A prospective study of the clinical findings, treatment and histopathology of 44 cases of pyotraumatic dermatitis

Pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spot) is a common clinical syndrome in dogs but there are few prospective scientific studies related to it. The aim of this study was to investigate correlations among clinical pyotraumatic dermatitis, histopathology of the lesions and possible predisposing causes. The relationship of these with breed, age, sex and location of lesion was assessed statistically. A clinical diagnosis of acute pyotraumatic dermatitis was made in 44 privately owned dogs. Males exceeded females (P = 0.0348) and lesions were more common in dogs aged 4 years or less (P < 0.0001). Lesions were most often seen on the cheek, neck and lateral thigh with a significant correlation between breed and site of lesion (P < 0.0001). In 31 cases a possible underlying cause was found or suspected. In contrast to previous studies, no otitis externa was recorded and the study was conducted in an area without endemic fleas. Fourteen breeds were represented of which Rottweiler, German shepherd dog and golden retriever were most common. There was no significant seasonal incidence and no correlation among site of lesion and cause, time of year, age or sex. Histopathologically, the dogs could be separated into four patterns by the presence or absence of eosinophils and/or folliculitis. Eosinophils have not previously been recorded in pyotraumatic dermatitis but were seen in 29 cases. Acute folliculitis was seen in 20 cases. However, no correlation was seen among age, sex, breed, underlying cause or site of lesion and histopathology. Twenty-seven cases were cultured for bacteria of which 25 grew Staphylococcus intermedius and two were negative.     

Therapeutic efficacy of topical hydrocortisone aceponate in experimental flea-allergy dermatitis in dogs

Objective   To evaluate the treatment efficacy of a topical spray containing hydrocortisone aceponate (HCA) on dogs with flea-allergy dermatitis (FAD).
Design   A controlled clinical study was conducted on dogs with experimentally induced FAD. Sixteen laboratory beagles with mild to moderate clinical signs were divided into two groups. The test group received HCA by topical spray once daily for 7 days, while the control group did not. Pruritic events (time and frequency) were videotaped and then scored. Clinical signs (erythema, papules, excoriation and alopecia) present on four anatomical regions were monitored and their severity directly assessed.
Results   After 2 days, pruritus was reduced by 94% in the treatment group and by 24% in the control group (P = 0.014) in cumulative time, and by 86% versus 34% (P = 0.034) in frequency. The HCA spray also resulted in significant improvements in overall clinical signs: 23% versus 0% in the control group (P = 0.0006) on day 3 and 43% versus 15% in the control group (P = 0.0006) on day 7. During the 7-day trial, no drug-related adverse effects were observed.
Conclusions   Topical treatment with HCA showed a rapid and potent antipruritic effect on dogs with FAD. HCA also demonstrated significant overall therapeutic effects on FAD-associated skin lesions.     

Cardiovascular effects of topical ophthalmic 10% phenylephrine in dogs

Objective To evaluate the effect of topical ophthalmic 10% phenylephrine on systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse rate (PR) and electrocardiogram (ECG) in dogs. Animals studied Nine clinically normal dogs. Procedure Arterial catheters were placed in the dorsal pedal artery of awake dogs and ECG leads were attached. After a 15‐min acclimatization period, baseline PR, SAP, DAP and MAP were recorded every 5 min for 20 min. Two treatment groups (eight dogs each) were studied. Group I: one drop of phenylephrine was placed in each eye once. Group II: one drop of phenylephrine was placed in each eye three times at 5‐min intervals. Following treatment, PR, SAP, DAP and MAP were recorded every 5 min for 90 min. The mixed procedure of the SAS system was used to perform a repeated measures analysis of variance to test for linear and quadratic trends across time. Results Group I: There was a significant quadratic decrease in PR across time (P = 0.0051). Systolic arterial pressure increased linearly with time (P = 0.0002), MAP increased linearly with time (P = 0.0131), and DAP increased linearly with time (P = 0.0001). Group II: There was a significant quadratic decrease in PR across time (P = 0.0023). There was a significant quadratic increase in SAP (P = 0.0324), MAP (P = 0.0103) and DAP (P = 0.0131) across time. Conclusions Topical ophthalmic application of 10% phenylephrine in normal dogs results in elevation of arterial blood pressure and reflex bradycardia.     

