Juvenile cellulitis in dogs: 15 cases (1979-1988)

The records of 15 dogs diagnosed as having juvenile cellulitis (juvenile pyoderma, puppy strangles) were evaluated for clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic results. Mandibular lymphadenopathy was observed in 14 dogs, and was not associated with skin lesions in 5 dogs. Edema, pustules, papules, or crusts were noticed periorally, periocularly, on the chin or muzzle, or in the ears of those dogs with skin lesions. Eight dogs were lethargic; fever and anorexia were inconsistent findings. Four dogs had signs of pain on manipulation of their joints. Complete blood counts revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia in 4 dogs, and normocytic, normochromic anemia in 6 dogs. Three dogs had suppurative lymphadenitis with many neutrophils. Cytology of the aspirate of pustules or abscesses in 6 dogs revealed many neutrophils without bacteria. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp were isolated from draining lesions in 2 dogs. Intact abscesses and lymph nodes were negative for bacterial growth in 4 dogs. Three of these dogs were being administered antibiotics at the time of bacterial culturing. Cytology of the aspirates of joints in 3 of the 4 dogs with joint pain revealed suppurative arthritis with no bacteria, and the aspirates were negative for bacterial growth on culturing, although all 3 dogs were being administered antibiotics at the time of culturing. Of 12 dogs initially treated with antibiotics, only 4 (33%) responded favorably; the other 8 dogs were then given antibiotics and corticosteroids. Three dogs were initially given antibiotics and corticosteroids. All dogs treated concurrently with antibiotics and corticosteroids responded favorably. One of these dogs had a relapse after treatment was discontinued. The concurrent arthritis in 4 of the dogs resolved with treatment of the juvenile cellulitis and did not redevelop once the medication was discontinued. Concurrent treatment with antibiotics (cephalosporins) and prednisone (2.2 mg/kg of body weight/day) was the most consistently effective treatment in the dogs in this study.     

Effect of adjunctive treatment with intravenously administered Propionibacterium acnes on reproductive performance in mares with persistent endometritis

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether treatment with a preparation of Propionibacterium acnes would improve pregnancy and live foal rates in mares with persistent endometritis. DESIGN: Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: 95 mares with a cytologic diagnosis of persistent endometritis. PROCEDURES: Mares were treated with P acnes or placebo (both administered IV) on days 0, 2, and 6. No attempt was made to alter additional treatments administered by attending veterinarians. Information on breeding history, physical examination findings, results of cytologic examination and microbial culture of uterine samples, additional treatments administered, breeding dates, results of pregnancy examinations, whether a live foal was produced, and reactions to treatment was recorded. RESULTS: In multivariate logistic regression models, mare age, year of entry into the study, and first breeding within 8 days after first treatment with P acnes or placebo were significantly associated with pregnancy. Fewer number of cycles bred and younger age were significantly associated with delivery of a live foal in a separate multivariate analysis. Results of multivariate logistic regression modeling indicated that mares treated with P acnes were more likely to become pregnant and to deliver a live foal, compared with placebo-treated controls. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IV administration of P acnes as an adjunct to conventional treatments in mares with a cytologic diagnosis of persistent endometritis improved pregnancy and live foal rates. The optimal effect was detected in mares bred during the interval extending from 2 days before to 8 days after first treatment with P acnes.     

Effects of Firocoxib and Tepoxalin on Healing in a Canine Gastric Mucosal Injury Model

Background: Little is known about the effect of dual cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase inhibition on canine gastric mucosal healing.
Objective: This study compares the effects of putative dual COX and 5-lipoxygenase inhibition with that of COX-2 selective inhibition on gastric mucosal lesion healing in dogs.
Animals: Six normal adult mixed-breed research dogs.
Methods: Gastric body and pyloric lesions were induced by endoscopic biopsy. Dogs were treated with tepoxalin, firocoxib, or placebo for 7 days in a randomized 3-way crossover study design. Healing was evaluated on days 2, 4, and 7 of treatment by endoscopic lesion scoring. Eicosanoid concentrations in plasma and at the lesion margins were determined on days 2, 4, and 7. Repeated measures analyses were performed. All hypothesis tests were 2-sided with P < .05. Multiple comparisons were adjusted using Tukey's test.
Results: Significant treatment differences were noted in the pyloric lesion area measurements. Overall, the firocoxib group had larger lesions than the placebo ( P = .0469) or tepoxalin ( P = .0089) groups. Despite larger pyloric lesions in the firocoxib group, mucosal prostaglandin production did not differ significantly from placebo. In contrast, the tepoxalin group had significantly lower pyloric mucosal prostaglandin production compared with the firocoxib ( P < .0001) or the placebo ( P < .0001) groups but pyloric lesions were not significantly larger than those of the placebo group ( P = .7829).
Conclusion: COX-2 inhibition by firocoxib slowed wound healing by a mechanism independent of prostaglandin synthesis. Suppression of mucosal prostaglandin production by tepoxalin did not alter mucosal lesion healing compared with placebo.     

