Characterization of pruritus in canine atopic dermatitis,flea bite hypersensitivity and flea infestation and its role in diagnosis

Background – In dogs, flea infestation (FI), flea bite hypersensitivity (FBH) and canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) have been mainly characterized by their lesions but never by their pruritus. In clinical practice, many of these dogs exhibit only pruritus. Hypothesis/Objectives – The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of pruritus in these dermatoses and their potential usefulness for diagnosis. Animals – Dogs included were selected from the Oniris clinical data. Cases were selected in which the dogs had only one of the three dermatoses diagnosed. The diagnosis of CAD was based on Prélaud’s criteria and positive intradermal tests except flea; for FBH by compatible clinical signs and a response to an intradermal test with flea allergen; and for FI by the presence of fleas. Moreover, in each group, other primary pruritic skin diseases were excluded. Methods – Location, behavioural manifestations, seasonality and quantification of the pruritus were evaluated. The statistical analysis used chi‐squared test with a P‐value <0.05. Results – Three hundred and forty‐six dogs were analysed, 91 with CAD, 110 FI and 145 FBH. The period (season) of onset was not statistically different either for each dermatosis or among the three dermatoses. Some locations were highly specific for one dermatosis as follows: ventral abdomen/medial surface of thigh (chewing) and radius/carpus/tibia/tarsus (chewing) in FI; back/dorsolumbar area (chewing) and tail (chewing) in FBH; and paws (chewing/licking) and face/neck (rubbing) in CAD. Conclusions and clinical importance – Some features of pruritus could be suggestive of the causal disease, with possible diagnostic value in pruritic dogs.     

Induction of feline flea allergy dermatitis and the incidence and histopathological characteristics of concurrent indolent lip ulcers

The objectives of this study were to characterize the role of intermittent vs. continual flea exposure in the development of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) in cats, assess the accuracy of intradermal skin testing (IDST) and in vitro testing, and document the incidence and histopathological features of indolent lip ulcers. Ten flea‐naive cats were divided into two groups. One group received intermittent flea exposure for 120 days. Thereafter, both groups of cats received continuous flea exposure for 120 days. In vitro testing for flea salivary antibody and IDST utilizing both whole flea antigen and flea salivary antigen were performed. Eight of 10 cats developed clinical signs of FAD within 3 months and five of these eight cats developed lip ulcers which where characterized histopathologically by ulceration with predominantly neutrophilic inflammation and surface bacterial colonization. There was no association between the presence or absence of clinical signs and positive IDST or in vitro results, and no difference in the development of clinical signs was noted between the two groups of cats.     

Establishment of diagnostic criteria for feline nonflea-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis

Hypersensitivity dermatitides (HD) are commonly seen in cats, and they are usually caused by environmental, food and/or flea allergens. Affected cats normally present with one of the following clinical reaction patterns: head and neck excoriations, usually symmetrical self-induced alopecia, eosinophilic skin lesions or miliary dermatitis. Importantly, none of these clinical presentations is considered to be pathognomonic for HD skin diseases, and the diagnosis of HD is usually based on the exclusion of other pruritic diseases and on a positive response to therapy. The objectives of this study were to propose sets of criteria for the diagnosis of nonflea-induced HD (NFHD). We recruited 501 cats with pruritus and skin lesions and compared clinical parameters between cats with NFHD (encompassing those with nonflea, nonfood HD and those with food HD), flea HD and other pruritic conditions. Using simulated annealing techniques, we established two sets of proposed criteria for the following two different clinical situations: (i) the diagnosis of NFHD in a population of pruritic cats; and (ii) the diagnosis of NFHD after exclusion of cats with flea HD. These criteria sets were associated with good sensitivity and specificity and may be useful for homogeneity of enrolment in clinical trials and to evaluate the probability of diagnosis of NFHD in clinical practice. Finally, these criteria were not useful to differentiate cats with NFHD from those with food HD.     

