A comparative study of two antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory formulations in the treatment of canine otitis externa

The efficacy and tolerability of a marbofloxacin-clotrimazole-dexamethasone otic suspension (MCD) was compared with a standard topical treatment using a phase III clinical trial protocol. In a total of 140 dogs with clinical signs of acute or subacute otitis externa, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae and Malassezia were isolated from samples taken at inclusion to identify the causative pathogen; a further sample was collected in the event of failure or relapse, and from dogs (at day 14) for which Pseudomonas species had been isolated at inclusion. One group received MCD (10 drops per affected ear) once daily and a second received Surolan (containing polymyxin B, miconazole and prednisolone) (5 drops per affected ear), twice daily. Each group received treatment for 7 or 14 days according to the clinical outcome on day 7. Efficacy and tolerability were evaluated on days 7, 14 and, if necessary, 28 for dogs treated for 14 days. The trial demonstrated equivalence of both treatments in terms of efficacy, with a cure rate of 58.3% for MCD and 41.2% for Surolan. Both medications were equally well tolerated by dogs, but MCD was superior in terms of pain relief, decrease in pus quantity and smell, response rate and investigator's assessment on day 14.     

Use of ticarcillin in the management of canine otitis externa complicated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Twelve dogs were referred with purulent and proliferative otitis externa. Prior treatment included fluoroquinolones, glucocorticoids and polyvalent ear drops over seven days to five months. In all cases the vertical and horizontal ear canals were inflamed and thickened, with ruptured tympanic membranes in four cases. No abnormalities were seen on radiography of the osseous bullae. Numerous rod bacilli and degenerate neutrophils were seen on cytology. Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to fluoroquinolones and gentamicin was cultured in all cases. Treatment was initiated with 1 to 2 mg/kg prednisolone per os once daily, and a cleansing and drying ear cleaner followed by topical administration of injectable ticarcillin solution four times daily. Cases with ruptured tympanae also received 15 to 25 mg/kg ticarcillin three times daily intravenously until the membranes had healed. All cases were anaesthetised for repeated saline ear flushes until no further discharge was evident and no rods were seen on cytology. Topical ticarcillin and the ear cleaner were continued twice daily for 14 days after clinical resolution. The duration of treatment ranged from 14 to 36 days. Treatment was withdrawn in one case which developed a drug reaction. All other cases responded well with no adverse effects.     

A clinical trial of a topical preparation of miconazole, polymyxin and prednisolone in the treatment of otitis externa in dogs

A topical preparation containing miconazole, polymyxin and prednisolone was shown to be more effective in the treatment of otitis externa in 167 dogs than 2 other ear preparations containing antibiotics, an antimycotic and a corticosteroid. With miconazole, polymyxin and prednisolone, the recurrence rate was 26.7% compared with 72.6% and 54.3% when the other products were used. The mean duration of treatment required to achieve resolution of clinical signs was 9.6 days, compared with 12.2 days and 13.0 days and no cases failed to respond to treatment, compared with 17.7% and 14.3%. Malassezia canis alone (71%) or in association with bacteria (18%) was recovered from 44 of 49 ears cultured.     

Treatment of Trombicula autumnalis infestation in dogs and cats with a 0·25 per cent fipronil pump spray

To evaluate the efficacy of fipronil in controlling tromblculid infestations, 18 dogs and three cats Infested with Trombicula autumnalis larvae were treated monthly from examination to the end of the Trombicula season (range one to four months) with a 0–25 per cent fipronil spray applied to the whole body, with particular emphasis on the feet, face, ears, perineum and tail. No other antlparasite measures were used. Follow-up was by clinical examination and telephone interview until the end of the Trombicula season (range one to four months). No adverse effects were seen. Monthly treatment controlled trombicuiids in 15 dogs. In two dogs localised pedal reinfestations were controlled with additional local application of fipronil to the feet every 14 days. In one dog therapy was of no benefit. In the three cats, treatment was Initially effective, but generalised Infestations recurred after seven to 10 days. Fipronil is a safe and effective treatment for tromblculid infestations in dogs. Residual activity lasts for 14 to 30 days. Further studies are required to examine the apparent short duration of efficacy in cats.     

