Clinical efficacy of recombinant canine interferon-gamma therapy in dogs with cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: The antitumour effects of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in humans with cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma (CETCL) have been described; however, the efficacy of IFN-γ in dogs has not been investigated. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of recombinant canine IFN-γ (rCaIFN-γ) therapy in dogs with CETCL. ANIMALS: Twenty dogs with CETCL recruited from seven veterinary clinics were enrolled in the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen dogs were treated with rCaIFN-γ, and five control dogs were treated with prednisolone. We evaluated survival time, skin lesions (erythema, nodules, ulcers and bleeding), pruritus and general condition (sleep, appetite and body weight). In the rCaIFN-γ group, a questionnaire regarding the therapy was administered to owners after the dogs died. RESULTS: No significant differences existed in the median survival time between the rCaIFN-γ and control groups (log-rank test: p = 0.2761, Wilcoxon's rank sum test: p = 0.4444). However, there were significant differences in ulcer, bleeding, pruritus, sleep, appetite and body weight between the groups (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U-test: p = 0.0023, p = 0.0058, p = 0.0005, p = 0.0191, p = 0.0306 and p = 0.0306, respectively). Two (40%) of five dogs were euthanised in the control group, compared with none in the rCaIFN-γ group. Fourteen questionnaires were collected, and owners reported that they were satisfied with the rCaIFN-γ treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the median survival time was not prolonged, rCaIFN-γ could be helpful in maintaining good quality of life for dogs with CETCL.

Focal cutaneous telangiectasia in a young dog of probable congenital origin.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic cutaneous telangiectasia has been rarely described in the dog. OBJECTIVES: We present the first case of idiopathic focal cutaneous telangiectasia in a young dog of probable congenital origin. METHODS: An 18-month-old spayed female Maltese dog presented with demarcated erythema of the skin on the right thorax. The lesion consisted of scattered, florid, ramified macules with mild dermatrophia and desquamation. The lesion was examined with histopathology and immunohistochemistry using antibodies for alfa-SMA. RESULTS: Diascopy revealed a blanchable lesion. Tortuous capillary expansion was observed by dermoscopy. The histopathological examination revealed dilated but otherwise unremarkable capillaries in the superficial dermis compatible with cutaneous telangiectasia. The lesion was followed up over a 3-year period and had essentially remained stable. Other vascular anomalies displaying similarities with telangiectasia are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: In human vascular anomalies, this case would be presumably classified as 'telangiectasia' by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. We propose that primary cutaneous telangiectasia should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for this type of lesions in dogs. We also suggest that dermoscopy would be a valuable tool for the identification of vascular anomalies in dogs.

Diode laser-assisted transcanal endoscopic removal of an aural polyp in the external auditory canal of a dog.

BACKGROUND: In humans, aural polyps comprise fibrovascular tissue covered by the respiratory epithelium. Aural polyps with ciliated epithelium are common in cats but are rarely reported in dogs. In a previous case, a mass filled the tympanic cavity alone, and it was surgically removed. OBJECTIVES: To report a case of a canine aural polyp with ciliated epithelium extending from the dorsal tympanic cavity to the external auditory canal with detailed otological features and to demonstrate the usefulness of the transcanal endoscopic procedure (TEP) with a diode laser as a less-invasive therapy. METHODS: A 12-year-old castrated male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel presented with a 6-month history of unilateral chronic otorrhoea. Video-otoscope examination revealed a protruding, reddish and soft-to-rubbery round mass in the right horizontal ear canal. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging further revealed a smooth mass extending from the dorsal portion of the tympanic cavity into the horizontal part of the external auditory canal. However, it showed no lesions in the dorsal tympanic cavity. RESULTS: The mass was removed using aural forceps by a traction-torsion manoeuvre. The suspected base of the mass on the caudal side of the upper tympanic cavity was confirmed by a rigid scope, and it was completely vaporised with a diode laser. Histopathology revealed foci of columnar ciliated epithelium embedded in the connective tissue encapsulated by stratified squamous epithelium. No recurrence was observed at 3 years and 8 months. CONCLUSION: We describe a rare case of an aural polyp with ciliated epithelium extending from the upper-middle ear to the external auditory canal in a dog. The TEP using a diode laser may be a useful minimally invasive treatment option for managing external auditory canal polyps.

Long-term follow-up of a single dose of fluralaner in nine dogs with demodicosis.

BACKGROUND: Long-term follow-up of oral fluralaner for canine demodicosis has not been demonstrated. OBJECTIVES: A multicentre prospective open trial for the efficacy of oral fluralaner for the long-term (>12 month) management of canine demodicosis. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs diagnosed with demodicosis at nine veterinary clinics. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A single fluralaner dose was administered orally. Although shampoo was allowed to treat secondary pyoderma, no other medication or shampoo was allowed, except for medication for possible underlying disorders. Each dog underwent a thorough parasitological and dermatological assessment monthly for three months and was followed up for >12 months. RESULTS: Twenty-six dogs were enrolled. Their ages ranged from three months to 16 years. The cases were nine juvenile and 17 adult onsets; and 18 generalised and eight localised forms. Fluralaner administration resulted in 100% eradication of mites and complete resolution of all skin lesions at three months. Seventeen dogs were excluded from the one year follow-up evaluation as they had required a second dose of isoxazoline or died from causes unrelated to the fluralaner treatment. In the remaining nine cases, no relapse was observed in any of the dogs (six adult and three juvenile onsets; six generalised and three localised forms). Four dogs were monitored for over one year, one dog for over two years, and four dogs for three years. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results indicated that a single dose of fluralaner could effectively deliver a long-term cure when combined with managing underling conditions.