Experimental evaluation of ophthalmic devices and solutions using rabbit models

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the geometry of the anterior segment of rabbit and human eyes, with relevance for the evaluation of intraocular lenses, and to review rabbit models used in our laboratory for the evaluation of different ophthalmic devices and solutions. PROCEDURES: Fifteen rabbit and 15 human eyes (10 phakic and 5 pseudophakic/group) obtained postmortem were used. Anterior-posterior length, equatorial diameter, and white-to-white (corneal diameter) were measured with calipers. The eyes were then analyzed with a very high-frequency ultrasound (Artemis, Ultralink) for measurements of the anterior chamber depth, and anterior chamber and ciliary sulcus diameters. The capsular bag diameter was measured with calipers from a posterior view, and the diameter and thickness of the crystalline lenses were measured after their excision from the phakic eyes. RESULTS: Although the size of the rabbit eye is overall smaller than the size of the human eye, the dimensions of the anterior segment of rabbit eyes are generally larger. The differences between rabbit and human eyes were statistically significant (Wilcoxon rank sum test) in terms of anterior-posterior length, equatorial diameter, white-to-white measurements (P < 0.0001), anterior chamber diameter (P = 0.0004), ciliary sulcus diameter (P = 0.0012), and crystalline lens diameter and thickness (P = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Experimental evaluation of design features of new phakic intraocular lenses in rabbit eyes may be inconclusive without adaptation of their size/design, contrary to the evaluation of new pseudophakic lenses by implantation in the capsular bag. The rabbit is a very valuable model for the experimental evaluation of different ophthalmic devices and solutions.     

Alteration in intestinal morphologic features associated with extensive large-colon resection in horses

Light microscopy, morphometry, and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the mucosal morphologic features of 7 intestinal specimens (3 from the small intestine; 4 from the large intestine) from each of 8 horses 1 year after sham operation (group 1; n = 3) or extensive large-colon resection (group 2; n = 5). Qualitative light microscopic examination did not reveal differences between groups, but morphometry revealed significantly (P less than 0.05) greater intercrypt area and distance in horses with colon resection and this was most pronounced in the cecum and remaining right ventral and dorsal colon. Crypt area and depth were similar for horses with colon resection and sham operation (P greater than 0.05). Qualitative evaluation of the scanning electron micrographs revealed more prominent crypt orifices in the large intestine of horses with colon resection. The larger intercrypt distance in the colon of horses with resection was not an obvious feature of the qualitative evaluation of the surface with scanning electron microscopy. Small intestinal morphologic features were variable and significant differences were not detected between horses with sham operation and colon resection. Horses adapted to extensive large-colon resection within 1 year by increasing the absorptive (intercrypt) surface area of the remaining large intestine.     

Effect of diet on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

Background Elevated concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)‐D) were diagnosed in captive short‐beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) from three different zoological facilities within Australia. Results The mean serum 25(OH)‐D concentration in the wild echidnas was 24.7 nmol/L and was significantly higher in captive echidnas from all three facilities: Facility 1, mean 335.5 nmol/L (P < 0.001); Facility 2, mean 187.2 nmol/L (P = 0.003); Facility 3, mean 194 nmol/L (P = 0.005). Animals did not appear to have clinical manifestations of vitamin D toxicosis. The increased serum 25(OH)‐D concentration was attributed to excessive dietary intake and a reduction in the amount of vitamin D₃ in the diet of echidnas from Facility 1 resulted in a marked decrease in the serum 25(OH)‐D concentrations (mean 33 nmol/L). The reduction in serum 25(OH)‐D concentration was statistically significant (P = 0.002) and the resulting concentrations were similar to those of wild echidnas (P = 0.212). Conclusion It is not known what effect an elevated serum 25(OH)‐D concentration has on echidnas.     

