Immunoglobulin G responses to Malassezia pachydermatis in healthy dogs and dogs with Malassezia dermatitis

Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses of healthy dogs and dogs with Malasseziapachydermatis dermatitis were compared by Western immunoblotting. M pachydermatis CBS 1879 was disrupted mechanically and its proteins were separated and blotted on to nitrocellulose membranes before being incubated with sera from eight healthy beagles, eight Irish setters with gluten-sensitive enteropathy, 15 healthy basset hounds, and 30 dogs with Mpachydermatis-associated dermatitis, 20 of which were basset hounds. The mean (se) numbers of bands of immunoreactivity observed in the seborrhoeic basset hounds (10.7 [0.4]) and affected mixed-breed dogs (9.4 [0.9]) were significantly greater than in the beagles (3-0 [1.0]), Irish setters (5.5 [1.1]) and healthy basset hounds (5.6 [0.7]). The number of bands identified was correlated (r(s) = 0.76, P < 0.001) with the anti-M pachydermatis IgG values measured by ELISA in a previous study. Most of the dogs were immunoreactive towards the 132, 66 and 50 to 54 kDa proteins and the affected dogs were also usually reactive towards the 219, 110, 71 and 42 kDa proteins.     

Intradermal test reactivity to Malassezia pachydermatis in healthy basset hounds and basset hounds with Malassezia dermatitis

Nineteen healthy beagles, eight healthy basset hounds and 17 basset hounds with Malassezia dermatitis were tested intradermally with two extracts of M pachydermatis. One healthy beagle and two affected basset hounds showed wheal and flare reactions 15 minutes after the injection. Delayed reactions, consisting of erythematous macules and plaques, were commonly observed 24 hours after the injection in both the healthy and affected basset hounds, but occurred infrequently in the beagles. At 24 hours the diameters of the lesions in the healthy and affected basset hounds were significantly (P<0.01) greater than those in the healthy beagles, but the diameters in the healthy and affected basset hounds did not vary significantly. Delayed reactions in six of the basset hounds with Malassezia dermatitis were characterised histologically by superficial perivascular and periadnexal infiltrates of neutrophils and lymphocytes.     

Comparison of two shampoos for the treatment of canine Malassezia dermatitis: a randomised controlled trial

Objectives : Two antimicrobial shampoos for treatment of canine Malassezia dermatitis (CMD) were compared in a prospective, randomised, single‐blinded, field clinical trial. Methods : Sixty‐seven dogs with pedal or generalised dermatitis associated with Malassezia overgrowth (MO) were treated with 3% chlorhexidine shampoo (3%CHX) or 2% miconazole‐2% chlorhexidine shampoo (2%MIC/CHX) and evaluated for up to 6 weeks until cytological recovery. Pruritus, erythema, papules, greasy seborrhoea, scaling, malodour, excoriations, secondary hairloss, lichenification, hyperpigmentation and lesion extent were each scored on a 0‐3 severity scale and combined making an aggregate score. Results : Among 54 dogs with good treatment compliance, reduction of yeast counts by at least 88% was recorded in 21 of 22 dogs with 3%CHX and 30 of 32 dogs with 2%MIC/CHX. No significant difference was detected between products for yeast count reduction (P=0·592). Time to cytological recovery was not significantly different between groups (P=0·960). Lesion score was significantly reduced in both groups after treatment (72·5 ±25·7% with 3%CHX versus 78·7 ±22·3% with 2%MIC/CHX, P=0·309). Four dogs treated with chlorhexidine shampoo showed minor adverse effects. Clinical Significance : In this study, 3%CHX was clinically as effective as 2%MIC/CHX for treatment of CMD.     

Plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations in the dog: The effects of age, breed, gender and endocrine disease

A combined ultracentrifugation and precipitation technique was used to quantify the plasma lipoprotein concentrations of control dogs (n=33) and dogs with diabetes mellitus (n=11), hyper-adrenocorticism (n=14), hypothyroidism (n=10) and obesity (n=20). In addition, the effect of breed type, age and gender on the lipoprotein phenotype was assessed. Breed type and age were found to have no effect upon cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations but the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration was greater in intact females than intact males. Cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher than those of the control group in dogs with diabetes mellitus (P<0·01), hyper-adrenocorticism (P<0·01) and hypothyroidism (P<0·001). In dogs with diabetes mellitus this was due to increased concentrations of very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) (P<0·01) and HDL-C (P<0·05). The concentrations of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0·05) were significantly increased in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, while in the hypothyroid dogs, VLDL-C (P<0·05), LDL-C (P<0·001) and HDL-C (P<0·05) were significantly higher than the control group. The cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations in the obese population were not significantly different from control dogs.     

Season and location effects on serum and liver mineral concentrations of Senepol cattle on St Croix,virgin islands

Summary Serum and liver concentrations of selected macro-and trace minerals were determined in Senepol cattle at 8 sites (4 each in a high and low rainfall region) during the dry and wet season on St Croix. At each site an average of 15 mature, lactating cows, grazing native grass/legume pastures without supplementation were blood sampled each season. Liver samples were collected (n=51) at slaughter from mature animals originating from the same sites. A preliminary analysis indicated no differences in serum mineral concentrations between mature lactating cows and growing heifers. There were differences between sites for serum magnesium (Mg) (P<0·001), copper (Cu) (P<0·05) selenium (Se) (P<0·001) and zinc (Zn) (P<0·01) in the dry season, and for Cu (P<0·01), iron (Fe) (P<0·001) and Zn (P<0·01) in the wet season. Higher (P<0·001) serum concentrations of Mg, Cu, Fe and Zn were observed in the dry season, while Se was higher (P<0·001) in the wet season. Liver concentrations of Cu and Fe were lower (P<0·01) and liver molybdenum (Mo) (P<0·001) and Se (P<0·05) higher during the dry season. The seasonal differences in serum Cu, Se and Zn concentrations have not been observed in other studies in the Central American region. More than 50% of serum samples were deficient in phosphorus (P) regardless of season, and in Cu and Zn during the wet season. Mineral supplementation should be considered.

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Resumen Se determinó la concentración de minerales (macro y trazas) seleccionados, en ganado Senepol en ocho sitios: cuatro de ellos en una región de alta precipitación y los otros cuatro en regiones de baja precipitación pluvial, durante la estación seca y lluviosa en la isla de Sta Cruz. En cada sitio, un promedio de 15 vacas lactantes, pastoreando pasto nativo y pasturas con leguminosas sin suplementación, se sangraron en cada estación. Se colectó tejido hepático (n=51) en el matadero local, de animales maduros provenientes de los sitios estudiados. Un análisis preliminar, no indicó diferencias en concentraciones séricas de minerales entre animales maduros lactandos y novillas en crecimiento. Hubo diferencias en cuanto a localización respecto al magnesio sérico (Mg) (P<0·001), cobre (Cu) (P<0·05) selenio (Se) (P<0·001) y zinc (Zn) (P<0·01) en la estación seca y para Cu (P<0·01), hierro (Fe) (P<0·001) y Zn (P<0·01) en la estación lluviosa. Se observaron concentracionas séricas màs altas (P<0·001) de Mg, Cu, Fe y Zn en la estación seca, mientras que el Se fue más alto (P<0·001) en la estación lluviosa. Las concentraciones hepáticas de Cu y Fe fueron bajas (P<0·01) y las de molibdeno hepático (Mo) (P<0·001) y Se (P<0·05), fueron altas durante la estación seca. Las diferencias estacionales en concentraciones de Cu, Se, y Zn sérico, no habian sido observadas en otros estudios en la región centroamericana. Mas de 50 por ciento de las muestras de suero fueron deficientes en fósforo (P) sin tener en cuenta la estación y en Cu y Zn durante la estación lluviosa. Se sugiere la necesidas de suplementación mineral.

