ABSTRACT
This pilot study was to determine if early oral flea exposure reduces the incidence of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) in cats. Eighteen kittens, assigned to three groups, received no flea exposure, oral flea exposure or flea infestation for 12 weeks. Then all the kittens were exposed continually to fleas for 31 weeks. Sensitization was monitored using intradermal testing (IDT), in vitro measurement of anti-flea saliva immunoglobulin E (IgE) and development of FAD. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in IDT reactions, in vitro data or clinical scores. The development of FAD was not associated with the presence of anti-flea saliva IgE. However, the development of a delayed reaction to flea bite was associated with symptoms after flea exposure. Although not statistically significant, the FAD scores in the oral group were lower than in the controls. Further studies are required to determine the role of oral flea exposure in the development of FAD in cats.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases/immunology , Ectoparasitic Infestations/veterinary , Hypersensitivity, Delayed/veterinary , Siphonaptera/immunology , Animals , Animals, Newborn , Cat Diseases/pathology , Cats , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/immunology , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/veterinary , Ectoparasitic Infestations/immunology , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary , Female , Hypersensitivity, Delayed/immunology , Immunoglobulin E/blood , Intradermal Tests/veterinary , Male , Pilot ProjectsABSTRACT
The purpose of this double-blind study was to examine the effects of a 1% hydrocortisone, leave-on conditioner on hematologic and biochemical parameters, adrenal function tests, and cutaneous reaction to serial dilutions of histamine phosphate in healthy dogs and those with pruritic dermatitis. Groups 1 and 2 each consisted of eight healthy dogs. Seven pruritic dogs comprised Group 3. All dogs were bathed twice weekly for 6 weeks. Groups 1 and 3 had 1% hydrocortisone conditioner applied after each bath. Group 2 had vehicle from the conditioner applied after each bath. The amount of 1% hydrocortisone applied to the treated dogs ranged from 278 to 416 mg/m2. Hematologic and biochemical analysis and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests were performed on all dogs on days 0,14, 28, and 42. Mean values for all blood and serum parameters remained within normal limits during the study. Post-ACTH cortisol levels were definitely lower in Group 3 than in Groups 1 and 2 on day 42 (P < 0.05) and when averaged over all days of the study (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly lower in Group 3 on day 0 than on days 14 (P < 0.05), 28 (P < 0.01), and 42 (P = 0.05). All dogs received intradermal injections of buffered saline and five serial dilutions of histamine phosphate on days 0, 14, 28, and 42. No significant differences were apparent among the groups in subjective and objective evaluation of intradermally injected dilutions of histamine. In this study, the use of a 1% hydrocortisone, leave-on conditioner did not result in clinically evident adverse effects, and only minor changes in blood parameters were detected. Although mean values in all groups remained within reference ranges throughout the study, the finding of statistically significant lower post-ACTH cortisol concentrations in the pruritic dogs (Group 3) suggests that absorption of hydrocortisone may have occurred. The results of this study also show that this product does not significantly suppress cutaneous reactivity to histamine in normal and pruritic dogs.
Subject(s)
Bites and Stings/complications , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications , Mites , Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous/etiology , Animals , Animals, Domestic , Bites and Stings/diagnosis , Humans , Ivermectin/therapeutic use , Mite Infestations/drug therapy , Mite Infestations/veterinary , Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous/diagnosisABSTRACT
Recent advances in our knowledge of cat flea biology and the discovery of new nontoxic control methods have greatly simplified and improved flea control. Instead of relying on adulticides for the bulk of flea control, the veterinarian now focuses on the immature stages, particularly the larvae and the eggs. By doing this, environmentally "friendly" flea control methods are employed that are much safer for the veterinarian, the pet owner, and the cat.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases/chemically induced , Cat Diseases/prevention & control , Dermatitis/veterinary , Ectoparasitic Infestations/veterinary , Pesticides/adverse effects , Siphonaptera , Animals , Cat Diseases/etiology , Cats , Dermatitis/etiology , Dermatitis/prevention & control , Ectoparasitic Infestations/complications , Ectoparasitic Infestations/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Otitis externa can be a complicated and difficult disease to diagnose and treat. Because of the unique physiology of the ear canal and common pathophysiology of otitis externa regardless of the underlying cause, the clinician must rely on history, dermatologic examination, and ancillary tests to determine the cause and appropriate therapy for a particular case.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases/etiology , Dog Diseases/etiology , Ear Canal/pathology , Otitis Externa/veterinary , Animals , Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Cats , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dogs , Ear Canal/physiopathology , Otitis Externa/diagnosis , Otitis Externa/etiology , Otitis Externa/physiopathologyABSTRACT
An 8-year-old gelding, with a 1-year history of intense pruritus only after exercise, was diagnosed as having cholinergic pruritus. Provocative testing, using exercise and hot-water baths to increase core body temperature, assisted in the diagnosis. Cholinergic pruritus in human beings is a variant of the more common syndrome, cholinergic urticaria, which is characterized by intense pruritus and pinpoint urticaria. With cholinergic pruritus, intense itching results without urticaria. Specific diagnostic laboratory tests have not been developed.