Serum allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E in atopic and healthy cats: comparison of a rapid screening immunoassay and complete‐panel analysis

Feline and canine atopic dermatitis are thought to have a similar immunopathogenesis. As with dogs, detection of allergen‐specific IgE in cat serum merely supports a diagnosis of feline atopy based on compatible history, clinical signs and elimination of other pruritic dermatoses. In this study, a rapid screening immunoassay (Allercept^® E‐Screen 2nd Generation; Heska AG, Fribourg, Switzerland; ES2G) was compared with a complete‐panel serum allergen‐specific IgE assay (Allercept^®; Heska AG; CP) in healthy cats with no history of skin disease and in atopic cats. The latter had no diagnosis of external parasitism, infection, food hypersensitivity or other skin disease explaining their pruritus, and expressed cutaneous reaction patterns typically associated with feline allergic skin disease (head, neck or pinnal pruritus, miliary dermatitis, self‐induced alopecia, eosinophilic granuloma complex). The proportion of cats positive on either the ES2G or the CP assays was not significantly different between the atopic and healthy cat groups. There was, however, strong agreement between the results of the ES2G and CP assay; overall, the two tests were in agreement for 43 of 49 (88%) serum samples. There was also strong agreement when individual allergen groups were evaluated (agreement noted: indoor, 41 of 49 samples; grasses/weeds, 37 of 49 samples; and trees, 41 of 49 samples). These results indicate that although neither test is diagnostic for feline atopic dermatitis, the screening assay is beneficial for predicting the results of a complete‐panel serum allergen‐specific IgE assay in cats.     

Demodex gatoi -associated contagious pruritic dermatosis in cats - a report from six households in Finland

Background

Demodex gatoi is unique among demodectic mites. It possesses a distinct stubby appearance, and, instead of residing in the hair follicles, it dwells in the keratin layer of the epidermis, causing a pruritic and contagious skin disease in cats. Little is known of the occurrence of D. gatoi in Europe or control of D. gatoi infestation.

Case presentation

We describe D. gatoi in 10 cats, including five Cornish Rex, two Burmese, one Exotic, one Persian and one Siamese, living in six multi-cat households in different locations in Finland containing 21 cats in total. Intense pruritus was the main clinical sign. Scaling, broken hairs, alopecia and self-inflicted excoriations were also observed.Diagnosis was based on finding typical short-bodied demodectic mites in skin scrapings, skin biopsies or on tape strips. Other pruritic skin diseases, such as allergies and dermatophytoses, were ruled out. In one household, despite finding several mites on one cat, all six cats of the household remained symptomless.Amitraz used weekly at a concentration of 125-250 ppm for 2-3 months, proved successful in three households, 2% lime sulphur weekly dips applied for six weeks in one household and peroral ivermectin (1 mg every other day for 10 weeks) in one household. Previous trials in four households with imidacloprid-moxidectin, selamectin or injected ivermectin given once or twice a month appeared ineffective.

Conclusion

D. gatoi-associated dermatitis is an emerging contagious skin disease in cats in Finland. Although pruritus is common, some cats may harbour the mites without clinical signs. In addition, due to translucency of the mites and fastidious feline grooming habits, the diagnosis may be challenging. An effective and convenient way to treat D. gatoi infestations has yet to emerge.     

Three cases of feline ocular coccidioidomycosis: presentation,clinical features,diagnosis, and treatment

Objective To describe clinical and diagnostic features of ocular coccidioidomycosis in cats and the response to fluconazole and anti‐inflammatory therapy. Animals studied Three cats with naturally acquired coccidioidomycosis. Procedure Cats were treated with topical or systemic corticosteroids and systemic fluconazole, an antifungal of unproven efficacy against feline ocular coccidioidomycosis. Results Two cats presented for periocular swellings, either subpalpebral or periorbital, with systemic signs including weight loss, unkempt hair coat, and lethargy. One cat presented for apparent blindness with no systemic signs. Clinical ophthalmologic abnormalities were bilateral in each cat and included hyperemic, conjunctival masses, fluid‐filled periorbital swellings, granulomatous chorioretinitis, nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachments, and anterior uveitis. Cats were diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis using a combination of clinical findings, serology and, in two cases, visualization of Coccidioides spherules by either aspiration cytology or biopsy. Active anterior uveitis and periocular swelling were resolved in all cats during treatment. Chorioretinal granulomas, although persistent, significantly decreased in size. Conclusions Coccidioidomycosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for cats with a travel history to the southwestern United States that demonstrate periocular swelling, anterior uveitis, or granulomatous chorioretinitis, with or without evidence of systemic disease. Aspiration cytology or biopsy of suspicious conjunctival or skin lesions, if present, may aid in diagnosis. A combination of corticosteroids and fluconazole may be effective in treating ocular coccidioidomycosis, although chorioretinal granulomas may persist and long‐term fluconazole therapy may be necessary.     