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Résumé Les auteurs ont déterminé les concentrations sériques et hépatiques d'un certain nombre d'oligo éléments et de sels minéraux sur des bovins Senepol éléves sur 8 sites (quatre pour chaque région à forte et faible pluviométrie) pendant la saison humide et la saison sèche sur l'lle Sainte Croix. Sur chaque site, des prélèvements de sang ont été effectués pendant chaque saison sur la base d'une moyenne de 15 vaches adultes en lactation, paturant sur des parcours naturels de graminées/légumineuses, sans complémentation. Les prélèvements de foie (n=51) ont été collectés à l'abattoir sur des animaux adultes originaires de ces mêmes endroits. Une analyse préliminaire n'a indiqué aucune différence dans les concentrations minérales du sérum entre les vaches adultes en lactation et les génisses en cours de croissance. Il y avait des différences entre les sites pour le magnésium sérique (Mg) (P<0,001), le cuivre (Cu) (P<0,05), le sélénium (Se) (P<0,001) et le zinc (Zn) (P<0,01) en saison sèche et pour le cuivre (Cu) (P<0,01), le fer (Fe) (P<0,001) et le zinc (Zn) (P<0,01) en saison humide. En saison sèche, des concentrations plus élevées (P<0,001) on été observées pour Mg, Cu, Fe et Zn alors que le sélénium (Se) était plus abondant en saison humide. Les concentrations hépatiques en Cu et Fe étaient plus basses (P<0,01) mais celles en Molybdène (Mo) (P<0,001) et en sélénium (P<0,05) plus élevées au cours de la saison sèche. Les différences saisonnières entre les concentrations sériques de Cu, Se et Zn n'ont pas été observées en Amérique centrale par d'autres auteurs. Plus de 50 p. 100 des échantillons de sérum étaient carencés en phosphore (P) quelle que soit la saison, et en Cu et Zn pendant la saison humide. Il conviendrait de prendre en considération la complémentation minérale.

     

Influence of signalment on developing cranial cruciate rupture in dogs in the UK

Objectives : To investigate risk factors associated with cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. Methods : Retrospective case‐control study: medical records of a first‐opinion veterinary practice were searched for dogs diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (1995 to 2007). For each case, six unaffected dogs were randomly selected from all dogs presenting that day for comparison. Multi‐variable binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association of variables on likelihood of cruciate rupture. Results : Frequency of cranial cruciate ligament rupture was 1·19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·02 to 1.36%]. West Highland white terriers (n=17), Yorkshire terriers (n=14) and Rottweilers (n=11) were at significantly increased risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (P≤0·002). Rottweilers were at five times greater risk compared with other pure breeds (OR 5·12, 95% CI 2·281 to 11·494, P<0·001), obesity quadrupled the risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (OR 3·756, 95% CI 1·659 to 8·502, P=0·001) and females were twice as likely to suffer cranial cruciate ligament failure compared to males (OR 2·054, 95% CI 1·467 to 2·877, P<0·001). Dogs less than two years old were statistically less likely to sustain cranial cruciate ligament rupture than dogs older than eight years (OR 0·246, 95% CI 0·127 to 0·477, P<0·001). There was no significant difference in median weights (in kilograms) of neutered dogs, compared to their entire counterparts in either the case group (P=0·994) or in the control group (P=0·630). There was also no significant difference in body condition (‐underweight/normal weight/overweight/obese) of neutered versus entire dogs among the cases (P=0·243), or the controls (P=0·211). Clinical Significance : Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is more likely in Rottweilers and in female dogs, older dogs and obese dogs. Following multi‐variable analysis, it was established that neutering was not associated with increased risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture.     