Concurrent follicular dysplasia and interface dermatitis in Boxer dogs

Recurrent or persistent follicular dysplasia and interface dermatitis are described in nine Boxers. Data on age, sex, seasonality of alopecia and histopathological features of the follicular dysplasia in these nine Boxers are comparable with those described in previous reports. The interface dermatitis was characterized by multifocal annular crusted lesions confined to the areas of follicular dysplasia. The inflammatory lesions were neither pruritic nor painful and affected dogs were otherwise healthy. Histopathologically the clinically inflammatory lesions were characterized as an interface dermatitis. Immunohistochemical studies failed to demonstrate immunoglobulins or complement at the basement membrane zone or within blood vessel walls. In dogs with recurrent or persistent disease, the follicular dysplasia and interface dermatitis ran identical, concurrent courses of spontaneous remission and recurrence, or persistence, respectively. One dog with persistent disease was treated successfully with tetracycline and niacinamide for the interface dermatitis, and melatonin for the follicular dysplasia. Although the aetiopathogenesis of this newly described condition and the relationship between the two histological reaction patterns are not known, photoperiod and genetic predisposition appear to play a role.     

Clinical use of a ceramide-based moisturizer for treating dogs with atopic dermatitis

In humans, skin barrier dysfunction is thought to be responsible for enhanced penetration of allergens. Similar to conditions seen in humans, canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is characterized by derangement of corneocytes and disorganization of intercellular lipids in the stratum corenum (SC) with decreased ceramide levels. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a moisturizer containing ceramide on dogs with CAD. Dogs (n = 20, 3~8 years old) with mild to moderate clinical signs were recruited and applied a moisturizer containing ceramide for 4 weeks. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, pruritus index for canine atopic dermatitis (PICAD) scores, and canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI) scores of all dogs were evaluated. Skin samples from five dogs were also examined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using ruthenium tetroxide. TEWL, PICAD, and CADESI values decreased (p < 0.05) and skin hydration increased dramatically over time (p < 0.05). Electron micrographs showed that the skin barrier of all five dogs was partially restored (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results demonstrated that moisturizer containing ceramide was effective for treating skin barrier dysfunction and CAD symptoms.     

Common allergens of atopic dermatitis in dogs: comparative findings based on intradermal tests

Intradermal tests were performed on 58 dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis from 2004~2008 at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Konkuk University, Korea. To compare the allergen distribution observed in the present investigation to the results from other studies conducted in Korea and elsewhere, the allergens were grouped according to their kinds. There was no significant difference in gender distribution among the dogs. The most common breeds among the 58 dogs were Maltese (n = 11) and Shih-tzu (n = 11). The average age was 4.8 years. The most frequently produced a positive reaction on the intradermal tests was mold (67.3%) followed by house dust (54.5%) and house dust mites (49.1%). The present study found a low distribution of dogs allergic to various outdoor allergens compared to studies performed in other countries; this may reflect differences in living conditions for dogs living in Korea.     

The effect of topical pimecrolimus on keratoconjunctivitis sicca and chronic superficial keratitis in dogs: results from an exploratory study

OBJECTIVE: Pimecrolimus is an ascomycin derivative that interferes selectively with the activation of T cells and mast cells and inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines. This study evaluated the efficacy of an experimental ophthalmic formulation of pimecrolimus in treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and chronic superficial keratitis (CSK) in dogs. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURES: Eight dogs with KCS and six with CSK were included. The dogs were of various breeds, suffered from chronic conditions, and had been pretreated unsuccessfully. The affected eyes were treated with 1 drop of an experimental, corn oil-based pimecrolimus 1% formulation three times a day. Parameters evaluated included Schirmer tear test (STT), ocular discharge, conjunctival inflammation, corneal inflammatory cell infiltrate and scarring, and comfort level. RESULTS: The effect of pimecrolimus 1% was pronounced (increase in STT values to higher than 4 mm/min, no signs of inflammation) or moderate (increase in STT values of 3-4 mm/min, mild signs of corneal/conjunctival inflammation) in a total of 6/8 animals with KCS. In 4/6 animals with CSK, the effect was either pronounced (total regression of fibrovascular infiltration into the cornea, no corneal scarring) or moderate (distinct regression of pannus, mild corneal scarring). The response to treatment was unsatisfactory in four of 14 animals. CONCLUSION: Results of this exploratory study suggest that topical 1% pimecrolimus may be a new effective treatment for keratoconjunctivitis sicca and chronic superficial keratitis in dogs.     

