, under retrograde intravenous regional anesthesia of claw. At 7 days postoperation were showed lameness score 0, absense of swelling of extremitis, without fistulation and purulent exudate in wound. Mean duration time of action of local anesthetic drug was 75 minutes and mean operation time for treatment of pododermatitis circumscripta, hyperplasia interdigitalis, and dermatitis verrucosa was 35 minutes, 20 minutes, and 21 minutes, respectively.

Fifteen dogs with superficial pyoderma were investigated clinically. Dermatological signs were mainly consisted of papule (66.6%), pustule (86.6%), epidermal collrarette and patchy (40%), and hyperpigmentation (53.3%). Distribution of skin lesion were consisted of back (35.5%), abdomen (29.0%), axillary (6.4%), leg (3.2%), neck (3.6%) and foot (16.1%), respectively. In pustular cytology PMN cells and cocci were examined. Cephalexin was very effective antibiotics on superficial pyoderma at administration of 30mg/kg bid P.O.for 3 weeks. Hyperadrenocorticism and atopy were diagnosed as a primary cause on pyoderma in 2 dogs.