Factors associated with elevated cutaneous Malassezia p a chyderm a tis populations in dogs with Pruritic skin isease

The prevalences of breeds and concurrent diseases in a group of 40 dogs with pruritic skin disease associated with elevated cutaneous Malassezia pachydermatis populations were compared with samples of a dermatological hospital population. The ages and genders of the affected dogs were comparable to those of the dermatology population. Basset hounds, cocker spaniels and West Highland white terriers were significantly overrepresented. Concurrent diseases were diagnosed in 27 dogs, of which 15 were atopic. However, the prevalences of atopic disease, primary keratinisation defects and endocrinopathies in dogs with elevated cutaneous M pachydermatis populations were comparable to those in the dermatology population as a whole. These results indicate that certain breeds are predisposed to the development of elevated cutaneous M pachydermatis populations and that concurrent skin diseases can frequently be identified in affected dogs. However, the relationship between these concurrent diseases and abnormal M pachydermatis populations remains unclear.     

Hypovitaminosis D in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia

Objectives : To compare serum vitamin D metabolites and plasma parathyroid hormone concentrations in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and normal albumin concentration, dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia, healthy dogs and hospitalised ill dogs with non‐gastrointestinal illness. Methods : Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations were measured in 36 healthy dogs, 49 hospitalised ill dogs with non‐gastrointestinal illnesses, 21 dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and normoalbuminaemia and 12 dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia. Plasma parathyroid hormone and ionised calcium concentrations were measured in a subset of these dogs. Results : Concentrations of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D were lower in hypoalbuminaemic dogs with inflammatory bowel disease than in the healthy dogs (P<0·001), hospitalised ill dogs (P<0·001) and normoalbuminaemic dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (P<0·001). Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia had a higher plasma concentration of parathyroid hormone (P<0·01) and lower plasma concentration of ionised calcium (P<0·001) than hospitalised ill dogs. Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease had a positive correlation between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and serum albumin (P<0·0001), serum calcium (P<0·0001) and plasma ionised calcium (P<0·0005) concentrations. Clinical Significance : Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia frequently have ionised hypocalcaemia, high parathyroid hormone and low serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. Further studies are indicated to establish the pathogenesis of this disease complication as well as therapeutic strategies to reverse this state.     

Population characteristics and survival in 127 referred cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (1997 to 2005)

Objectives : To evaluate the characteristics and survival of a recent population of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Methods : Records at the Royal Veterinary College Queen Mother Hospital for Animals were searched for cats diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy between 1997 and 2005. Referring veterinarians and owners were contacted to determine survival times. Results : Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were evaluated for population characteristics (n=127) and survival times (n=109). Overall median survival from date of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosis at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals was 1276 days. Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were younger (P=0·009), and more likely to be male (P<0·001) compared to a hospital control group (n=1473), and Ragdolls were over-represented (P<0·05). Characteristics associated with increased survival in univariate analysis included younger age (P=0·007), asymptomatic status (P<0·001), normal left atrial size (P<0·001) and presence of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (P=0·003). Systolic anterior motion was associated with asymptomatic status, and did not influence survival in asymptomatic cats or those in congestive heart failure. Age, left atrial size and breed were significantly associated with survival time in a multivariate analysis. Clinical Significance : Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left atrial enlargement have a poorer prognosis. The positive influence of systolic anterior motion on survival is likely to be linked to its association with asymptomatic status.     

Population sizes and frequency of Malassezia pachydermatis at skin and mucosal sites on healthy dogs

Skin and mucosal carriage of Malassezia pachydermatis was studied in 20 healthy pet dogs of various breeds and in 20 kennelled beagles. Using swabs, anal carriage was detected in 10 pet dogs and 11 beagles and the nose, mouth, prepuce and vulva were shown to be infrequently colonised. M pachydermatis was isolated from the external ear canal of 11 beagles and two pet dogs; both the population sizes and frequency of isolation were significantly (P<0·05) greater in the beagles. The yeast was infrequently isolated from the axilla and groin in low numbers using contact plates and detergent scrub samples but was often cultured from the lower lip and the dorsal interdigital spaces; isolation frequencies and population sizes in the two groups of dogs were not significantly different. These results demonstrate that the anus, external ear canal and lip and interdigital skin of healthy dogs are frequently colonised by M pachydermatis.     