Treatment of localized lesions of canine atopic dermatitis with tacrolimus ointment: a blinded randomized controlled trial

This investigator-blinded randomized controlled trial was designed to determine whether tacrolimus ointment (Protopic, Fujisawa Healthcare) decreased the severity of localized lesions of canine atopic dermatitis (AD). Twenty dogs with AD were enrolled if they exhibited lesions on both front metacarpi. Each foot was randomized to be treated with 0.1% tacrolimus or placebo (vaseline) ointment twice daily for 6 weeks. Before, and every 2 weeks during the study, erythema, lichenification, oozing and excoriations each were graded on a 10-point scale (maximal total score: 40). The primary outcome measures were the percentage reduction from baseline of lesional scores and the number of subjects whose scores had decreased by 50% or greater at study end. Intention-to-treat analyses were used. At study onset, lesional scores were not significantly different between sites treated with tacrolimus or placebo. After 6 weeks, the percentage reduction from baseline scores was higher for tacrolimus-treated sites (median: 63%; 95% confidence interval: 39-67) than for placebo-treated feet (median: 3%; confidence interval: -2-13) (Wilcoxon test; P = 0.0003). When tacrolimus was applied, lesions decreased by 50% or greater in 15/20 dogs (75%); these dogs were those that completed the study. In contrast, this benchmark was not reached for any placebo-treated feet (Fisher's test; P < 0.0001). Adverse drug events consisted of minor irritation in some lesional areas treated with tacrolimus. Results of this trial suggest that the application of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment is useful for reducing the severity of localized skin lesions of canine AD.     

Effect of perioperative oral carprofen on postoperative pain in dogs undergoing surgery for stabilization of ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments

A randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of oral carprofen for the control of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing knee surgery for stabilization of ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments. Dogs were randomly assigned to treatment with carprofen (n = 10) or placebo (n = 9). Pain was assessed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 hours and 10 and 21 days postoperatively. Eight of 10 dogs treated with carprofen and five of nine dogs treated with placebo were given at least one dose of morphine as rescue therapy. The mean relative dose of morphine given at 1 hour (P =.01) and 24 hours (P =.02) after surgery was greater for dogs treated with carprofen than for dogs given a placebo. There were no significant postoperative differences in cortisol levels or any measured variable. It appears that the scoring system used was not sensitive enough to detect differences in pain between a known analgesic and a placebo.     

P‐48 Treatment of localized lesions of canine atopic dermatitis with tacrolimus ointment: a blinded,randomized, controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to determine whether tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) decreased the severity of localized lesions of canine atopic dermatitis (AD). Twenty dogs with AD were enrolled if they exhibited skin lesions localized to both front metacarpi. Each foot was randomized to be treated either with 0.1% tacrolimus or placebo (vaseline) ointment twice daily for 6 weeks. The nature of treatment for each foot lesion was concealed from the clinician. Before, and every 2 weeks during the study, erythema, lichenification, oozing and excoriations each were graded on a 10‐point scale (maximal total score: 40). The primary outcome measures consisted of the percentage reduction from baseline of lesional scores, and the number of subjects whose scores had decreased by 50% or greater by the end of the study. Intent‐to‐treat analyses were used. At the beginning of the study, lesional scores were not significantly different between treatment groups. After 6 weeks, the percentage reduction from baseline scores was higher for tacrolimus‐treated sites [median: 63% (95% CI: 39–67)] than for placebo‐treated feet [3% (‐2‐13)] (paired t‐test; P < 0.0001). When tacrolimus was applied, lesions decreased by 50% or greater in 15 dogs (75%), while this benchmark was not reached for any placebo‐treated feet (Fisher's exact test; P < 0.0001). Adverse drug events consisted of minor irritation in some dogs treated with tacrolimus. Results of this randomized, controlled trial suggest that the daily application of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment is useful for reducing the severity of localized skin lesions of canine AD. Funding: Self‐funded.     