Therapy, control and prevention of flea allergy dermatitis in dogs and cats

This article reviews contemporary concepts underlying the design of control strategies for the management of flea allergy dermatitis in dogs and cats. The limitations of palliative symptomatic approaches are noted, as is the fundamental requirement to differentiate simple pulicosis from true hypersensitivity. In the latter case, eradication of fleas from the affected animal and its surroundings has to be an essential aim. The different biological properties offered by modern chemotherapy are defined and the range of techniques for applying active compounds to the animal and its environment described. Factors for consideration when formulating control strategies and selecting chemotherapeutic agents are discussed in the context of the complexities of the flea life-cycle, the host-parasite relationship and client concerns.     

米尔贝肟对自然感染疥螨病犬的治疗效果

为了评价米尔贝肟对临床自然感染疥螨犬的治疗效果,选用自然感染疥螨犬65例,随机选择5条服用伊维菌素,另外60条随机分为3组,分别服用高剂量(2g/kg体重)、中剂量(1g/kg体重)、低剂量(0.5g/kg体重)的米尔贝肟。给药后2、14、28、42d和56d,刮取皮屑,检查螨虫和虫卵,同时观察临床症状。试验结束时米尔贝肟高剂量组、伊维菌素组的无螨虫犬的比例和螨虫的下降率均为100%,临床症状如红疹、结痂、过度角化等现象均消失,所有动物毛发都开始大范围重生;米尔贝肟中、低剂量组结果稍差。米尔贝肟按2g/kg体重剂量,每周1次,连续用药3周,给药对自然感染疥螨病犬有很好的治疗效果。     

Plasma amino acid concentrations in 36 dogs with histologically confirmed superficial necrolytic dermatitis

Plasma amino acid concentrations were measured in 36 dogs diagnosed with superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND) via skin biopsy. The median age of the dogs was 10 years, and 27 out of 36 (75%) were male. Twenty-two out of 36 (61%) of the dogs were accounted for by six breeds; West Highland white terriers (six), Shetland sheepdogs (five), cocker spaniels (four), Scottish terriers (three), Lhasa apsos (two) and Border collies (two). The mean concentration (+/- standard deviation) was calculated for each measured plasma amino acid and compared to previously documented concentrations of plasma amino acids measured in dogs with acute and chronic hepatitis. The ratio of branched chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids in the dogs with SND was 2.6, slightly lower than that in normal dogs. The mean plasma amino acid concentrations for dogs with SND were significantly lower than for dogs with acute and chronic hepatitis. A metabolic hepatopathy in which there is increased hepatic catabolism of amino acids is hypothesized to explain the hypoaminoacidaemia seen in SND.     

Efficacy of cefadroxil in the treatment of bacterial dermatitis in dogs

Cefadroxil was found to be an effective antibiotic for the treatment of canine bacterial pyoderma. Bacterial pyoderma was diagnosed in 30 dogs, which were treated with cefadroxil administered orally at 22 mg/kg of body weight, q 12 h, for 21 to 30 days. Dogs were reexamined at the conclusion of antibiotic treatment, and 29 were found to have good to excellent response. On the basis of this study, cefadroxil is a good choice in the treatment of canine pyoderma when cephalosporins are necessary. Efficacy, frequency of administration, cost, and veterinary approval are the major advantages.     