Food hypersensitivity in cats: 14 cases (1982-1987)

Food hypersensitivity was diagnosed in 14 cats. Clinical signs varied; pruritus (100%), alopecia (64%), and papules (21%) were the ones most commonly observed. Pruritus was localized principally to the head or to the neck or ear region in 42% of the cats. Diagnosis was made on the basis of resolution of clinical signs when cats were fed a restricted ("hypoallergenic") diet, and recurrence of signs when cats were fed their original diet or other food. The most common allergens (on the basis of dietary challenge exposure) were fish and dairy products. Age or sex predilection was not observed, and 9 (64%) of the cats were domestic shorthairs. Owners could not relate the onset of clinical signs with a recent change in diet. Three cats had concurrent flea bite, inhalant, or flea collar hypersensitivity.     

Clinical characteristics and causes of pruritus in cats: a multicentre study on feline hypersensitivity-associated dermatoses

Hypersensitivity dermatitides (HD) are often suspected in cats. Cats with HD are reported to present with one or more of the following patterns: miliary dermatitis, eosinophilic dermatitis, self-induced symmetrical alopecia or head and/or neck excoriations. Previous reports on feline HD included small numbers of animals, took place in geographically restricted areas or did not compare these conditions with other causes of pruritus. The goal of the present study was to analyse 72 parameters covering signalment, clinical, laboratory and treatment characteristics from a large group of pruritic cats from different geographical areas. Of the 502 cats, the following diagnoses were made: flea HD (29% of cases), food HD (12%) nonflea/nonfood HD (20%) and other diseases in which pruritus was a feature (24%). Cats with signs consistent with a HD but which did not complete a food trial were not analysed further (15% of cases). Most cats with nonflea HD exhibited signs compatible with one or more of the four typical lesional patterns, but none of these patterns was found to be pathognomonic for any specific diagnosis. Food HD and nonflea/nonfood HD were found to be clinically undistinguishable. Young adult, purebred and female cats appeared predisposed to nonflea/nonfood HD. As many diagnoses presented with similar lesional patterns, a thorough clinical work-up is required for establishment of a specific diagnosis.     

P-6 Double-blinded comparative study of the efficacy of azithromycin and cephalexin in canine pyoderma

Bacterial pyoderma is one of the most frequent skin diseases in dogs. Recurrent pyoderma is often secondary to an underlying skin disease, but no epidemiological study has been published on the subject to the authors' knowledge. This study was designed to prospectively evaluate the causes responsible for recurrent pyoderma in dogs. Dogs presenting with a history of more than three episodes of skin infection in the last year were included in the study. For each case, epidemiological and clinical data were collected. Pyoderma was confirmed by the clinical signs, the demonstration of bacteria on microscopic examination of cytological smears and a positive culture. Each animal was treated with an appropriate course of antibiotics until resolution of signs of pyoderma. Depending upon the presence of pruritus, appropriate diagnostic tests were performed: skin scrapings, acaricidal trial, flea treatment, elimination diet, intradermal testing, biopsies, endocrinological tests, leishmaniasis and ehrlichiosis serology, antinuclear antibody testing. Thirty dogs (14 males and 16 females) of 19 different breeds, aged from 1 to 12 years (mean 4.9 years) were included. Diagnosis was folliculitis (44%), folliculitis and furunculosis (20%), furunculosis (20%), cellulitis (10%). Staphylococcus intermedius was isolated in 97% of cases. The following underlying diseases were identified: atopic dermatitis (60%), food allergy (7%), flea allergy (7%), hypothyroidism (7%), hyperestrogenism (4%), demodicosis (4%), and zinc-responsive dermatosis (4%). In two dogs, no underlying cause could be identified. Atopic dermatitis is the most common disease associated with recurrent pyoderma in dogs.
Funding: Pfizer Animal Health.     

Factors affecting allergen-specific IgE serum levels in cats

Pruritic skin diseases are common in cats and demand rigorous diagnostic workup for finding an underlying etiology. Measurement of a serum allergen-specific IgE in a pruritic cat is often used to make or confirm the diagnosis of a skin hypersensitivity disease, although current evidence suggests that elevated allergen-specific IgE do not always correlate with a clinical disease and vice versa. The aim of the study was to to assess the possible influence of age, deworming status, lifestyle, flea treatment, and gender on allergen-specific IgE levels and to evaluate the reliability of IgE testing in predicting the final diagnosis of a pruritic cat. For this purpose sera of 179 cats with pruritus of different causes and 20 healthy cats were evaluated for allergen-specific IgE against environmental, food and flea allergens using the Fc-epsilon receptor based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The results of the study showed positive correlation between age, outdoor life style, absence of deworming, absence of flea control measures and levels of allergen-specific IgE. Gender and living area (urban versus rural) did not seem to affect the formation of allergen-specific IgE. According to these findings, evaluating allergen-specific IgE levels, is not a reliable test to diagnose hypersensitivity to food or environmental allergens in cats. On the contrary, this test can be successfully used for diagnosing feline flea bite hypersensitivity.     