Electrolyte and protein levels in bovine tears

Electrolyte and protein levels were measured in lacrimal fluid collected from both eyes of 20 calves. In the 40 samples analysed mean levels of sodium were 138 ± 1·0 mmol/l, potassium 20 ± 0·5 mmol/l, calcium 0·79 ± 0·04 mmol/l, magnesium 0·56 ± 0·02 mmol/l, chloride 133 ± 1·5 mmol/l, inorganic phosphate 0·18 ± 0·03 mmol and protein 7 ± 0·4 g/l. Tear collection rate was 130 ± 13 μl/min. Significant positive correlations were found between levels of sodium and chloride (0·55, P < 0·01) and calcium and magnesium (0·42, P < 0·01), and negative correlations between sodium and potassium (0·67, P < 0·001), calcium and chloride (0·37, P < 0·05), calcium and tear collection rate (0·32, P < 0·05), and magnesium and tear collection rate (0·32, P < 0·05). Pairing the right and left eyes of each animal, all measured components showed significant correlations except inorganic phosphate, protein and collection rates.     

Treatment of Malassezia pachydermatis-associated seborrhoeic dermatitis in Devon Rex cats with itraconazole--a pilot study

Treatment of Malassezia pachydermatis-associated seborrhoeic dermatitis with oral itraconazole was investigated in six Devon Rex cats (DRC). The cutaneous populations of Malassezia were determined using contact plates and a swab-wash method before and after 21 days of pulse treatment with itraconazole (5 mg kg-1 once daily, 7 days on, 7 days off, 7 days on). Before treatment, all cats had greasy seborrhoeic dermatitis involving the axillae, groin, claw folds and palmar and plantar interdigital skin, and two had similar lesions on the ventral neck. After treatment, there was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in overall clinical scores and in scores at all individual sites assessed, except for the interdigital skin (P=0.068). Population sizes of M. pachydermatis in the left and right axillae, left and right groin and palmar interdigital skin were significantly (P<0.05) reduced, whereas the reduction in claw fold counts did not reach significance (P=0.068). The dramatic reduction in yeast counts and an associated marked clinical improvement of the seborrhoeic dermatitis provide important pilot data on the potential value of oral itraconazole in the management of seborrhoeic dermatitis associated with M. pachydermatis in DRC.     

The association between the signalment, common causes of canine otitis externa and pathogens

Objective : To determine whether associations exist between pathogens, allergies, conformational abnormalities, endocrinopathies and signalment in canine otitis externa (OE). Methods : Medical records of 149 dogs which met predetermined inclusion criteria were evaluated retrospectively. Correlations between pathogens and the presence of allergy, endocrinopathy, conformational abnormalities and signalment were evaluated statistically. Results : The shar‐pei, German shepherd and cocker spaniel breeds were over‐represented compared with the hospital's breed distribution (P<0·001). German shepherd dogs and cocker spaniels were statistically more prone to infection with rod‐shaped organisms and Labrador retrievers less than other breeds (P=0·034). Almost all dogs that were older than five years when diagnosed with OE had cocci (P=0·01) and also had higher levels of rods (P=0·028). The incidence of rods was higher in endocrinopathies (P=0·004), while that of Malassezia spp. tended to be higher in allergies (P=0·098). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups for all the other parameters examined. Clinical Significance : OE infection is usually not influenced by primary causes or predisposing factors. Endocrinopathies may be followed by a more severe otitis, however. OE may be more severe when it affects older dogs.     

