Antimicrobial therapy in German Shepherd dog pyoderma (GSP). An open clinical study

Abstract Twenty-five pure-bred and two cross-bred German Shepherd dogs with German Shepherd dog pyoderma (GSP) were treated with enrofloxacin as an antimicrobial therapy. Following 28 weeks of treatment at a dose rate of 5 mg kg^-1, administered orally once daily, excellent results were obtained in 23 dogs (85.2%), and fair results in three dogs (11.1%). One dog (3.7%) showed no response. These findings indicate that enrofloxacin therapy is an effective antimicrobial treatment for the bacterial infection in GSP. Resumé 25 Bergers Allemandes de pure race et 2 métis suffrant d'infection bactérienne de type pyodermite du Berger Allemand fürent traités à l'aide d'enrofloxacine comme antimicrobien. Deux à huit semaines de traitment à la dose de 5 mg kg^-1 per os une fois par jour donnèrent un excellent resultat chez 23 chiens (85.2%), et une amelioration dans 3 cas (11.1%). Un chien (3.7%) ne répondit pas du tout. Ces résultats montrent que l'enrofloxacine est efficace en tant qu'antibactérien dans le traitment de la pyodermite du Berger Allemand. [Koch, H-J., Peters, S. Antimicrobial Therapy in German Shepherd Dog Pyoderma (GSP). An open clinical study. (Traitment anti-infectieux de la pyodermite du Berger Allemand. Etude clinique ouverte). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 177–181.] Resumen 25 perros pastor alemán de pura raza y dos mezcla de pastor alemán que tenian pioderma fueron tratados con enrofloxacina. Después de 2–8 semanas de tratamiento a una dosis de 5 mg kg^-1 por via oral una vez al día, se obtuvieron resultados excelentes en 23 perros y resultados moderados en 3 perros. Un perro no respondió. Estos resultados muestran que enrofioxacina es un tratamiento efectivo contra pioderma de pastor alemán. [Koch, H-J., Peters, S. Antimicrobial Therapy in German Shepherd Dog Pyoderma (GSP). An open clinical study. (Terapia antimicrobiana en perros de pastor alemán. Un estudio clinico). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 177–181.] Zusammenfassung— 25 reinrassige Deutsche Schäferhunde und zwei Deutsche Schäferhund-Mischlinge mit bakterieller Infektion infolge Schäferhundpyodermie wurden mit Enrofloxacin antimikrobiell behandelt. Nach zwei-bis achtwöchiger Behandlung in der Dosierung von 5 mg kg^-1 Körpergewicht, 1 × tgl. oral verabreicht, wurden bei 23 Hunden (85, 2%) sehr gute und bei drei Hunden (11, 1%) befriedigende Behandlungsergebnisse erzielt. Ein Hund (3, 7%) sprach nicht auf die Behandlung an. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse zeigen, daß Enrofloxacin zur erfolgreichen antimikrobiellen Behandlung der bakteriellen Infektion bei der Schäferhundpyodermie geeignet ist. [Koch, H-J., Peters, S. Antimicrobial Therapy in German Shepherd Dog Pyoderma (GSP). An open clinical study. (Antimikrobielle Therapie bei Deutscher Schäferhundpyodermie (DSP). Eine klinische offene Untersuchung). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 177–181.]     

Macroscopic,cytological and bacteriological evaluation of anal sac content in normal dogs and in dogs with selected dermatological diseases

Abstract Macroscopic and cytological aspects of anal sac content were evaluated in 40 normal dogs and 10 dogs each with pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis associated with atopic dermatitis and uncomplicated atopic dermatitis. Bacteria isolated from anal sacs were compared with those from abdominal skin and hair in 20 normal dogs and 10 dogs with pyoderma. There was no difference between the groups in anal sac dimension, or in the colour, consistency or presence of granules in their content. Extracellular bacteria were found in higher numbers in diseased animals, whereas intracellular bacteria were observed in 40% of dogs with pyoderma and in only 2.5% of normal dogs. Malassezia spp. were present in 15.7% of dogs, with no difference between groups. Neutrophils were observed in 12.5% of normal dogs, 30% of dogs with Malassezia dermatitis with underlying atopic dermatitis and in 70 and 80% of dogs with pyoderma and uncomplicated atopic dermatitis, respectively. Seven bacterial species were isolated from anal sacs, with no difference between normal dogs and dogs with pyoderma. In five normal animals and in four dogs with pyoderma the same bacterial strains were isolated from anal sacs and from abdominal skin and hair.     