代乳品和开口料对哺乳中后期羔羊生长性能血清生化指标和营养物质表观消化率的影响

本试验旨在研究代乳品和开口料的饲喂对哺乳中后期羔羊生长性能、血清生化指标和营养物质表观消化率的影响。选择体重相近的30日龄羔羊75只,随机分成5组,每组3个重复,每个重复5只。各组分别饲喂代乳品1+开口料(A组)、代乳品1(B组)、代乳品2(C组)、母乳+开口料(D组)和母乳(E组)。分别在30、40、50、60、70日龄称重并对体尺进行测量,68~70日龄连续收集3 d粪样测定营养物质表观消化率,在70日龄颈静脉采血测定血清生化指标。结果表明:1)30、40、50、60、70日龄D组体重、体长、体高、胸围高于A、E组,E组高于B组,B组与C组间差异不显著(P0.05);但60~70日龄期间,A组平均日增重显著高于D组(P0.05),B组显著高于E组(P0.05)。2)血清尿素氮含量及谷丙转氨酶、谷氨酰转移酶、乳酸脱氢酶活性组间差异不显著(P0.05);血清总蛋白和甘油三酯含量D组显著高于A组(P0.05),E组血清甘油三酯含量显著高于B、C组(P0.05);血清白蛋白和球蛋白含量A、D、E组之间差异不显著(P0.05),但D组有增高趋势,E组显著高于B、C组(P0.05);血清葡萄糖含量A、D、E组显著高于B、C组(P0.05);A组血清碱性磷酸酶活性显著高于其他各组(P0.05);B、C组之间上述血清生化指标差异均不显著(P0.05)。3)各营养物质采食量A组显著高于B、C组(P0.05),B、C组之间差异不显著(P0.05);干物质、钙、磷表观消化率差异不显著(P0.05);粗蛋白质、总能、中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维表观消化率A组显著高于B、C组(P0.05),且B、C组差异不显著(P0.05)。由此可见,代乳品和开口料的饲喂对羔羊生长性能、血清生化指标及营养物质表观消化率有不同程度的影响,羔羊代乳品加开口料的饲喂模式可实现羔羊的早期断奶,具有一定的推广价值。     

伪狂犬病猪脑组织MDA和SOD活性的变化

对感染伪狂犬病毒（PRV）猪脑组织的MDA含量和SOD活性进行了检测，结果显示，猪感梁PRV反脑组织MDA含量普遍升高，顶叶，额叶，小脑，扣带回和海马与对照组比较，差异显著（P＜0．05）；SOD活性与对照组相比额叶升高（P＜0．05），而扣带回，海马显著降低（P＜0．05）。结果提示，自由基介入了PRV的致病过程。     

Disease features in horses with induced equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Potomac horse fever)

Fifty-five horses were inoculated IV and/or SC with materials containing Ehrlichia risticii, ie, infected whole blood, buffy coat cells, or cell culture, to study clinical and hematologic features of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Potomac horse fever). Major clinical and hematologic features of induced E risticii infection were biphasic increase in rectal temperature with peak increases of 38.9 C and 39.3 C on postinoculation days (PID) 5 and 12, respectively; depression; anorexia; decreased WBC count (maximal decrease of 47% on PID 12); and diarrhea from PID 14 to PID 18. Increased WBC count was an inconsistent feature, with a maximal increase of 51.5% on PID 20. During times of decreased and increased WBC counts, lymphocyte/neutrophil ratios remained fairly constant. However, not all horses had all clinical and hematologic features, and these features were present in different degrees among horses. Increased rectal temperature, depression, anorexia, and decreased WBC count were more consistent features, whereas diarrhea developed in 73% of the horses. Of 55 horses, 39 (71%) had all clinical and hematologic features of the disease (classic disease), whereas 16 (29%) horses did not have greater than or equal to 1 of these features (nonclassic disease). The E risticii titer in the blood (ehrlichemia) was maximum during the peak increase in rectal temperature. In 55 horses, mortality was 9%. Significant differences (P greater than 0.5) in clinical and hematologic features were not detected between horses that survived and those that died of E risticii infection.     

A study of periodontal disease in sheep over a twelve month period

Sheep affected by broken mouth periodontal disease (P.D.) were examined over a twelve month period for different clinical parameters. It is suggested that P.D. in sheep is an episodic phenomenon similar to human P.D., and that only a few animals with signs of P.D. may undergo clinically significant destruction over a yearly period. No single parameter could reliably predict future deterioration in other parameters.     

A study of periodontal disease in sheep over a twelve month period

Sheep affected by broken mouth periodontal disease (P.D.) were examined over a twelve month period for different clinical parameters. It is suggested that P.D. in sheep is an episodic phenomenon similar to human P.D., and that only a few animals with signs of P.D. may undergo clinically significant destruction over a yearly period. No single parameter could reliably predict future deterioration in other parameters.     