Efficacy of leflunomide for treatment of refractory inflammatory colorectal polyps in 15 Miniature Dachshunds

Inflammatory colorectal polyp (ICRP), common in miniature dachshunds, presents with hematochezia, tenesmus and mucoid feces. Although an 80% response rate has been reported when treated with prednisolone and cyclosporine, effective treatment is needed for the remaining 20% of ICRP dogs. Leflunomide is an immunosuppressive drug reported as effective in several immune-mediated diseases. In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and adverse effects of leflunomide in 15 ICRP dogs that were refractory to treatment with prednisolone and cyclosporine. Treatment efficacy was assessed by endoscopy, clinical symptoms and rectal palpation. Adverse effects were determined by clinical symptoms and blood testing during follow-up. The leflunomide treatment response rate was 93.3%. The median dosage of leflunomide and the median response time were 3 mg/kg (range: 1.7–4.0 mg/kg) and 35 days (range: 20–119 days), respectively. Adverse effects observed included lethargy (3 dogs), anorexia (1 dog), respiratory symptoms (1 dog), leukocytopenia (2 dogs), thrombocytopenia (1 dog), anemia (1 dog) and liver enzyme elevation (8 dogs). Most of the adverse effects improved with symptomatic treatment and leflunomide discontinuation or dosage reduction. In conclusion, leflunomide treatment is effective in ICRP dogs refractory to treatment with prednisolone and cyclosporine. Because several adverse effects were observed, close monitoring is needed during leflunomide treatment follow-up.     

Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its efficacy in comparison with doxycycline in the treatment of Chlamydophila felis infection in cats with conjunctivitis

The concentrations of enrofloxacin were measured in the tears, saliva and serum of 14 cats with signs of upper respiratory tract infection and eight with no signs, after daily doses of 5 mg/kg. Enrofloxacin concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration of Chlamydophila felis were found in the saliva and tears of the cats with and without signs of upper respiratory tract infection. In a prospective randomised clinical trial, the efficacy of enrofloxacin against C. felis infection in cats with conjunctivitis was compared with the efficacy of doxycycline. Twenty-five cats were randomly assigned to treatment with either enrofloxacin or doxycycline for 14 days; 15 of the cats tested positive for C. felis by an immunofluorescent antibody test on conjunctival swabs. The two treatment groups showed equal improvements in the clinical signs of conjunctivitis and C. felis infection status; in each group three cats were still C. felis antigen-positive after the 14-day course of treatment, indicating a persistent infection. No side effects were observed in the cats treated with enrofloxacin.     

Evaluation of copper sulphate,formalin and peracetic acid in footbaths for the treatment of digital dermatitis in cattle

The efficacy of three non-antibiotic products (copper sulphate, formalin and peracetic acid) was compared with the efficacy of erythromycin, when the four substances were applied in footbaths for the treatment of cows with digital dermatitis. The cows were divided into four groups on the basis of their current housing and randomly allocated to one of the four treatments. Cattle allocated to the non-antibiotic treatments were footbathed daily for seven days, but the cattle treated with erythromycin were footbathed for two days only. Complete records were obtained for 252 lesions from 169 cows. There were significant reductions in the lesion scores of all four groups, but there was no significant effect of treatment and no significant interaction between treatment and time.     

