Neurogenic inflammation and colliquative lymphadenitis with persistent orthopox virus DNA detection in a human case of cowpox virus infection transmitted by a domestic cat.

Cowpox viruses are orthopoxviruses that may survive in the environment for years. Rodents are regarded as the primary hosts, but transmission to other species has been reported. This report describes a cowpox virus infection in a cat with subsequent transmission to its owner leading to protracted, atypical and severe clinical signs. A young cat presented with multiple crusts and plaques on the neck, muzzle and tail base. The owner developed an erythematous lesion with elevated margins, central necrosis and crust formation below the left breast, a neurogenic inflammation, enlarged regional lymph nodes, a colliquative lymphadenitis and concomitant flu-like symptoms. Cultures were taken at the first visit from the cat's lesional skin and the patient's skin, and polymerase chain reaction with sequencing of the haemagglutinin region of both were positive for cowpox virus. The patient was treated with various antibiotics and methylprednisolone and was in clinical remission after 7 months.

Efficacy and safety of rush immunotherapy with alum-precipitated allergens in canine atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES: Canine atopic dermatitis is a very common disease in small animal practice. Its only specific treatment is allergen immunotherapy. In rush-immunotherapy (RIT) increasing doses of allergen extract are injected subcutaneously in short intervals. Maintenance doses are achieved within one day compared to weeks or months with conventional immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RIT with alum-precipitated allergens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 20 dogs with atopic dermatitis underwent RIT with alum-precipitated allergens. Pruritus and medications at the start of the immunotherapy and 12 months afterwards were compared and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: Significant improvement in pruritus (p = 0.0001) and medication scores (p = 0.0004) was noted after approximately 12 months of treatment. The observed clinical response was good to excellent in 70% of the dogs, consistent with other published reports. One dog vomited once during the induction day, with no other clinical problems and completion of the normal protocol. The other 19 dogs showed no adverse effects at all during or after RIT. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: RIT with alum-precipitated allergens seems to be a safe and efficacious method to treat dogs with atopic dermatitis.

Role of the environment in the development of canine atopic dermatitis in Labrador and golden retrievers.

Canine and human atopic dermatitis are multifaceted diseases whose clinical development may be influenced by several factors, such as genetic background, environment, secondary infections, food and psychological effects. The role of the environment has been extensively examined in humans but remains unclear in dogs. The aim of this study was to examine environmental factors in two genetically close breeds, Labrador and golden retrievers. Using standard criteria, atopic dogs in Switzerland and Germany were selected and compared with healthy individuals. Information on environmental factors was collected using a 46-question survey encompassing date and place of birth, way of life at the breeder's and owner's home, food and treatments. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the association between potential risk factors and disease status. The following parameters were associated with an increased risk of disease development: living in a shed during puppyhood, adoption at the age of 8-12 weeks and washing the dog regularly. In contrast, the following factors were associated with a lower risk: living in a rural environment, living in a household with other animals and walking in a forest. These associations do not prove causality but support the primary hypothesis that certain environmental factors may influence the development of canine atopic dermatitis. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results and conclusions.