Antibiotic responsive ulcerative dermatoses in German Shepherd Dogs with mucocutaneous pyoderma

Mucocutaneous pyoderma is a disease of unknown aetiology affecting mucocutaneous skin and is responsive to antibacterial therapy. It is reported to affect the lips, nasal planum, nares, perioral skin and less commonly, the eyelids, vulva, prepuce and anus. Three cases of mucocutaneous pyoderma are presented. Two of the cases showed ulcerative lesions in the inguinal and axillary regions in addition to more typically reported lesions. Two of the dogs had concurrent atopic dermatitis and the third had clinical signs suggestive of hyper-sensitivity disease. The clinical and histopathological features, differentiation of mucocutaneous pyoderma from discoid lupus erythematosus, and long-term management of mucocutaneous pyoderma are discussed.     

Detection of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid from German Shepherd dogs with degenerative myelopathy by isoelectric focusing and immunofixation

BACKGROUND: Detection of intrathecal IgG synthesis is important in evaluating inflammatory diseases in the central nervous system. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) is currently the most sensitive method to demonstrate intrathecal IgG synthesis and may have diagnostic value for German Shepherd degenerative myelopathy (GSDM). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to adapt a modified IEF and immunofixation method for the detection of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from dogs with GSDM. METHODS: Serum and lumbar CSF samples were collected from 6 German Shepherd dogs clinically diagnosed with GSDM. Samples were also collected from 6 clinically healthy dogs for comparison. The concentration of IgG was measured by quantitative ELISA and the concentration of total protein was measured by the Bradford protein assay. The presence of oligoclonal bands was evaluated by use of modified IEF followed by immunofixation. RESULTS: The concentrations of total protein and IgG, and the IgG/total protein ratio in CSF samples, were not significantly different between GSDM patients and control dogs. Four GSDM patients had oligoclonal bands in their CSF based on IEF-immunofixation. No oligoclonal bands were found in CSF from control dogs. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the detection of oligoclonal bands by IEF-immunofixation may have diagnostic value for GSDM, and support the idea that humoral immune responses may play a role in the pathogenesis of GSDM.     

Kinematic analysis in healthy and hip-dysplastic German Shepherd dogs

This study investigated kinematic patterns in clinically normal German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) compared to those with hip dysplasia and with no clinical signs of lameness. Two groups of GSDs, including 10 clinically healthy dogs (G1) and 10 with hip dysplasia (G2), were trotted on a treadmill at a constant speed. Kinematic data were collected by a 3-camera system and analysed by a motion-analysis program. Flexion and extension joint angles and angular velocities were determined for the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints.Within each group, the differences between the right and left limbs in all kinematic variables were not significant. Minimum angle, angular displacement and minimum angular velocity did not differ between groups. Significant differences were observed in the maximum angular velocity and maximum angle of the hip joint (dysplastic > healthy), and in the maximum angular velocity of the carpal joint (healthy > dysplastic). It was concluded that, when trotting on a treadmill, dysplastic dogs with no signs of lameness may present joint kinematic alterations in the hind as well as the forelimbs.     

Multifocal papular deep bacterial pyoderma in a Boxer dog caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A young adult Boxer dog was presented with a papular dermatitis on the dorsal back and ventral neck that had developed while it was being treated with cyclosporine and cephalexin for atopic dermatitis and secondary superficial staphylococcal pyoderma, respectively. Histopathology demonstrated nodular to diffuse pyogranulomatous dermatitis with focal furunculosis. Numerous bacterial rods, free in the tissue and engulfed by neutrophils and macrophages, could be demonstrated on stained samples (haematoxylin-eosin; Giemsa). Bacterial culture from an aseptically collected skin biopsy punch sample yielded a pure growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, sensitive to a variety of antimicrobials. Successful treatment was accomplished following discontinuation of cyclosporine and an extended course of enrofloxacin. There has not been a recurrence of the pseudomonal pyoderma during the subsequent 2 years.     