Pyoderma caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in dogs: 20 cases

In this report we describe the historical, clinical, histopathological and microbiological features, as well as treatments and clinical outcome, of pyoderma where Pseudomonas aeruginosa alone was isolated on bacterial culture from lesional skin. Twenty dogs were included in this retrospective study. Seven dogs without prior history of systemic or skin disease presented with acute deep pseudomonal pyoderma characterized by a sudden onset of dorsal truncal pain. Skin lesions in these dogs consisted of erythematous papules, haemorrhagic bullae, ulcers and haemorrhagic crusts confined to the dorsum. An excellent clinical response was achieved with 3-4 weeks of treatment with oral fluoroquinolones. Thirteen dogs with a more gradual onset of skin lesions associated with pseudomonal pyoderma had a history of prior skin, ear or systemic disease and had previously been treated with antibiotics and/or immunomodulatory drugs. Skin lesions in these dogs were variable and similar to those described for superficial and deep staphylococcal pyoderma. In this group, one dog was euthanized prior to commencement of treatment, two dogs were lost to follow up, and 9 had resolution of lesions following treatment with topical silver sulfadiazine (one dog), fluoroquinolones (six dogs) or cephalexin (two dogs) administered orally for 3 to 12 weeks. Rod-shaped bacteria were not always detected on cytology. Histopathology of dogs with deep pseudomonal pyoderma was characterized by severe perforating suppurative folliculitis and furunculosis.     

Evaluation of a commercial staphylococcal bacterin for management of idiopathic recurrent superficial pyoderma in dogs

Twenty-one dogs with idiopathic superficial recurrent pyoderma were entered into a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of a commercial staphylococcal bacterin. The study spanned an 18-week period. All dogs were administered sodium oxacillin orally for the initial 6 weeks of the study. Dogs were given the bacterin or placebo SC, twice weekly at 3- or 4-day intervals, beginning at week 0 and continuing for 18 weeks. Dogs given antibiotics plus the bacterin (n = 13) had a significantly (P less than 0.05) better treatment response than those given antibiotic plus placebo.     

Azithromycin therapy of papillomatosis in dogs: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Azithromycin, an azalide subclass macrolide antibiotic, is an effective, well-tolerated and safe therapeutic option for treatment of papillomatosis in humans. This study reports the clinical and histopathological results from a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of 17 dogs of various breeds with diagnosis of oral ( n = 12) and cutaneous papillomatosis ( n = 5) treated with azithromycin. Papillomas appeared as whitish, verrucous, hyperkeratotic papules 1–2.7 mm in size. The cases were randomly assigned to azithromycin ( n = 10) and placebo treatment groups ( n = 7). Both owners and investigators were blinded to the allocation to the groups. Azithromycin (10 mg/kg) was administered per os every 24 h for 10 days. Clinical evaluations were done by the same investigator throughout the trial. Azithromycin treatment significantly decreased clinical scores ( P  < 0.001), whereas there was no change seen in the placebo group. In the azithromycin treatment group, skin lesions disappeared in 10–15 days. One case in the placebo had spontaneous regression of its papillomas by day 41, but lesions were still evident at day 50 in the remaining six cases. There was no recurrence of papillomatosis in the azithromycin treated dogs (follow up 8 months). No adverse effects were seen in either group. In conclusion, azithromycin appears to be a safe and effective treatment for canine papillomatosis.     

Effect of interferon or Propionibacterium acnes on the course of experimentally induced feline infectious peritonitis in specific-pathogen-free and random-source cats