Efficacy of doramectin against experimental infections by some nematode parasites in cattle in New Zealand

A study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of the novel avermectin, doramectin, against experimental larval and adult infections of three species of nematode parasite important to cattle production in New Zealand. Eighteen worm-free dairy bull beef calves were randomly allocated on live weight to three similar treatment groups. Each calf was given 30,000 Ostertagia ostertagi, 20,000 Cooperia spp. and 10,000 Trichostrongylus axei infective larvae as a single dose. One group was treated with doramectin 6 days after infection while the remaining groups received saline or doramectin 27 days after infection. Given as a single subcutaneous injection behind the ear, doramectin at 200 microg/kg removed 99.9-100% of adult and larval stages of O. ostertagi, Cooperia spp. and T. axei when compared to infections established in untreated controls (p<0.001). No adverse reactions were observed following treatment in the doramectin-treated animals. No injection site lesions were found by palpation following treatment or by injection site examination at necropsy.     

Efficacy and tolerability of once-daily cephalexin in canine superficial pyoderma: an open controlled study

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of oral cephalexin given at 30 mg/kg once daily in dogs with superficial pyoderma and to compare them with those of oral cephalexin given at 15 mg/kg twice daily. METHODS: Twenty dogs with superficial pyoderma were treated with cephalexin at 30 to 60 mg/kg orally once daily (group A) and compared with 20 dogs treated at a dose of 15 to 30 mg/kg orally twice daily (group B). Dogs were treated until 14 days after clinical remission. Type and distribution of lesions, pruritus and general health status were assessed every 14 days using a numerical scale until 14 days after treatment discontinuation. Total scores for each evaluation day were compared between the two groups as well as time to obtain resolution and percentage of relapses. RESULTS: Resolution of superficial pyoderma was obtained in all dogs in 14 to 42 days (median 28 days for both groups), with no difference between groups. Six dogs experienced vomiting or diarrhoea but did not require discontinuation of the treatment. Only one dog (in group A) relapsed nine days after treatment discontinuation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Once-daily cephalexin is as effective as twice-daily cephalexin in the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma.     

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.     

Efficacy and safety of cefovecin in treating bacterial folliculitis, abscesses, or infected wounds in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of administration of cefovecin, compared with cefadroxil, for treatment of naturally occurring secondary superficial pyoderma, abscesses, and infected wounds in dogs. DESIGN: Multicenter, randomized, positive-controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: 235 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs with clinical signs of skin infection confirmed via bacteriologic culture were randomly allocated to receive a single SC injection of cefovecin (8 mg/kg [3.6 mg/lb]) followed by placebo administered PO twice daily for 14 days or cefadroxil (22 mg/kg [10 mg/lb]) administered PO twice daily for 14 days following a placebo injection. Two 14-day treatment courses were permitted. Treatment success was defined as reduction of clinical signs to mild or absent at the final assessment. RESULTS: Clinical efficacy achieved with cefovecin in dogs was equivalent to that observed with cefadroxil. At the final assessment, 14 days following the completion of treatment (on day 28 or 42), 92.4% (109/118) of the cefovecin group and 92.3% (108/117) of the cefadroxil group were treatment successes. There were no serious adverse events or deaths related to treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A single cefovecin injection (8 mg/kg) administered SC, which could be repeated once after 14 days, was safe and effective against naturally occurring skin infections in dogs and as effective as cefadroxil administered PO twice daily for 14 or 28 days.     

The efficacy of an imidacloprid/moxidectin combination against naturally acquired Sarcoptes scabiei infestations on dogs

The study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the efficacy of an imidacloprid (10% w/v)/moxidectin (2.5% w/v) combination (Advocate Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health) with that of selamectin for the treatment of Sarcoptes scabiei on dogs. Thirty naturally infested dogs, of which one was later withdrawn because of distemper, were allocated to two equal groups and individually housed. The dogs in each group were treated twice, four weeks apart, with either the combination product (0.1 mL/kg body weight) or with selamectin (0.05 mL/kg body weight) administered topically. Skin scrapings were made every 14 days over a period of 50 to 64 days after the first treatment to quantify mite numbers. Clinical signs and the extent of sarcoptic lesions were assessed on each dog when skin scrapings were made. Efficacy was based on the presence or absence of mites, supported by clinical signs associated with canine sarcoptic mange. From Day 22 and onwards no Sarcoptes mites were found in the skin scrapings of any of the treated dogs. Treatment with the imidacloprid/moxidectin formulation or with selamectin was highly effective against Sarcoptes scabiei and resulted in an almost complete resolution of clinical signs within 50 to 64 days after the initial treatment.     