Inheritance of litter size and its components in crosses between the D'man and Sardi breeds of sheep

Data on ovulation rate, litter size and embryo survival of 364 Sardi (S), D'man (D), S x DS, DS x S, S x D, D X S (F1), F2, D x DS and DS x D ewes mated for first and second lambing to F1 rams were analyzed. Breed group, birth group and season had significant effects on ovulation rate and litter size but not on embryo survival. D'man ewes had the highest ovulation rate (2.79) and litter size (2.00), with an essentially linear increase in each of these variables with percentage of D'man inheritance in the ewe (b = .017 +/- .001 CL and .009 +/- .001 lambs born). Embryo survival was influenced only by the number of ova shed. D'man direct genetic effects were higher (P less than .01) than those of Sardi for ovulation rate (+1.78) and litter size (+1.08) but did not differ for embryo survival (-.07). Maternal effects differed little for any of the three traits. Individual heterosis estimates were negative and significant for ovulation rate but not significant for litter size and embryo survival. Maternal heterosis and epistatic recombination effects were small and not significant for any trait.     

不同粗饲料补饲配合精料对肉驴育肥的影响

为研究苜蓿干草(Medicago sativa)、玉米秸秆(Zea mays)、麦秸(Triticum paleas)以及芦苇(Phragmites australis)补充配合精料对肉驴育肥的影响,选取25头2～3周岁、体重在145～150?kg的育肥驴,随机分为5组(每组5个重复),分别为对照组(苜蓿干草)、A组(...     

Effects of vinclozolin administration on sperm production and testosterone biosynthetic pathway in adult male rat

The effect of vinclozolin (VCZ), used as a fungicide and known to have anti-androgenic effects on spermatogenesis and gene expression in the male rat testis was investigated. In Experiment 1, VCZ (100 mg/kg/day) or flutamide (FM, 25 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to male Holzman rats for six days. 8 days after the last administration (D8), a drastic increase in intratesticular testosterone was detected in FM (4.2-fold over control) but not in VCZ treated animals, whereas on D36 post-administration, both groups showed similar levels. Significant decreases in daily sperm production were seen in both VCZ and FM-treated rats on D36. Semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis with testicular and pituitary mRNAs on D8 revealed that LHbeta and FSHbeta mRNAs were increased in the pituitary by VCZ, as well as by FM. Among the four testicular steroidogenic enzyme genes, cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage (P450scc) and cytochrome P450 17alpha/C(17-20) lyase (P450c17) mRNAs were significantly increased, whereas 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type III (17betaHSD) mRNA was not changed. A significant increase in 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (3betaHSD) and a decrease in androgen receptor (AR) mRNA were observed only in FM treated rats. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated intense staining of P450scc in the interstitial cells of VCZ-treated testis on D8. In Experiment 2, hormone levels were measured at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours after VCZ (100 mg/kg) administration to Sprague-Dawley rats. Serum LH level remained constant for the first 3 hours and started to increase at 6 hrs. In contrast, serum and intratesticular testosterone levels increased 2-fold at 1 hr and maintained the level until 24 hrs. P450c17 mRNA level was 2-fold increased at all periods, whereas no obvious changes were detected in the other steroidogenic enzyme genes. Although not statistically significant, AR mRNA level increased 2-fold, 3 hrs after VCZ administration. These results indicate that VCZ affects the pituitary in a similar manner as FM, but functions differently on testicular gene expression.     

Effects of biological type of beef steers on vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus status