Effects of propofol-induced sedation on intradermal test reactions in dogs with atopic dermatitis

We compared the effect of propofol and saline control on intradermal test reactions in dogs with atopic dermatitis undergoing outpatient intradermal testing (IDT). Nineteen dogs were used in this clinical study. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either intravenous (IV) propofol or IV 0.9% saline, and IDT was performed on the right or left (randomized) lateral thorax. One investigator, unaware of the treatments, interpreted all IDT results. Injection sites were analysed using a subjective and objective method. A value of P or= 1+ on all dogs, significantly more positive sites were apparent during propofol sedation than during saline administration. In addition, the greater number of individual dogs experiencing more positive reactions >or= 1+ during propofol sedation was significant. When subjectively analysing reactions >or= 2+, the greater number of positive reactions and the greater number of dogs with more positive reactions observed during propofol treatment was not significantly different from the saline control. When analysed objectively, the greater number of positive reactions observed during propofol sedation was not significant. A greater number of dogs had higher subjective scores and larger objective measurements during propofol sedation compared with saline administration. In summary, propofol sedation was associated with an overall greater number of positive IDT reactions compared with the saline control. Although not always significant, this difference should be considered when choosing propofol for skin testing dogs with atopic dermatitis.     

Seasonal atopic dermatitis in dogs sensitive to a major allergen of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen

Three dogs were examined because of episodes of recurrent pruritic dermatitis in the spring, the season of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, CJ) pollination in Japan. The dogs were shown to be sensitive to CJ pollen allergen using intradermal testing and antigen-specific IgE measurement. Fluorometric enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) showed increased concentrations of IgE specific to Cry j 1 and a negative result for Cry j 2 in the three dogs. The concentrations of IgE specific to Cry j 1 during the season of CJ pollination were higher than the concentrations found during the off-season in all the dogs, and the variation in the concentrations correlated with the variation in clinical signs. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed apparent proliferative responses to crude CJ pollen antigen and Cry j 1 during CJ pollination season. These findings indicated that Cry j 1 was the major allergen recognized by IgE and lymphocytes and resulted in the development of type I hypersensitivity to CJ pollen allergen in these atopic dogs.     

The effects of capsaicin topical therapy in dogs with atopic dermatitis: a randomized,double-blinded,placebo-controlled,cross-over clinical trial

Abstract The efficacy of twice daily topical application of capsaicin (0.025%) for the management of pruritus in dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) was evaluated in double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Twelve dogs with AD were randomly assigned to either 0.025% capsaicin or vehicle lotion applied twice daily for 6 weeks. After a 4-week wash-out period, treatments were switched. Significant improvement was reported by owners ( P  = 0.0006), but not by investigators. Owners noted temporary worsening of pruritus after the first week of capsaicin therapy. Overall capsaicin was well tolerated. Substance P (SP) concentrations in the skin did not correlate with the severity of the pruritus and did not change significantly over time and between treatments. Lesional skin had less SP than nonlesional skin ( P  = 0.03). These observations suggest that topical capsaicin should be further evaluated as an adjunctive antipruritic agent in dogs with AD.     

Efficacy of daily oral ivermectin in the treatment of 10 cases of generalized demodicosis in adult dogs