Seventy-four cats (52 treated and 22 untreated) were evaluated in efficacy studies of interferon (IFN), Propionibacterium acnes, or a combination of these drugs against experimentally induced feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Cats were given doses of recombinant human leukocyte (alpha) IFN (rHuIFN-alpha), feline fibroblastic (beta) IFN (FIFN-beta) or P acnes at regular intervals before and after inoculation of virulent FIP virus (FIPV). Prophylactic and therapeutic administration of high doses (10(6) U/kg of body weight) or moderate doses (10(4) U/kg) of rHuIFN-alpha, FIFN-beta (10(3) u/kg), or P acnes (0.4 or 4 mg) did not significantly reduce mortality in treated vs untreated cats. However, the mean survival time in cats treated with 10(6) U of rHuIFN-alpha-/kg alone or combined with doses of P acnes was significantly (P = 0.03) increased after inoculation of highly lethal amounts (200 LD100) of FIPV vs survival time in untreated cats. Although P acnes alone was ineffective, there was some indication that a combination of P acnes and high doses of rHuIFN-alpha was more effective than rHuIFN-alpha alone. Seemingly, the efficacy of rHuIFn-alpha treatment was improved in cats challenge-exposed with less FIPV; in 1 trial, 4 of 5 cats (80%) treated with high doses of rHuIFN-alpha survived after inoculation of minimal lethal amounts (0.6 LD100) of FIPV, whereas only 2 of 5 untreated cats (40%) survived. Pretreatment of cats with 10(6) U of rHuIFN-alpha/kg resulted in detectable serum IFN activity 24 hours later; serum IFN activity was not detected in cats pretreated with P acnes, FIFN-beta, or 10(4) U of rHuIFn-alpha/kg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A topical aqueous calcineurin inhibitor for the treatment of naturally occurring keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an aqueous calcineurin inhibitor, SCY‐641, in the treatment of naturally occurring canine immune‐mediated keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Methods A randomized, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled clinical study of 56‐day duration was performed in dogs with naturally occurring immune‐mediated KCS assigned to treatment with either topical twice‐daily aqueous calcineurin inhibitor solution (SCY‐641) or artificial tears (placebo) by the study administrator. Clinical examination and Schirmer tear tests (STT) were performed prior to therapy and at days 7, 14, 28, and 56 after initiation of treatment. Results Twenty dogs were enrolled in the study with ten receiving placebo and 10 receiving SCY‐641 in one or both eyes. No adverse effects were noted with any treatment. There were no significant differences in mean STT values in dogs in group either at day 0 (prior to therapy) or after 7 days of treatment. At 14, 28, and 56 days after initiation of treatment, mean STT and increase in STT over baseline in dogs treated with SCY‐641 were significantly higher than in dogs treated with placebo (P < 0.04). Conclusions SCY‐641 was well tolerated by dogs with naturally occurring KCS, and by 14 days after initiating therapy, dogs treated with SCY‐641 had significantly higher STT than placebo‐treated dogs. These preliminary results indicate that topical SCY‐641, in a stable clear aqueous solution, is efficacious in a spontaneous model of KCS and warrants further evaluation as a treatment of immune‐mediated KCS.     

Doxorubicin and BAY 12-9566 for the treatment of osteosarcoma in dogs: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the efficacy of a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor in prolonging posttreatment survival for dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma after treatment with amputation and doxorubicin chemotherapy. HYPOTHESIS: Survival will be prolonged in dogs receiving BAY 12-9566. ANIMALS: The study included 303 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma. METHODS: Dogs were treated with doxorubicin (30 mg/m2) every 2 weeks for 5 treatments starting 2 weeks after amputation. Dogs were randomly allocated to receive a novel nonpeptidic biphenyl inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs, BAY 12-9566; 4-[4-4-(chlorophenyl)phenyl]-4-oxo-2S-(phenylthiomethyl) butanoic acid) or placebo after doxorubicin chemotherapy. RESULTS: Median survival for all 303 dogs was 8 months; and 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates were 35%, 17%, and 9%, respectively. Treatment with BAY 12-9566 did not influence survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing age (P = .004), increasing weight (P = .006), high serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P = .012) and high bone ALP (P < .001) were independently associated with shorter median survival times. Additional analyses on available data indicated that as the number of mitotic figures in the biopsy increased (P = .013), and as plasma active MMP-2 concentrations increased (P = .027), the risk of dying increased. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Doxorubicin is an effective adjuvant to amputation in prolonging survival for dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma.     