Feedlot steers (n = 36) from three biological types (Bos indicus, Bos taurus-Continental, and Bos taurus-English) were used to determine the Ca, P, and vitamin D3 status of feedlot cattle. The USDA yield and quality grade traits were measured at slaughter, and the concentrations of vitamin D3 (VITD) and the metabolites 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2 D) were determined in LM, liver, kidney, and plasma. Plasma and muscle Ca and P concentrations also were determined. Biological type of cattle affected a number of carcass traits. Carcasses from Bos taurus-English cattle had more marbling, resulting in higher quality grades (P < 0.05). Carcasses from Bos taurus-Continental cattle had lower calculated yield grades (P < 0.05) than did carcasses from cattle in the other biological types. In general, differences in carcass traits resulting from biological type were consistent with other reports. Plasma and LM Ca and P concentrations were not affected (P = 0.06) by biological type of cattle, indicating that Ca and P homeostasis is a conserved trait across the different types of cattle. Plasma VITD and 25-OH D concentrations were not affected (P = 0.41) by biological type, whereas plasma 1,25-(OH)2 D concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in Bos taurus-English cattle than in Bos taurus-Continental and Bos indicus cattle. Liver VITD and 25-OH D were not affected by biological type (P = 0.76), but liver 1,25-(OH)2 D concentration was greater (P < 0.05) in Bos indicus cattle than in Bos taurus-Continental cattle. Kidney vitamin D metabolite concentrations were not affected by biological type of cattle (P = 0.21). Muscle VITD concentration was greater (P < 0.05) in Bos taurus-English cattle than in the other two biological types, and muscle 25-OH D concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in Bos taurus-English cattle than in Bos indicus cattle. Muscle 1,25-(OH)2 D concentration was less (P < 0.05) in the Bos taurus-Continental cattle than in the other two biological types. Cooking eliminated vitamin D metabolite differences among the biological types. Our results suggest that Bos indicus cattle had greater 1,25-(OH)2 D (the biologically active form) in tissues, and greater 1,25-(OH)2 D plasma concentrations than Bos taurus cattle. Thus, the need for VITD supplementation and optimal levels of Ca and P in feedlot diets might differ between Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle.     

中国荷斯坦奶牛EEF1D基因的SNPs检测及其与产奶性状的关联分析

试验旨在研究中国荷斯坦奶牛真核生物翻译延伸因子1D（eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 delta,EEF1D）基因的多态性及其与产奶性状的相关性。利用Sequenom MassARRAY SNP分型技术对宁夏地区1 252头中国荷斯坦奶牛EEF1D基因的多态性进行了检测,并对其多态位点不同基因型和组合基因型与产奶性状进行了关联分析。结果显示,EEF1D基因的5'侧翼区存在2个SNPs位点,即EEF1D-1和EEF1D-3;经检测发现,EEF1D-1存在2种基因型,EEF1D-3存在3种基因型。χ²检验表明,中国荷斯坦奶牛在EEF1D-1位点偏离Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态（P < 0.05）,在EEF1D-3位点未偏离Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态（P > 0.05）;EEF1D-1和EEF1D-3位点多态信息含量（PIC）分别为0.10和0.28,分别呈现低度多态和中度多态。在试验群体中,EEF1D-1位点对乳脂率和乳蛋白率性状的效应均达到极显著水平（P<0.01）,对305 d产奶量性状的效应达到显著水平（P<0.05）;EEF1D-3位点对305 d产奶量、乳脂率和乳蛋白率性状的效应均达到极显著水平（P<0.01）;EEF1D基因的优势基因型组合GG-AG和GG-GG个体乳脂率均显著高于GG-AA组合个体（P<0.05）。说明EEF1D基因可以作为影响中国荷斯坦奶牛产奶性状的候选基因用于标记辅助选择。     

不同水平蛋氨酸对埋植褪黑激素母貂营养物质消化率和血清生化指标的影响

采用单因素随机试验设计,选择离乳恢复期及冬毛生长期经产美国短毛黑母貂40只,随机分成A、B、C、D 4组,分别饲喂在基础日粮中添加0%、0.2%、0.4%和0.6%蛋氨酸的4种试验饲粮,以探讨不同水平蛋氨酸对埋植褪黑激素水貂生产性能的影响。结果表明:添加不同水平蛋氨酸后4组水貂干物质、粗蛋白、粗脂肪、能量的消化率表现为差异不显著(P0.05)。试验C组干物质采食量显著高于A、D组(P0.05);试验组与对照组增重、体长差异不显著(P0.05)。试验C组饲料转化率显著高于B、D组(P0.05),A、B、D组饲料转化率差异不显著(P0.05)。试验C、D组总胆固醇含量显著高于对照组A组(P0.05);B、C、D组总胆固醇含量差异不显著(P0.05)。试验各组甘油三酯含量差异不显著(P0.05);B组总蛋白含量明显高于A、D两组(P0.05);C、D组总蛋白含量明显高于A组(P0.05);C组与B、D组总蛋白差异均不显著(P0.05)。在此日粮基础上,综合各项指标可得出,埋植褪黑激素后恢复期和冬毛生长期经产母水貂日粮中蛋氨酸的适宜添加水平为0.4%。     

