Adverse events associated with chloramphenicol use in dogs: a retrospective study (2007-2013).

Chloramphenicol is a broad spectrum antibiotic that has been increasingly utilised since the emergence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections. Due to toxicities in humans, use of the drug has been limited. In dogs, gastrointestinal signs are common adverse events described, and bone marrow suppression is possible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adverse events associated with chloramphenicol in dogs seen by one specialty practice from January 2007 through June 2013. The database was searched for all dogs prescribed chloramphenicol during the time period. Dosage, length of treatment, age and body weight of the dogs were recorded as well as any adverse events that occurred during treatment. A total of 105 cases were evaluated. Thirty-nine dogs experienced at least one adverse event while on the medication. The most commonly noted were gastrointestinal signs and hindlimb weakness. The mean body weight for dogs with hindlimb weakness was 35.3 kg, which was significant. Resolution was documented in 54 per cent of cases when the drug was discontinued. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on bacterial culture was listed as the reason for chloramphenicol use in 76 per cent of the cases. Based on this information, further prospective studies are recommended to evaluate the reproducibility of this report.

Steroidogenic response of adrenal tissues after administration of ACTH to dogs with hypercortisolemia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adrenal sex hormone concentrations in neutered dogs with hypercortisolemia. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 11 neutered dogs with hypercortisolemia. PROCEDURE: Serum samples obtained before and 1 hour after administration of ACTH were evaluated for concentrations of cortisol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or androstenedione or both, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. RESULTS: For all dogs, concentrations of 1 or more adrenal sex hormones were substantially greater than reference range values before or after administration of ACTH. Testosterone concentration was not greater than reference range values in any of the dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results emphasize the importance of ruling out hypercortisolemia before measuring adrenal sex hormone concentrations as a means of diagnosing adrenal hyperplasia syndrome (alopecia X) in dogs.

Effect of oral melatonin administration on sex hormone, prolactin, and thyroid hormone concentrations in adult dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of oral melatonin (MT) administration on serum concentrations of sex hormones, prolactin, and thyroxine in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 8 male and 8 female adult sexually intact dogs. PROCEDURE: 5 male and 5 female dogs were treated with MT (1.0 to 1.3 mg/kg [0.45 to 0.59 mg/lb] of body weight), PO, every 12 hours for 28 days; the other 6 dogs were used as controls. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 14, and 28, and serum concentrations of estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-HP), dihydroepiandrostenedione sulfate (DHEAS), prolactin, and thyroxine were determined. On day 5, serum MT concentrations were measured before and periodically for up to 8 hours after MT administration in 4 treated dogs. RESULTS: Female dogs treated with MT had significant decreases in serum estradiol, testosterone, and DHEAS concentrations between days 0 and 28. Male dogs treated with MT had significant decreases in serum estradiol and 17-HP concentrations between days 0 and 28. Serum MT concentrations increased significantly after MT administration and remained high for at least 8 hours. Prolactin and thyroxine concentrations were unaffected by treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Melatonin is well absorbed following oral administration and may alter serum sex hormone concentrations.

Altered platelet indices in dogs with hypothyroidism and cats with hyperthyroidism.

Changes in platelet indices (platelet count and platelet size) and PCV associated with thyroid disease were studied in 7 dogs with hypothyroidism and 21 cats with hyperthyroidism that were admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital. Compared with control (euthyroid) dogs, dogs with hypothyroidism had higher platelet count (P = 0.003), smaller platelet size (P = 0.01), and lower PCV (P = 0.02). Comparison of the group of hyperthyroid cats with a group of similarly aged, clinically normal cats with normal thyroxine values indicated that the group of hyperthyroid cats had significantly (P = 0.03) higher mean platelet size than did control cats, but differences were not found in mean platelet count or PCV. Results of this investigation indicate that the changes in platelet size reported in human beings with thyroid endocrinopathies also are found in animals so-affected. Although the pathogenesis of platelet abnormalities in animals with thyroid derangement is unclear and likely is multifactorial, the observed relation between platelet and erythrocyte production in this group of dogs is consistent with reports of an inverse relation between thrombocytopoiesis and erythropoiesis in iatrogenically hyperthyroid mice and in mice exposed to hypoxia.