Feline acne and results of treatment with mupirocin in an open clinical trial: 25 cases (1994–96)

Clinical and diagnostic parameters, and response to topical mupirocin in 25 cats with feline acne are described. The chin was the most common area affected, but the lower lip, upper lip and the commissure of the lips also frequently had lesions. The most common clinical sign was the presence of crusts, followed by comedones, erythema, alopecia, pruritus and nodules/fistulas. Deep skin scrapings for ectoparasites, cytological examination of superficial skin scrapings, and fungal cultures from the chin were performed on all cats. Dermatophytes were cultured from two cats and Malassezia pachydermatis was cultured ( n  = 2), seen on cytology smears ( n  = 1), or noted on histopathology ( n  = 1). Skin biopsies were obtained from three of the cats and most commonly showed dilatation of sebaceous gland ducts, neutrophilic or pyogranulomatous infiltration of the sebaceous glands, and pyogranulomatous inflammation of the dermis.
All cats were treated with topical 2% mupirocin ointment twice daily for 3 weeks as the sole treatment. Treatment response was excellent in 15 cats and good in nine cats. One cat had a contact reaction to the mupirocin, necessitating stopping treatment. The response to treatment of the six cats with dermatophyte or years involvement was good ( n  = 3) or excellent ( n  = 3).     

Sensitization to dust mites in cats with Otodectes cynotis infestation

Sensitization to the dust mites was demonstrated by an intradermal (ID) skin test in 33 of 55 cats with Otodectes cynotis infestation. Positive ID test reactions to Dermatophagoides farinae were noticed in 32 (58.2%), to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in 29 (52.7%) and to Acarus siro in seven (12.7%) cats. The presence ( P  = 0.03) and duration ( P  = 0.04) of pruritus were positively associated with the ID test results. All the cats had a complete response to systemic ivermectin therapy, although three of them became reinfested as soon as they were in contact with other cats. The ID test was negative in 25 cats that had reacted positive previously, when the test was repeated 3–6 months after the acaricidal treatment. During that time there was no evidence of concurrent ectoparasitic infestation. The remaining eight cats were re-infested by O. cynotis or lost to follow-up.     

Treatment of Culicoides hypersensitive horses with high-dose n-3 fatty acids: a double-blinded crossover study

In this double-blinded crossover study the clinical efficacy of high dose α-linolenic acid (linseed oil) for the treatment of Culicoides spp. hypersensitivity was evaluated. Seventeen privately owned horses from north Florida, USA completed the 18-week study. Criteria for inclusion included negative dermatophyte cultures, negative skin scrapes, failure to respond to ivermectin treatment, compatible clinical signs, positive skin test to Culicoides spp.antigen and a history of seasonal pruritus consistent with Culicoides spp. hypersensitivity. Horses were randomized and each horse's feed was supplemented with 200 mL of linseed oil (n-3 source) or 200 mL of corn oil (n-6 source) per day for a 6-week period. After a 6-week washout period, each horse was crossed over to the other supplement for an additional 6 weeks. Horses were evaluated every 3 weeks. The level of pruritus was determined by counting pruritic acts in a 30-min period. Total lesional surface area was determined by computerized evaluation of scanned photographs and documented physical examination findings. There was no significant change in level of pruritus observed between the groups ( P  = 0.89). Additionally, lesional surface area was not significantly different between the groups ( P  = 0.06). However, most owners stated that horses improved while supplemented with linseed oil.     