The efficacy of cyclosporine A in cats with presumed atopic dermatitis: a double blind, randomised prednisolone-controlled study

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of cyclosporine A (CsA) and prednisolone in feline atopic dermatitis (AD) in a randomised, controlled double blind study. Twenty-nine cats with feline AD were randomly allocated to two groups. Eleven cats were treated orally with prednisolone (1mg/kg SID) and 18 were treated with CsA (5mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. At day 0 (D0) and D28, skin lesions were graded by means of the canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI). Skin biopsies and intradermal allergy tests were performed at D0 and blood samples for haematology and serum biochemistry were collected at D0 and D28. During the trial the cat owners were asked to evaluate the intensity of the pruritus once weekly on a linear analog scale and to record side effects. Based on the CADESI there was no significant difference between the two groups in the amount of remission (P=0.0562) or in the number of cats that improved by >25% (P=0.0571). The effect of CsA and prednisolone on pruritus as evaluated by the owners was not significantly different (P=0.41) between the two groups. No serious side effects were observed. The conclusion was that CsA is an effective alternative to prednisolone therapy in cats with presumed atopic dermatitis.     

水分胁迫下墨西哥羽毛草耐旱生理

本研究以一年生墨西哥羽毛草(Nassella tenuissima)为试验材料,采用盆栽控水法对墨西哥羽毛草进行水分胁迫,测定其各项指标,以期为墨西哥羽毛草的养护管理与在园林中的合理应用提供理论基础。结果表明,土壤水分为田间最大持水量的20%、40%、60%处理(D20、D40、D60)的植株株高生长速度和叶片相对含水量随干旱胁迫时间的延长而大幅度地降低,复水后D₂₀、D₄₀、D₆₀各处理的叶片含水量与对照(土壤水分为田间最大持水量的80%)相差7.11%、2.68%、0.80%,只有D₂₀处理与对照差异显著(P<0.05)未恢复到对照水平;相对电导率和丙二醛(MDA)含量随各处理水分胁迫时间的延长而呈逐步增加的趋势,复水后,D₂₀、D₄₀、D₆₀各处理相对电导率分别比对照高12.1%、5.92%、2.42%,D₂₀、D₄₀、D₆₀处理MDA含量分别为对照的152.18%、151.92%、133.97%,与对照差异显著(P<0.05);在水分胁迫下的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化酶(POD)活性均呈先上升后下降的变化趋势,复水后,D₂₀、D₄₀、D₆₀各处理SOD活性恢复到对照的82.65%、90.68%、97.13%,只有D₂₀处理与对照差异显著(P<0.05),其余处理均恢复到对照水平,D₂₀、D₄₀、D₆₀处理POD活性与对照相差7.54%、5.55%、11.73%,D₂₀、D₄₀处理与对照差异显著(P<0.05)。通过本研究可以得出,墨西哥羽毛草具有较强的抗旱性,能够适应40%田间持水量的土壤水分条件,是干旱地区优良的园林地被植物。     

光照周期和饲喂水平对蛋鸡生殖器官发育的影响

本试验旨在研究限饲和光照周期对蛋鸡卵巢和输卵管发育及形态学的影响。试验采用3×2双因子设计,即3个光照周期（8L：16D、12L：12D和16L：8D）和2个饲喂水平（自由采食和限饲鸡自由采食量的80%）。选用体质健康的10周龄海兰灰蛋鸡240只,分成6组,每组4个重复,每个重复10只鸡。结果表明,光照周期显著影响20 w输卵管重（P〈0.05）,长光照周期（16L：8D）组和中长光照周期（12L：12D）组的20 w输卵管重显著高于短光照周期（8L：16D）组,对卵巢卵泡直径及单位面积内卵巢卵泡个数影响不显著（P〉0.05）;饲喂水平对20 w体重、卵巢重、输卵管重及卵巢卵泡直径和单位面积内卵巢卵泡个数影响均不显著（P〉0.05）;光照周期和饲喂水平互作对20 w卵巢卵泡直径影响显著（P〉0.05）,其中,β和VI组卵巢卵泡直径显著高于V组（P〈0.05）,其他各组间差异不显著（P〉0.05）。饲喂水平、光照周期影响输卵管发育,Ⅱ、Ⅳ、VI自由采食组发育程度优于Ⅰ、Ⅲ、V限饲组,并且16L：8D光照组输卵管的发育状况最好。     