Relationship between abdominal fat content and avian uncoupling protein gene expression in skeletal muscle of Japanese quail Coturnix japonica

1. The genetic architecture of the avian uncoupling protein (avUCP) was investigated and the relationship between avUCP gene expression and the amount of abdominal fat of Japanese quail was determined by quantitative real-time PCR.

2. The Japanese quail avUCP gene consists of six exons and five introns. Sequences of nucleotides and amino acids were 94·6% and 86·0% identical to those of the chicken avUCP gene, and phylogenetic analysis showed that the Japanese quail avUCP gene consists of the same clusters as the chicken and turkey avUCP.

3. Expression of the avUCP gene was significantly higher in the Pectoralis major (1·28?±?0·24) than in the Biceps femoris (0·63?±?0·14).

4. A positive correlation coefficient between the avUCP gene expression in the Pectoralis major and Biceps femoris was observed (r?=?0·79, P?=?0·02), whereas a negative correlation coefficient was observed between the abdominal fat percentage (AFP) and gene expression in both the Pectoralis major (r?=??0·82, P?=?0·01) and Biceps femoris (r?=??0·61, P?=?0·11).

5. The avUCP gene was associated with the accumulation of abdominal fat in Japanese quail and it was concluded that modulation of avUCP gene expression could be utilised to control abdominal fat accumulation in poultry.     

Epidermal Dysplasia And Malassezia pachydermatis Infection In West Highland White Terriers

Abstract— A chronic, severely pruritic, seborrhoeic skin disorder of West Highland White terriers is reported. The dermatosis has no apparent sex predilection, often begins in animals less than one year of age and is probably genetically programmed. This syndrome is characteristically refractory to standard therapeutic regimens. Histologically the dermatosis is characterized by variable degrees of hyperplastic superficial perivascular dermatitis with a keratinization defect, epidermal dysplasia and the presence of budding yeast in surface and follicular keratin. Malassezia pachydermatis is isolated in pure culture from the skin lesions. Because of the unique histological findings in this syndrome, we propose that the disorder be called “epidermal dysplasia and Malassezia pachydermatis infection in the West Highland White terrier”. Résumé— Une affection cutanée chronique, sévèrement, prurigineuse, séborrhéique, est décrite chez des West Highland White terriers. La dermatose, sans prédisposition apparente de sexe, débute souvent sur des animaux agés de moins d'un an et reconnait probablement une origine héréditaire. La caractéristique de ce syndrome est d'étre résistant aux thérapeutiques habituelles. A l'histologie, la dermatose est caractérisée par des degrés variables de dermatite hyperplasique superficielle périvasculaire avec un défaut de kératinisation une dysplasie épidermique et la présence de levures bourgeonnantes dans la kératine superficielle et folliculaire. Malassezia pachydermatis est isolée en culture pure à partir des lésions cutanées. En raison de l'aspect histologique univoque dans ce syndrome, nous proposons que cette affection soit appelée: “Dysplasie épidermique et infection àMalassezia pachydermatis du West Highland White terrier”. Zusammenfassung— Eine chronische, hochgradig pruriginÖse, seborrhoische Hauterkrankung des Westhighland-White-Terriers wird beschrieben. Die Dermatose zeigt keine deutliche Geschlechtsdisposition, beginnt oft im Alter unter einem Jahr und ist wahrscheinlich genetisch bedingt. Dieses Syndrom spricht auf die üblichen therapeatischen Maßnahmen nicht an (Diagnostik durch Biopsie). Histologisch ist diese Dermatose gekennzeichnet durch unterschiedliche Grade einer hyperplastischen, superfiziellen, perivaskulären Dermatitis mit Keratinisierungsdefekt, durch epidermale Dysplasie und die Anwesenheit von Sproßpilzen (Hefen) im oberflächlichen und follikulären Keratin. Aus den Hautveränderungen wird Malassezia pachydermatis in Reinkultur isoliert. Wegen der einzigartigen histologischen Befunde bei diesem Syndrom schlagen wir vor, diese Erkrankung “Epidermale Dysplasie und Malassezia pachydermatis—Infektion beim Westhighland-White-Terrier” zu nennen.     