The safety of dirlotapide in dogs

The safety of dirlotapide in dogs was evaluated in two studies with parallel designs. In an acute tolerance study, 24 beagles (six dogs per treatment) were treated orally once daily for 14 days with placebo or dirlotapide at 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg/day. In a margin-of-safety study, 38 overweight, neutered beagles were treated orally once daily for 3 months with dirlotapide at doses up to 0.5 mg/kg/day (six dogs), 1.5 mg/kg/day (12 dogs) and 2.5 mg/kg/day (six dogs). Control dogs received placebo at 0.3 mL/kg/day (10 dogs) and 0.5 mL/kg/day (four dogs). Results were similar for both studies, and no serious adverse events were observed. Dirlotapide was clinically well-tolerated in dogs at dosages up to 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days and 2.5 mg/kg/day for 3 months. Dirlotapide produced the expected decrease in food intake and body weight (up to 20–40%) without ill effects. Clinical, pathologic, and histopathologic findings were reversible and consistent with suppression of food intake and rapid weight loss produced by elevated dirlotapide dosages. In both studies, sporadic emesis and loose stools were observed in both placebo and dirlotapide-treated dogs. Incidence of emesis generally increased with dose and decreased with treatment time. Elevations in hepatic transaminase activity were seen in dogs treated with more than 1.5 mg/kg dirlotapide daily, but were not associated with clinical signs or microscopic evidence of hepatic degeneration or necrosis.     

Controlled Clinical Evaluation of Enalapril in Dogs With Heart Failure: Results of the Cooperative Veterinary Enalapril Study Group The COVE Study Group

The clinical efficacy and safety of enalapril were evaluated in dogs with moderate or severe heart failure. This study was conducted at 19 centers and included 211 clientowned dogs with heart failure caused by mitral regurgitation (MR) due to acquired valvular disease or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Dogs of various breeds, ages, and weights were included in the study. Replicates of 2 dogs each were formed, using separate allocation schedules for dogs with MR or DCM. One dog within each replicate received placebo tablets (vehicle tablets without enalapril) PO sid or bid, and the other dog received enalapril tablets at approximately 0.5 mg/kg sid or bid, based on individual need. In addition to the experimental drug, all dogs, except 1 in the placebo group, received furosemide; 73.3% of the dogs in the placebo group and 78.3% of those in the enala pril group received digoxin. Doses of enalapril or placebo were administered for approximately 28 days. In the placebo group, 68.6% of the dogs completed the study compared with 84.9% in the enalapril group; the difference between groups was significant ( P = .01). Significantly ( P = .01) more dogs in the placebo group compared with the enalapril group died or were removed from the study because of progression of heart failure. On day 28, all 14 clinical variables measured improved significantly ( P = .01) in the enalapril group compared with the placebo group. Five dogs (3 from the placebo group and 2 from the enalapril group) had to be removed from the study as a result of azotemia.     

Clinical, radiological and pathological features of 12 Irish setters with canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency

The clinical, radiological and pathological findings in 12 dogs with canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) from six litters are described. All the dogs were younger than 15 weeks at admission, all had been febrile and 11 had been treated with antibiotics. Seven had been treated for omphalophlebitis. At admission, all had gingivitis, lymph node enlargement and profound neutrophilia. Ten dogs were radiographed and showed various skeletal lesions compatible with metaphyseal osteopathy, craniomandibular osteopathy and osteomyelitis. Four dogs had clinical signs of respiratory distress and seven exhibited a mild interstitial pneumonia at necropsy. Six dogs had skin wounds, with strikingly few neutrophils seen on stained sections. All dogs were euthanased before six months of age due to severe and incurable infections. The clinical signs, radiological features and haematology were strongly suggestive of CLAD. The diagnosis was confirmed by granulocyte function tests and flow cytometry, which revealed impaired adhesion, impaired C3b-mediated phagocytosis and absence of adhesion proteins CD11b/CD18.     

Failure of terfenadine as an antipruritic agent in atopic dogs: results of a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Terfenadine (5 mg/kg body weight, q12h) and placebo (0.5 grain/dog q12h) were both administered orally as individual agents to 18 dogs with atopy in a double-blinded study. No dog improved. Hyperactivity, polyphagia, lethargy, anorexia, increased pruritus, or ocular discharge were seen in three dogs treated with terfenadine. Under the conditions of the study, terfenadine was not a useful antipruritic agent for the atopic dog.     

Distribution of rabies virus in infected mice,vaccinated and submitted to P. acnes as immunomodulator

The lethality and distribution of rabies virus were evaluated in swiss mice experimentally infected with street rabies virus, vaccinated and submitted to immunomodulation by P .acnes (formerly Corynebacterium parvum). The animals were sacrificed at different times,when the different tissues were collected and submitted to fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and mouse inoculation test (MIT). The group submitted to vaccination and P. acnes treatment presented a percentage of survival superior to that observed in infected mice only treated with P. acnes. Control infected animals had the lowest survival rates.The distribution of rabies virus in spleen of infected mice, vaccinated and submitted to P. acnes was superior to that verified in infected mice not treated with P.acnes. The increased survival correlated with the distribution of rabies virus in lymphoid tissues, could be interpreted as the consequence of P. acnes activity on macrophages. The results suggest the role of macrophages against rabies virus infection in mice and the importance of vaccination in the post expositive treatment of rabies.     