Pathophysiological effects of low dietary phosphorus in pigs

SUMMARY: The homeostasis of inorganic phosphate (P(i)) is regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D), and P(i)itself in the intestine, kidney, and bone in all the mammalian species studied. Determinations of the serum concentrations of PTH, 1,25(OH)(2)D and osteocalcin were done in 82 southern Romanian Landrace pigs originating from three herds with dietary P(i)deficiency. Serum P(i)concentrations were negatively correlated with those of 1,25(OH)(2)D. In lactating animals and sucklings, the linear relationships between P(i)and 1,25(OH)(2)D were not present. Serum P(i)concentrations were positively correlated with those of PTH. In lactating animals and young pigs, the linear relationships between P(i)and PTH were not evident. PTH and 1,25(OH)(2)D concentrations were negatively correlated. The serum concentrations of 1,25(OH)(2)D and osteocalcin were positively correlated. Milk P(i)concentrations ranging from 3.10 to 7.49 mmol/L were correlated positively with urinary P(i)concentrations ranging from 0.26 to 11.37 mmol/L. In conclusion, similarly to other species, P(i)homeostasis is achieved in pigs by feedback mechanisms between P(i), PTH and 1,25(OH)(2)D and osteocalcin production is induced by 1,25(OH)(2)D. The effect of lactation on P(i)homeostasis remains to be explored.     

DETERMINATION OF FISH GENDER USING FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF ULTRASOUND IMAGES

The gender of cod Gadus morhua can be determined by considering the complexity in their gonadal ultrasonographic appearance. The fractal dimension ( D _B) can be used to describe this feature in images. B-mode gonadal ultrasound images in 32 cod, where gender was known, were collected. Fractal analysis was performed on these images and D _B was determined using the box counting method. A receiver–operating curve (ROC) was drawn for D _B as a test for male fish. Using a range of D _B values, the maximum accuracy for this test was calculated and compared with the accuracy for identifying male fish by subjective analysis alone. The mean (and standard deviation) of the fractal dimension D _B for male fish was 1.554 (0.073) while for female fish it was 1.468 (0.061); the difference was statistically significant ( P =0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.84 indicating the value of fractal analysis in gender determination in cod. Maximum accuracy (0.84) for D _B as a test for male fish was obtained using the threshold value D _B=1.5058 compared with an accuracy of 0.78 for subjective image evaluation. The use of two thresholds, D _B<1.4475 (females) and D _B>1.5054 (males) gives an 80% certainty in the classification result. Fractal analysis is useful for gender determination in cod. This or a similar form of analysis may have wide application in veterinary imaging as a tool for quantification of complexity in images.     

Prednisolone therapy for atopic dermatitis is less effective in dogs with lower pretreatment serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were measured in 20 dogs with atopic dermatitis prior to treatment with a standard therapeutic dosage of prednisolone (0.93-1.06 mg/kg) every other day for 5 weeks after 7 days of treatment with the same dosage once daily. The severity of their physical signs was scored before and 6 weeks after prednisolone treatment by the canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index version 3 (CADESI-03) and the Edinburgh Pruritus Scale (EPS). The 20 dogs with atopic dermatitis that were treated with prednisolone did not have significantly lower serum concentrations of 25(OH)D than a group of 36 healthy dogs, and the physical severity of the atopic dermatitis was not correlated to pretreatment serum 25(OH)D concentrations. However, dogs which had a marked improvement of their physical signs, defined by a post-treatment EPS score of 0 and/or an 85% reduction in CADESI-03 score, had significantly higher pretreatment serum 25(OH)D concentrations than dogs with a suboptimal response (P = 0.003 and P = 0.03, respectively). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were also measured in a previously published cohort of atopic dogs that were treated with ciclosporin. This cohort of dogs was recruited in a similar time frame to the prednisolone-treated dogs, and all samples were handled in the same way. In contrast to the prednisolone-treated dogs, there was no significant difference in 25(OH)D concentrations in dogs that responded optimally to ciclosporin compared with suboptimal responders. Additional studies are required to establish whether vitamin D has a synergistic therapeutic effect with prednisolone in dogs with atopic dermatitis.