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral ivermectin at the dosage of 0.35 mg kg^-1 day^-1 for the treatment of generalized demodicosis in 10 adult dogs. Five of these 10 dogs had failed to respond to previous topical amitraz therapy. The mean time to obtain negative skin scrapings was 2.7 months and the mean duration of treatment was 4 months (range 2.5–8.5 months). Three patients (30%) were cured and they remained free of mites within 1 year follow-up. Two dogs (20%) were in remission for less than 6 months and five dogs (50%) relapsed. These five cases that relapsed were retreated with the above dosage of ivermectin and topical amitraz solution (1 mL Taktic/30 mL mineral oil) applied to site(s) of recurrence. One of these five cases that relapsed was in remission for more than 6 months, two dogs were in remission for less than 6 months and two dogs are still receiving treatment. Résumé— Le propos de cette étude est d'évaluer l'efficacieté de l'ivermectine par voie orale à un dosage de 0,35 mg/kg/jour dans le traitement de la démodécie généralisée chez 10 chiens adultes. Cinq de ces chiens n'avaient pas répondu à une thérapeutique topique préalable à l'amitraz. Le délai moyen pour obtenir la négativation des raclages cutanés est de 2,7 mois, et la durée moyenne de traitement est de 4 mois (extrême 2,5–8,5 mois). Trois patients (30%) ont été guéris et n'ont pas rechuté dans l'année qui a suivi le traitement. Deux des chiens (20%) ont été en rémission pendant moins de 6 mois et 5 chiens (50%) ont rechuté. Ces 5 chiens qui ont rechuté ont été retraités avec l'ivermectine à la même posologie associée à une thérapeutique topique à l'amitraz (1 ml de Taktic dans 30 ml d'huile minérale), appliquée aux sites de rechute. Un de ces 5 chiens fut en rémission pendant plus de 6 mois, 2 chiens pendant moins de 6 mois, enfin, les deux derniers reçoivent encore le traitement. [Fondati, A. Efficacy of daily oral ivermectin in the treatment of 10 cases of generalized demodicosis in adult dogs (Efficacité de l'ivermectine administrée oralement tous les jours dans le traitement de 10 cas de démodécie généralisée du chien adulte). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 99–104.] Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de la ivermectina oral con una dosis de 0.35 mg/Kg-dia para el tratamiento de la demodicosis generalizada en 10 perros adultos. Cinco de los 10 perros no habian respondido previamente a la terapia tópica con amitraz. El tiempo medio de obtención de raspados cutáneos negativos fue de 2.7 meses y la duratión media del tratamiento, de 4 meses (de 2.5 a 8.5 meses). Tres pacientes (30%) se curaron y permanecieron sin ácaros en un año de seguimiento. Dos perros (20%) estuvieron en remisión durante menos de 6 meses y en cinco (50%) se produjeron recaidas. Los animales que recayeron fueron tratados con la dosis de Ivermectina especificada arriba y solutión tópica de amitraz (1 mL Taktic/30 mL aceite mineral) aplicado a la(s) zona(s) de recidiva. Uno de los casos que recayó había estado en remisión durante 6 meses, dos perros estuvieron en remisión durante menos de 6 meses y dos estan aún bajo tratamiento. [Fondati, A. Efficacy of daily oral ivermectin in the treatment of 10 cases of generalized demodicosis in adult dogs (Eficacia de la Ivermectina oral en dosis diarias en el tratamiento de 10 casos de demodicosis generalizada en perros adultos). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 99–104.] Zusammenfassung— Zweck dieser Studie war, die Wirksamkeit von oralem Ivermectin mit einer Dosierung von 0,35 mg/kg und Tag bei der Behandlung von generalisierter Demodikose bei 10 erwachsenen Hunden auszuwerten. 5 dieser 10 Hunden hatten auf eine vorausgegangene topische Amitraz-Therapie nicht angesprochen. Die Durchschnittszeit, um negative Hautgeschabsel zu erhalten, lag bei 2,7 Monaten, die Durchschnittsdauer der Behandlung bei 4 Monaten (mit einer Spannweite von 2,5 bis 8,5 Monaten). 3 Patienten (30%) wurden geheilt und blieben innerhalb des überwachungszeitraumes von 1 Jahr milbenfrei. Zwei Hunde (20%) waren in Remission für weniger als 6 Monate und 5 Hunde (50%) hatten ein Rezidiv. Diese fünf Rezidivfälle wurden mit der oben genannten Dosis Ivermectin und topischer Amitraz-Lösung (1 ml Taktic/30 ml Mineralöl) an den Stellen erneuter Veränderungen behandelt. Einer dieser fünf Rezidivfälle war in Remission für mehr als 6 Monate, zwei Hunde waren in Remission für weniger als 6 Monate und zwei Hunde sind immer noch unter Therapie. [Fondati, A. Efficacy of daily oral ivermectin in the treatment of 10 cases of generalized demodicosis in adult dogs (Wirksamkeit einer täglichen oralen Ivermectingabe bei der Behandlung von 10 Fällen von generalisierter Demodikose bei erwachsenen Hunden). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 99–104.]     