Sex hormone-related and growth hormone-related alopecias.

Canine endocrine dermatoses are characterized by bilateral symmetrical alopecia. Although growth hormone-related and sex hormone-related dermatoses are less common than hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism, they are important causes of hormonal skin disease. Several new syndromes associated with growth and sex hormones recently have been described.

Hormonal abnormalities in Pomeranians with normal coat and in Pomeranians with growth hormone-responsive dermatosis.

Clinical status, skin biopsy specimens, and endocrine function were evaluated in normal-coated Pomeranians (n = 12) and Pomeranians affected with growth hormone (GH)-responsive dermatosis (n = 7), then were compared with values in mixed-breed dog controls (n = 19). All Pomeranians were clinically normal; however, the Pomeranians with GH-responsive dermatosis had bilateral alopecia and hyperpigmentation of the trunk, caudal portion of the thighs, and ventral neck region. Skin biopsy specimens from the affected Pomeranians had decreased-to-normal epidermal thickness and follicular atrophy, compared with normal-coated Pomeranians. Numerous elastin fibers were observed in the skin biopsy specimens of unaffected and affected Pomeranians. Both groups of Pomeranians had normal results of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and thyrotropin (TSH) response, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) stimulation, and dexamethasone suppression testing. There was no significant increase in serum GH concentration in either group of Pomeranians after xylazine or human GH-releasing factor (GHRF) administration, whereas control dogs had significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) increase in serum GH concentration after administration of either agent. Baseline plasma ACTH concentration in unaffected and affected Pomeranians was increased above the normal range (40 to 90 pg/ml). Post-ACTH administration serum progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androgen (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or androstenedione) concentrations were consistently high in unaffected and affected Pomeranians, compared with values in control dogs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Plasma cell pododermatitis with chronic footpad hemorrhage in two cats.

Plasma cell pododermatitis was diagnosed in 2 cats with enlargement of the metacarpal and metatarsal footpads, ulceration of one of the affected footpads, and a history of chronic hemorrhage from the ulcerations. One cat was anemic (PCV, 14.6%). The ulcers were debrided and sutured to control hemorrhage, and the cats were treated with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Both cats had considerable reduction in footpad size after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. Although there is evidence to suggest that plasma cell pododermatitis might be immune-mediated, or perhaps an allergic disease, the cause has yet to be determined.

Cheyletiellosis and scabies.

Cheyletiellosis and scabies can cause pruritus in dogs and cats. Cheyletiellosis is variably pruritic, whereas scabies is usually intensely pruritic. Hypersensitivity reactions are described in both of these parasitic dermatoses and probably contribute to the development of lesions and pruritus. Both parasites are readily eradicated with insecticides.

Familial allergic rhinitis in cattle.

A group of Angus X Holstein cattle were determined to have allergic rhinitis. Clinical signs included nasal discharge, tearing, sneezing, and nasal pruritus. The diagnosis was made on the basis of intradermal skin testing of affected and clinically normal cattle. The affected cattle had positive test results to various tree, grass, weed, and mold allergens. The clinical signs and seasonal occurrence were similar to those features for allergic rhinitis in man. Breeding data indicated an inherited mode of transmission, although only females were affected.

Dermatosis associated with feeding generic dog food: 13 cases (1981-1982).

The records of 13 dogs with a crusting dermatosis of the mucocutaneous junctions, pressure points, and trunk were evaluated. All of the dogs had been fed corn- and wheat-based commercial dry dog foods that failed to meet the National Research Council's recommendations for balanced nutrition. The dermatosis in all 13 dogs resolved completely after the diet was changed to one that met the National Research Council's recommendations. The disease was similar to that which has previously been called canine dry pyoderma, but is now known to be a zinc-responsive dermatosis.