Epidermal Dysplasia And Malassezia pachydermatis Infection In West Highland White Terriers

Abstract— A chronic, severely pruritic, seborrhoeic skin disorder of West Highland White terriers is reported. The dermatosis has no apparent sex predilection, often begins in animals less than one year of age and is probably genetically programmed. This syndrome is characteristically refractory to standard therapeutic regimens. Histologically the dermatosis is characterized by variable degrees of hyperplastic superficial perivascular dermatitis with a keratinization defect, epidermal dysplasia and the presence of budding yeast in surface and follicular keratin. Malassezia pachydermatis is isolated in pure culture from the skin lesions. Because of the unique histological findings in this syndrome, we propose that the disorder be called “epidermal dysplasia and Malassezia pachydermatis infection in the West Highland White terrier”. Résumé— Une affection cutanée chronique, sévèrement, prurigineuse, séborrhéique, est décrite chez des West Highland White terriers. La dermatose, sans prédisposition apparente de sexe, débute souvent sur des animaux agés de moins d'un an et reconnait probablement une origine héréditaire. La caractéristique de ce syndrome est d'étre résistant aux thérapeutiques habituelles. A l'histologie, la dermatose est caractérisée par des degrés variables de dermatite hyperplasique superficielle périvasculaire avec un défaut de kératinisation une dysplasie épidermique et la présence de levures bourgeonnantes dans la kératine superficielle et folliculaire. Malassezia pachydermatis est isolée en culture pure à partir des lésions cutanées. En raison de l'aspect histologique univoque dans ce syndrome, nous proposons que cette affection soit appelée: “Dysplasie épidermique et infection àMalassezia pachydermatis du West Highland White terrier”. Zusammenfassung— Eine chronische, hochgradig pruriginÖse, seborrhoische Hauterkrankung des Westhighland-White-Terriers wird beschrieben. Die Dermatose zeigt keine deutliche Geschlechtsdisposition, beginnt oft im Alter unter einem Jahr und ist wahrscheinlich genetisch bedingt. Dieses Syndrom spricht auf die üblichen therapeatischen Maßnahmen nicht an (Diagnostik durch Biopsie). Histologisch ist diese Dermatose gekennzeichnet durch unterschiedliche Grade einer hyperplastischen, superfiziellen, perivaskulären Dermatitis mit Keratinisierungsdefekt, durch epidermale Dysplasie und die Anwesenheit von Sproßpilzen (Hefen) im oberflächlichen und follikulären Keratin. Aus den Hautveränderungen wird Malassezia pachydermatis in Reinkultur isoliert. Wegen der einzigartigen histologischen Befunde bei diesem Syndrom schlagen wir vor, diese Erkrankung “Epidermale Dysplasie und Malassezia pachydermatis—Infektion beim Westhighland-White-Terrier” zu nennen.     

Glycosylated Hemoglobin Concentration for Assessment of Glycemic Control in Diabetic Cats