Evaluation of the effects of selamectin against adult and immature stages of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis) on dogs and cats

The adulticidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal effects of selamectin against flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) infestations on dogs and cats were evaluated in a series of seven controlled and masked studies (three in cats, four in dogs). Animals were randomly allocated to treatment with either selamectin at a minimum dosage of 6mgkg(-1) in the commercial formulation or one of two negative-controls (0.9% NaCl solution or the vehicle from the commercial formulation). Treatments were administered topically in a single spot on the skin at the base of the neck in front of the scapulae. Speed of kill, measured by flea comb counts at 12h intervals during the 48h immediately following a single treatment on day 0, was evaluated in two studies. One study was in dogs and the other in cats, and each animal was infested with approximately 100 unfed viable adult fleas prior to treatment. Reductions in geometric mean flea counts for selamectin compared with saline were >98% between 24 and 36h after treatment in dogs, and between 12 and 24h after treatment in cats (P< or =0.0006). Efficacy in reducing flea egg hatch and larval development was evaluated in four studies, in which dogs and cats were treated once on day 0 and then repeatedly infested with approximately 600 fleas. Flea eggs were collected approximately for 72h after each infestation, on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 30, counted, and cultured to determine their hatchability and subsequent larval development. Compared with the vehicle, selamectin was highly effective in reducing flea egg hatch (>92% in cats) and larval development (> or =95% for dogs and cats), and emergence of adults (97.8-100% for dogs, 85.6-100% for cats) for 30 days. Effects of exposure to hair coat debris were investigated in a study with dogs treated once on day 0 and repeatedly infested with 100 adult fleas. Debris (dander, flea faeces, hair, scales) was collected on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 30 and added to normal flea eggs or larvae for incubation. Compared with debris from vehicle-treated dogs, debris from selamectin-treated dogs was highly effective in preventing egg hatch (>96%), in killing larvae (>98%) and in preventing larval development to adults (>99%) (P相似文献   

Diagnosis and management of food allergy and intolerance in dogs and cats

SUMMARY This paper reviews food allergy and intolerance in dogs and cats. Adverse reactions to ingested food components can affect many systems and can produce signs involving the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and central nervous system, and these clinical signs are reviewed. Most basic food ingredients have the potential to induce an allergic response, although most reactions are caused by proteins. In particular, dogs and cats can become sensitive to cow's milk, beef, fish or cereal. Food allergy and intolerance is rare in dogs and cats, although the incidence in practice is difficult to establish. Clinical signs are quite variable, depending on the individual response, although the major clinical sign is pruritus. Diagnosis can be difficult, as there is no single test available to help the clinician to confirm or refute the presence of food sensitivity. Diagnosis is based on dietary investigation in the form of elimination diets and test meals. Elimination diets for dogs include lamb, chicken, rabbit, horse meat and fish as sources of protein, with rice or potatoes. Successful elimination diets for cats include lamb, chicken, rabbit or venison, with rice. Improvement in clinical signs while on the elimination diet is suggestive of food allergy. The diagnosis should be confirmed by feeding the original diet, with the development of clinical signs within 7 to 14 days of feeding.     

Diagnosis of flea allergy dermatitis: comparison of intradermal testing with flea allergens and a FcepsilonRI alpha-based IgE assay in response to flea control

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of in vivo and in vitro tests in the diagnosis of flea allergy dermatitis in comparison with history, clinical signs and response to flea control. Intradermal testing using four different sources of flea allergens and FcepsilonRIalpha-based immunoglobulin (Ig)E assays were performed in 15 flea-allergic dogs, 15 atopic dogs and 15 dogs infested with fleas but showing no clinical signs of skin disease. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy were calculated for all five tests and results varied greatly. Sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy were 27, 83 and 64%, respectively, for one extract (Isotec), 67, 90 and 82% for another extract (Greer), 93, 90 and 91% for flea saliva, 40, 90 and 73% for the recombinant Cte f 1 both produced by Heska Corp. and 87, 53 and 64% for a FcepsilonRIalpha-based IgE assay. These results indicate that intradermal testing with flea extracts is more accurate in the diagnosis of flea allergy dermatitis than in vitro tests. Moreover, pure flea saliva used as a reagent for intradermal testing provided the best results in terms of sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy although the Greer extract, a whole body flea extract, also allowed a good correlation between intradermal testing results and clinical approach to flea allergy dermatitis diagnosis.     