Efficacy of AHR-13268, an antiallergenic compound, in the management of pruritus caused by atopic disease in dogs.

Twenty-nine pruritic, atopic dogs were entered into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to evaluate the efficacy of an investigational antiallergenic compound, AHR-13268. Fourteen dogs were evaluated by a veterinary dermatologist (at intervals) and the owner (daily). Fifteen dogs were evaluated only by the owner. The mean (+/- SE) owner scores for pruritus, erythema, and lesions with placebo treatment (higher score = worse signs) were 3.24 (+/- 0.12), 2.73 (+/- 0.12), and 2.61 (+/- 0.09), respectively. With drug treatment, the corresponding scores were 2.89 (+/- 0.12), 2.50 (+/- 0.12), and 2.25 (+/- 0.09). Scores for pruritus and lesions (but not erythema) were significantly better with drug treatment than with placebo treatment. Investigator scores showed similar trends, but the differences were not great enough to be statistically significant. Overall, 11/29 (38%) owners reported their dogs had moderate or better improvement from drug capsules, and 4/29 dogs (14%) improved on placebo capsules. A variety of adverse effects were reported following both drug (9/29 dogs) and placebo (8/29 dogs) capsule administration, but were mild and well tolerated. Results of this study indicate that AHR-13268 has potential for empiric treatment of allergic inhalant dermatitis in some dogs.     

FC-23 Feline plasma cell pododermatitis: a retrospective study of 26 cases

The objective of this open pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical tacrolimus ointment for treatment of plantar fistulae in German shepherd dogs. Seven dogs (four males, three females) were included. All subjects had a 6-month to 2-year history of plantar fistulae involving the plantar aspect of two to four metatarsi/metacarpi. No other skin lesions were present and the dogs appeared otherwise healthy. Before treatment with tacrolimus, all dogs received antibiotics for 4–8 weeks. Hair was clipped to visualise the lesions. The presence of erythematous papules, oedema and fistulae was recorded for each foot. All dogs served as their own controls. Dogs with four legs involved had one front and one hind leg treated. Dogs with two to three feet affected had only one foot treated. Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment (Protopic^®) was applied twice daily onto the site of lesions. Partial improvement of treated lesions was seen in all cases within 3 weeks. After 6 weeks, treated lesions were in complete remission in four dogs, while the other three subjects had palpable but invisible lesions. Signs had not improved on the untreated legs. Follow-up varied between 4 months and 2 years. Lesion remission persisted in six dogs with the intermittent application of tacrolimus. Adverse effects of treatment were not seen. In conclusion, the application of topical tacrolimus seems to provide a safe and effective treatment option for plantar fistulae in German shepherd dogs.
Funding: Self-funded.     

FC‐21 Efficacy of topical tacrolimus ointment for treatment of plantar fistulae in German shepherd dogs

The objective of this open pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical tacrolimus ointment for treatment of plantar fistulae in German shepherd dogs. Seven dogs (four males, three females) were included. All subjects had a 6‐month to 2‐year history of plantar fistulae involving the plantar aspect of two to four metatarsi/metacarpi. No other skin lesions were present and the dogs appeared otherwise healthy. Before treatment with tacrolimus, all dogs received antibiotics for 4–8 weeks. Hair was clipped to visualise the lesions. The presence of erythematous papules, oedema and fistulae was recorded for each foot. All dogs served as their own controls. Dogs with four legs involved had one front and one hind leg treated. Dogs with two to three feet affected had only one foot treated. Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment (Protopic^®) was applied twice daily onto the site of lesions. Partial improvement of treated lesions was seen in all cases within 3 weeks. After 6 weeks, treated lesions were in complete remission in four dogs, while the other three subjects had palpable but invisible lesions. Signs had not improved on the untreated legs. Follow‐up varied between 4 months and 2 years. Lesion remission persisted in six dogs with the intermittent application of tacrolimus. Adverse effects of treatment were not seen. In conclusion, the application of topical tacrolimus seems to provide a safe and effective treatment option for plantar fistulae in German shepherd dogs. Funding: Self‐funded.