P-76 The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on cutaneous and plasma fatty acid concentrations in dogs with atopic dermatitis

The objectives of this study were to evaluate in vivo tolerance, and antimicrobial and clinical activities of a topical otic preparation containing EDTA tromethamine (Tris) and chlorhexidine digluconate 0.15% solution (Otodine^®) in dogs with chronic bacterial otitis externa. Eleven dogs were included. The affected ears were filled with the solution once daily during a 2-week period. Dogs were evaluated on days 0, 14 and 28. Three clinical parameters (exudate, erythema, pain) and three cytologic parameters ( Malassezia , cocci, rods) were scored (0–4 scale) by otoscopic and cytological examinations of otic exudate. Bacterial cultures were performed at each time point. If there were bacteria on cytological examination on day 14, the dogs were treated with the original product, with the addition of enrofloxacin (5%) applied 10 min after the original product, for a further 2 weeks. All 11 cases yielded isolates of resistant gram-negative bacteria; gram-positive bacteria were also isolated from six of 11 dogs. On day 14, six of 11 dogs were negative on culture examination; on day 28, 10 of 11 were negative and only one case had a positive culture. On day 14, clinical and microbial scores (cytology) were reduced by 54.6 and 71.1%, respectively, and by 85.7 and 94% on day 28. All cases reported good tolerance of the treatment. The results show that this ear solution was helpful in the management of chronic bacterial otitis externa in dogs and was well tolerated. There seems to be a synergistic effect of the combination of Tris-EDTA/chlorhexidine digluconate 0.15% solution, and an antimicrobial agent (enrofloxacin) against resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Funding: Self-funded.     

Effect of Therapy on Susceptibility to Urinary Tract Infection in Male Cats with Indwelling Urethral Catheters

Indwelling urinary catheters with a closed urine collection system were maintained in 30 male cats for 3 days after induction of irritant cystitis. All cats received subcutaneous fluids during the 3 days the catheters were in place. The effects of four different treatment regimens on urinary tract infection rates, incidence of urethral obstruction, and development of urinary tract lesions over a 10-day period were compared with results in a nontreated group. Treatments were 1) amoxicillin for 5 days PO; 2) prednisolone for 5 days PO; 3) both amoxicillin and prednisolone for 5 days PO; and 4) dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for 3 days intravesicularly. Euthanasia was done before the end of the 10-day experimental period if the cats had two bouts of urethral obstruction or if the cats became uremic for causes unrelated to urethral obstruction. Seven cats were euthanatized before the conclusion of the experiment. These cats had been treated with prednisolone, prednisolone and amoxicillin, or DMSO. All cats that received amoxicillin alone or no therapy survived the 10-day period. Mortality was due to repeated urethral obstruction or to uremia associated with pyelonephritis or papillitis. Urinary tract infection rate was similar in all groups. The group treated with prednisolone alone had the highest incidence of renal infection. Inflammatory lesions in the lower urinary tract were similar in all groups. In conclusion, persistent urinary tract infection often develops in cats with cystitis after indwelling urethral catheterization even when closed systems of urine drainage are used.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evaluation of ivermectin paste in the treatment of ponies for Parascaris equorum infections