Subepidermal bullous dermatosis due to topical corticosteroid therapy in dogs

Six adult dogs were presented with an unusual bullous dermatosis affecting the glabrous skin of the ventral abdomen and medial thighs. Clinically, flaccid bullae were accompanied by erythema, ulceration, haemorrhage and hyperpigmentation in four of six dogs; the remaining two dogs had thin skin without grossly apparent bullae. Histologically, subepidermal bullae and clefting, vascular proliferation and dilatation (phlebectasia), and alteration in the density and staining of superficial dermal collagen were seen in all dogs. In all cases, corticosteroid-containing topical products had been applied to the affected areas prior to the development of the dermatosis; skin lesions resolved when topical corticosteroids were withdrawn. Follow-up biopsy of three dogs showed resolution of the previously abnormal collagen and subepidermal clefting. Residual lesions included phlebectasia, comedones and hyperpigmentation. The authors postulate that subepidermal clefting was due to local, corticosteroid-induced skin fragility. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of bullous skin disease in dogs resulting from topical corticosteroid therapy.     

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal product (P07P) for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of P07P, a product derived from a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, was undertaken in 50 dogs with atopic dermatitis. Owners recorded a daily itch score for 4-14 days before treatment and during treatment. Packets of powder containing P07P or placebo were added to the food once daily for 8 weeks. Dogs were assessed for erythema, surface damage, overall coat condition and seborrhoea by the same investigator, as well as for pruritus and general demeanour, at 0 (visit 2), 28 (visit 3) and 56 (visit 4) days of treatment or at withdrawal. Investigator and owner assessments of response were recorded after 28 and 56 days of treatment or at withdrawal. The predefined primary outcome measure was the owners' assessment of response at the end of treatment. Nine of the 24 dogs (37.5%) in the P07P group but only 3 of the 23 dogs (13%) in the placebo group were considered to have improved, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). There was a significantly higher withdrawal rate due to worsening of condition in the placebo group (P = 0.04). Mean daily itch score in the second 28-day period of the study was significantly higher than baseline in the placebo group (P = 0.01) but not in the P07P group (P = 0.30). Pruritus scores showed a significant deterioration from baseline at the final visit in the placebo group (P = 0.01) but not in the P07P group (P = 1.00). There was a significant difference between the groups in change from baseline in erythema score at visit 3 (P = 0.05). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in surface damage, seborrhoea, overall coat condition and general demeanour scores within or between the groups throughout the study. The product was well tolerated with no severe or serious adverse events recorded. P07P may be beneficial as a novel nonsteroidal therapy for the management of dogs with atopic dermatitis.     

Chronic moderate heat dermatitis (erythema ab igne) in five dogs,three cats and one silvered langur

Erythema ab igne, an old and rare disease in the human literature, is an erythematous, often pigmented, reticular, macular dermatosis that occurs at the site of repeated exposure to moderate heat. We identified lesions consistent with erythema ab igne in five dogs, three cats and one silvered langur (Trachypithecus cristatus[Raffles, 1821]). In dogs and cats, the cutaneous lesion distribution typically reflected chronic exposure to moderate heat during lateral or sternal recumbency. The silvered langur developed cutaneous lesions on the dorsal neck from exposure to a heat lamp. Principal clinical lesions consisted of irregular areas of alopecia (7/9) and erythema (7/9), sometimes with hyperpigmentation (3/9). Principal histological features consisted of karyomegaly (9/9) and keratinocyte atypia (4/9), scattered apoptotic or vacuolated basal cells and/or apoptotic keratinocytes (6/9), mild mixed mononuclear interstitial or interface dermatitis (9/9) with adnexal atrophy (8/9), and a variable number of wavy eosinophilic elastic fibres (9/9). The presence of these cutaneous lesions in an animal indicates that the environment should be evaluated for exposure to chronic moderate heat, and the heat source should be eliminated or modified to prevent further exposure and progression of lesions.     

Use of pentoxifylline in the treatment of allergic contact reactions to plants of the Commelinceae family in dogs

The effects of pentoxifylline (10 mg kg⁻¹ orally [PO] twice daily) in three dogs with a confirmed contact allergy to plants of the Commelinceae family are described. Pentoxifylline inhibited the development of clinical signs in all three dogs despite extensive challenge with the offending plants. The protective effect was evident after 2 days of treatment and appeared to be dose related in one dog. The immunomodulatory properties of pentoxifylline are reviewed.