Blood glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) concentration was quantified in 84 healthy cats, 9 cats with stress-induced hyperglycemia, 37 cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, and 122 diabetic cats treated with insulin or glipizide. Diabetic control was classified as good or poor in insulin-treated or glipizide-treated cats based on review of history, physical examination findings, changes in body weight, and measurement of blood glucose concentrations. Blood GHb concentration was determined using an affinity chromatography assay. Mean blood GHb concentration was similar for healthy normoglycemic cats and cats with transient, stress-induced hyperglycemia, but was significantly (P < .001) higher in untreated diabetic cats when compared with healthy normoglycemic cats. Mean blood GHb concentration was significantly (P < .001) higher in 84 cats with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus when compared with 38 cats in which the disease was well controlled. Mean blood GHb concentration decreased significantly (P < .01) in 6 cats with untreated diabetes mellitus after insulin and dietary treatment. A similar significant (P < .01) decrease in mean blood GHb concentration occurred in 7 cats with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus after diabetic control was improved by an increase in insulin dosage from 1.1 ± 0.9 to 1.4 ± 0.6 U/kg/ 24 h and by feeding a diet containing increased fiber content and in 6 cats with transient diabetes mellitus 8.2 ± 0.6 weeks after discontinuing insulin treatment. There was a significant (P< .01) stress-induced increase in mean fasting blood glucose concentration and mean blood glucose concentration for 12 hours after administration of insulin or glipizide but no change in mean blood GHb concentration in 5 docile diabetic cats 12.2 ± 0.4 weeks after the cats became fractious as a result of frequent hospitalizations and blood samplings. Results of this study suggest that evaluation of blood GHb concentration may be a clinically useful tool for monitoring glycemic control of diabetes in cats.     

Relationship between egg‐shell colour and two measurements of shell strength in the Vasca breed

1. Egg‐shell colour, egg specific gravity, shell thickness and egg weight were determined for 2080 eggs from three varieties of the Vasca, a Spanish brown‐egg‐laying hen.

2. Intermediate, positive and significant (P < 0·01) correlation coefficients were found between egg‐shell colour and specific gravity (0·25), or shell thickness (0·21). There was a very high (0·84), significant (P < 0·01) correlation between the measures of shell strength.

3. Shell thickness was accurately predicted with both specific gravity and egg weight as independent variables (determination coefficient 0·74); eggshell colour did not explain any further variation.

4. All traits showed considerable departure from normality in the form of negative kurtosis (shell colour and specific gravity), positive kurtosis (shell thickness and egg weight), negative skewness (shell thickness) or positive skewness (egg weight).

5. Egg‐shell colour, specific gravity and shell thickness were less in July, in old birds and in eggs laid in the morning. Differences in egg quality traits between the three varieties were not significant.

     

Comparison of media and conditions of incubation for the quantitative culture of Malassezia pachydermatis from canine skin

Fifty-five swab-wash specimens from dogs were cultured at 32°C on Sabouraud's dextrose agar either with or without 1 per cent Tween 80, Ushijima's medium A and modified Dixon's and Leeming's media. The counts of Malassezia pachydermatis were not significantly different after three or seven days of incubation. Colony counts on contact plates were significantly greater after incubation for seven days on Sabouraud's dextrose (P<0·001) and modified Dixon's agars (P<0·05) than after three days at 26°C, but not at 32°C. Counts on Sabouraud's or modified Dixon's agars after incubation at 32°C and 37°C were not significantly different. When compared with aerobic culture, an atmosphere containing 5 to 10 per cent carbon dioxide significantly (P<0·01) increased the frequency of isolation and colony counts on Sabouraud's dextrose agar but not on modified Dixon's agar.     

Use of contact plates for the quantitative culture of Malassezia pachydermatis from canine skin

The Malassezia pachydermatis populations of the axilla and groin of 12 normal and 12 atopic dogs were compared using tape-strips and contact plates. When assessed by either method, the mean density of yeasts in the groin of the atopic dogs was significantly greater (P<0.05) than that of the normal dogs, suggesting that the cutaneous microenvironment of the groin region of the atopic dogs favoured colonisation by this yeast. Differences between the counts from the axilla were not significant. The frequency of isolation of yeasts from both dogs and sites was significantly higher (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively) in the atopic group. There was a very highly significant correlation (P<0.001) between the tape-strip counts and contact plate counts in the atopic group only. This study suggests that isolation of numerous M pachydermatis colonies from the axilla and groin of dogs using contact plates is indicative of elevated skin surface populations. The simplicity of the contact plate method makes it suitable for the routine quantitative culture of cutaneous M pachydermatis populations in dogs with dermatological disease.