Twenty ponies less than 18 months of age and infected with Parascaris equorum were treated with either 0.2 mg of ivermectin/kg of body weight (n = 10) or a placebo (n = 10; controls). Five control and 5 ivermectin-treated ponies were euthanatized 14 and 35 days after treatment, respectively. At necropsy, the small intestinal contents, lungs, and liver were examined for larvae and/or adult P equorum. Significantly (P less than 0.02) higher mean total numbers of P equorum were found in the small intestinal contents of the controls on day 14 (51) and on day 35 (21) than in the ivermectin-treated ponies on days 14 (0) and 35 (3). The efficacy of ivermectin in removing adult and intestinal larvae of P equorum at 14 days after treatment was 100%. The efficacies of ivermectin in removing adults and intestinal larvae of P equorum at 35 days after treatment were 100% and 76.9%, respectively. Gross examination of liver and lung tissues revealed damage as a result of P equorum infections in all ponies. The Baermann technique used on liver and lung tissues did not yield any P equorum larvae. Adverse reactions attributable to treatment were not observed.     

Oral administration of moxidectin for treatment of murine acariosis due to Radfordia affinis

A field trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of oral administration of moxidectin in mice naturally infected with the fur mites Radfordia affinis. The natural infection was diagnosed in two colonies within a large academic institution by direct hair examination. Animals received moxidectin (1% Cydectin, FortDodge) at an oral dosage of approximately 2 mg/kg body weight by micropipette; administration was repeated after 15 days. Forty mice served as an untreated control group. Moxidectin treatment resulted in clinical improvement within a few days after initial treatment, and mites were eradicated from all infested animals at day 30. No side effects or signs of ill health were observed in any of the treated animals. To our knowledge, this is the first report of oral moxidectin for treatment of murine acariosis.     

Auricular chondritis in a cat

A four-year-old male neutered domestic shorthaired cat developed bilateral thickening of the pinnae, with slight curling, intense erythema and pain. No ear canal disease was present. The cat was negative for feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukaemia virus and feline coronavirus. Biopsy of the ear lesion revealed auricular chondritis. In humans, histologically similar lesions may involve the pinnae, nose, trachea, joints, eyes and heart, and the disease is termed relapsing polychondritis. The cat reported had a history of corneal damage, resulting in corneal vascularisation and opacity, eyelid distortion, necessitating an entropion operation, and radiological evidence of mild cardiac enlargement. The ear disease responded rapidly to treatment with prednisolone and, apart from slight thickening and curling of the pinnae, the cat remained normal and pain-free. After two years, the prednisolone was withdrawn, and there was no recurrence of the condition in a follow-up period of 14 months.     

Induction of Abortion with Aglepristone in Cats on Day 45 and 46 After Mating

The aim of this study was to test for the efficacy and safety of the use of aglepristone for pregnancy termination on day 45 in cats. Six healthy cats were treated with 10 mg/kg aglepristone sc on day 45 and 46 after mating; six other cats served as untreated controls. The effect of treatment was monitored by general examination, vaginal cytology, ultrasonography and blood sampling for haematology and progesterone determination. Besides, interoestrus interval and next pregnancy including litter size were recorded. The efficacy of treatment was approximately 67% (4/6) with abortion occurring 4–7 days after the first injection and a sanguineous discharge and erythrocytes in vaginal smears for at least 6 days afterwards. The two treated cats that did not abort gave birth to two kittens on day 67 and had a stillbirth of a single kitten on day 71, respectively. As expected enlargement of the mammary glands and lactation were observed in all treated cats. No other treatment‐induced side effects were observed. Progesterone levels at abortion were high (30–140 nmol/l), but were decreased on day 55. Aglepristone treatment did not affect fertility in following cycles. Finally, it can be concluded that late‐term pregnancy termination with aglepristone is possible but due to a success rate of 67% an ultrasonographical examination 7 days after treatment is an inherent necessity to control the effect of treatment.     