Assessment of owner-administered monthly treatments with oral spinosad or topical spot-on fipronil/(S)-methoprene in controlling fleas and associated pruritus in dogs

Monitoring of the performance of flea control products under conditions of natural challenge is valuable in assessing continued effectiveness and determining the ongoing relevance of laboratory studies. A multi-clinic, investigator-blinded study was undertaken in client-owned dogs to investigate and compare the flea control provided by 3 consecutive monthly treatments of oral spinosad (SPN) or fipronil/(S)-methoprene topical (FSM) spot-on. The first household dog meeting enrollment criteria and with at least 10 fleas (whole-body flea count) served as the index dog in a household against which primary objectives were set. Stratification was based on pruritus scores at the enrollment visit and on single or multiple pet household. Index pets were randomized to treatment with either SPN or FSM, dispensed on day 0 for at-home administration by owners. All other household dogs and cats, maximum 4 pets per household, were dispensed the same treatment as the index dog (spinetoram was dispensed for cats in SPN households). Subsequent treatments were dispensed when index dogs were returned for whole-body flea counts and pruritus-scoring at visits on days 30 and 60, with final assessments on day 90 (±5 days on each occasion). Primary endpoints were the number of flea-free index dogs in each group one month after the final treatment, the reduction in owner-reported pruritus, and the reduction from baseline mean flea counts. One hundred twenty eight index dogs were enrolled (65 in the SPN arm; 63 in the FSM arm) at 10 clinics in FL (6), NC (2), LA (1), and TX (1). On day 0, geometric mean flea counts were 57.7 (range: 10–1469) and 44.8 (10–717) for the SPN and FSM groups, respectively. On Day 90, 55 of 58 (95%) and 21 of 55 (38%) index dogs completing the study were flea-free in SPN and FSM groups, respectively; mean SPN pruritus scores declined to 0.92 (6.67 on day 0), and to 3.83 (6.33 on day 0) for FSM; geometric mean flea counts (% control) were 0.08 (99.9%) and 5.19 (88.4%), for SPN and FSM groups, respectively. Between-treatment differences were highly statistically significant (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, SPN provided reliable flea control in client-owned dogs, regardless of challenge level.     

Leporacarus gibbus and Spilopsyllus cuniculi infestation in a pet rabbit

A one-year-old male, chequered giant rabbit had a simultaneous infestation with both Leporacarus gibbus and Spilopsyllus cuniculi. Recurrent episodes of mild to severe pruritus had been noted over a period of two months. On clinical examination, partial alopecia and slightly erythematous skin with flea faeces was evident, although microscopic and cultural examinations of skin scrapings were negative for fungi. Parasitological examination, including adhesive tape strips of the rabbit's skin and fur, revealed L gibbus surface dwelling mites and the rabbit flea S cuniculi. The rabbit was successfully treated against both parasites with topical pyrethrin applied three times over a three-week period, and the clinical signs resolved in four weeks.     

P-32 Giant cell dermatosis in a FeLV-infected cat: detection of the virus in infected skin by immunohistology and PCR

The aim of this study was to report 20 cases of Lynxacarus radovskyi infestation in 20 cats . Lynxacarus radovskyi was diagnosed by physical examination and microscopic examination of plucked hair where countless adult mites and immature stages were identified. Microscopic examination was repeated every 7 days. The animals were observed daily for the first 7 days, and again on day 15 and day 30 for mites, pruritus and clinical signs. Clinical signs included salt-and-pepper appearance to a dull and opaque hair coat, alopecia of the dorsal and lateral areas of the hind limbs, and evidence of self-mutilation. One case had papules and crusts of the hind limbs. The pruritus was mild in animals with low infestation, but very intense in those with a heavy infestation. Most mites occurred in the lateral area of the hind limbs and sacral area. Twenty of 100 animals had confirmed L. radovskyi infestation. Therefore, we suggest that the transmission occurs through fomites. Treatment consisted of 0.5 mL application of Fipronil^® (Frontline TopSpot) per cat, with resolution in 100% of cases by day 15.
Funding: Merial.     

Immediate intradermal flea antigen reactivity in clinically normal adult dogs from south Florida, USA

Eighty-six clinically normal adult dogs from southern Florida, USA, with no history of dermatitis, were intradermally skin tested with Greer flea antigen 1:1000 w/v to determine the prevalence of positive immediate intradermal reactivity. This study describes the test group of animals and reports the prevalence of sensitivity to the Greer whole-body flea antigen in normal dogs living in a flea-rich environment. Similar to previous research, the highest prevalence of reactivity to flea antigen occurred at 3–4 years of age. The results indicate that 24% of clinically normal dogs from a flea-rich environment exhibited positive immediate skin test reactivity. These dogs had no clinical signs of flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) in spite of ongoing flea exposure. A 2-year follow-up telephone call to the owners of these flea antigen intradermal skin test (IDST)-positive dogs indicated that only two of 21 dogs had developed clinical signs of FAD.