Acellular Urinary Bladder Matrix in a Collagenase Model of Superficial Digital Flexor Tendonitis in Horses

The objective of the present study was to determine the efficacy of urinary bladder matrix (UBM) in collagenase-induced superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis by using clinical, ultrasonographic, and histologic data. A total of eight healthy adult horses were used in this study. Bilateral forelimb SDF tendonitis was created in the horses by injecting collagenase. After 14 days, one randomly selected forelimb SDF tendon was blindly treated with UBM and the opposite tendon was treated with a control (saline). Clinical and ultrasonographic parameters including lameness, lesion size, ultrasonographic fiber pattern, and echogenicity were measured throughout the study. After 84 days, horses were euthanized and SDF tendon lesions from the two groups were compared statistically using an analysis of variance with significance set at P ≤ .05.Results showed that there were no significant differences between the treated and control tendons for any of the clinical, ultrasonographic, gross, or histologic variables. UBM does not appear to be an effective treatment for collagenase-induced SDF tendonitis. However, there may be differences in clinical tendonitis that might render the treatment more effective in the clinical setting.     

Microemulsified cyclosporine-based immunosuppression for the prevention of acute renal allograft rejection in unrelated dogs: preliminary experimental study

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the microemulsified formulation of cyclosporine (MCsA; Neoral; Novartis A.G.), combined with azathioprine (Imuran; Glaxo Wellcome), and prednisolone (Delta-Cortef; Upjohn), would be effective in preventing acute renal allograft rejection in unrelated mongrel dogs. To document any toxic effects associated with this drug combination. STUDY DESIGN: rospective, pilot study. ANIMALS: Four healthy, adult, mongrel, canine renal allograft recipients. METHODS: Heterotopic renal transplantation, with bilateral nephrectomy, was performed in 4 dogs. Allografts were harvested from 2 unrelated dogs that were to be euthanatized for reasons unrelated to this study. The dogs were treated for 100 days or until signs of illness or allograft rejection required euthanasia. Microemulsified cyclosporine (20 mg/kg/day), azathioprine (5 mg/kg every other day), and prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) were administered for the prevention of acute rejection. Body weight, serum biochemistry profiles, complete blood counts, and trough whole-blood cyclosporine concentrations were measured throughout the study. Cyclosporine dose was adjusted to maintain a trough concentration of 400-500 ng/mL. Azathioprine dose was decreased if evidence of hepatotoxicity developed or if the total blood white cell count was <4,000 cells/micro L. The prednisolone was tapered by 0.25 mg/kg increments every 3 weeks and discontinued 14 days before the end of the study in the surviving dogs. Complications were recorded. A complete necropsy and histopathologic examination were performed in each recipient. RESULTS: Two of the 4 dogs survived the 100-day period. One dog was euthanatized at 8 days because of an intestinal intussusception. One dog was euthanatized at 64 days because of a severe upper respiratory infection. At the time of death, these 2 dogs had plasma creatinine concentrations of 1.5 and 2.6 mg/dL, respectively, with no histopathologic evidence of allograft rejection. All dogs had transient weight loss (range, 4.6%-17.7% of preoperative body weight) between days 7 and 14. Two dogs had evidence of hepatotoxicity. The 2 dogs surviving to 100 days had normal serum creatinine concentrations and no clinical signs of rejection. One of these dogs had evidence of a grade IIa acute/active rejection based on the modified BANFF 97 histopathologic classification. The second dog had no evidence of rejection or inflammation within the allograft. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experimental study shows that immunosuppression using MCsA, combined with azathioprine and prednisolone, may be effective in preventing acute renal allograft rejection in unrelated mongrel dogs for 100 days. Complications included ileocolic intussusception, upper respiratory infection, weight loss, and transient hepatotoxicity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Immunosuppression using MCsA, azathioprine, and prednisolone may be effective in preventing acute renal allograft rejection in unrelated, mongrel dogs. This triple drug protocol is cost-effective and was easy to administer. Further investigation is warranted to minimize toxic effects and to determine the efficacy of prophylactic renal biopsies to detect and treat subclinical acute/active rejection.