Cranial thoracic disc protrusions in three German Shepherd dogs

Although intervertebral disc degeneration can occur at any level of the spine, cervical and thoraco-lumbar discs are more commonly affected. The presence of the inter-capital ligament between the rib heads results in an extremely low incidence of cranial thoracic intervertebral disc herniation. In this case series, the clinical, radiological, and surgical findings, as well as the post-operative outcome, in three German Shepherd dogs with T2–T3 disc protrusions is reported. These dogs had chronic progressive paraparesis and lumbar myelography and post-myelographic computerised tomography revealed ventrolateral, extra-dural spinal cord compressions over the T2–T3 intervertebral disc. All animals exhibited transient deterioration in their clinical signs and one developed unilateral Horner’s syndrome following T2–T3 hemi-dorsal laminectomy. Subsequently two of the dogs improved progressively and neurological dysfunction had completely resolved by 2 months. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case series describing T2–T3 disc protrusions in the dog.     

德国牧羊犬持久性右主动脉弓的诊治

2009年6月收治1条作为肉犬父本的幼龄德国牧羊犬病犬,通过临床症状观察、血液常规指标检查、主要病原检查和影像学检查,确诊为持久性右主动脉弓。对其进行胸部手术治疗,经术后护理该犬恢复良好。     

Superficial spreading pyoderma and ulcerative dermatitis in a ferret

Abstract A case report of an 8-month-old ferret with severe ulcerative dermatitis of the ventral abdomen and medial thigh regions is presented. Cutaneous biopsies of the periphery of the ulcerative lesions revealed large, confluent, superficial epidermal pustules containing inflammatory cellular debris and Gram-positive cocci, as well as perifollicular dermal necrosis. These histological findings are consistent with superficial spreading pyoderma in conjunction with dermal coagulative necrosis. Résumé— Un furet mâle de 8 mois est présenté pour une dermite ulcérative sévère du ventre et des faces internes des cuisses. Des biopsies cutanées réalisées à la périphérie des lésions ulcératives montrent la présence d'importantes pustules épidermiques contenant des débris cellulaires inflammatoires et des bactéries cocci Gram positif, ainsi qu'une nécrose dermique périfolliculaire. Ces éléments histopathologiques sont en faveur d'une pyodermite superficielle extensive associée à une nécrose de coagulation du derme. [King, W. W., Lemarié, S. L., Veazey, R. S., Hodin, E. C. Superficial spreading pyoderma and ulcerative dermatitis in a ferret (Pyodermite extensive superficielle et dermite ulcérative chez un furet). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 43–47.] Resumen Presentamos el caso clínico de un hurón de 8 meses con una dermatitis ulcerativa grave en abdomen ventral y muslo medial. El estudio de biopsias de la periferia de las zonas ulceradas reveló la presencia de grandes pústulas superficiales epidérmicas confluentes que contenían restos celulares inflamatorios y cocos Gram-positivo, así como necrosis perifolicular en la dermis. Estos hallazgos histológicos son compatibles con una pioderma de extensióin superficial en conjunción con necrosis dérmica coagulativa. [King, W. W., Lemarié, S. L., Veazey, R. S., Hodin, E. C. Superficial spreading pyoderma and ulcerative dermatitis in a ferret (Pioderma de extension superficial y dermatitis ulcerativa en un huron). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 43–47.] Zusammenfassung— Es wird ein Fallbericht vorgestellt, bei dem ein 8 Monate altes Frettchen an schwerer ulzerativer Dermatitis des ventralen Abdomens und der medialen Schenkelregionen leidet. Hautbiopsien aus der Peripherie der ulzerativen Veränderungen zeigten große, konfluierende, oberflächliche epidermale Pusteln, die entzündlichen Zelldebris und Gram-positive Kokken enthielten, sowie eine perifollikuläre dermale Nekrose. Diese histologischen Befunde stimmen mit der oberflächlich ausgebreiteten Pyodermie in Verbindung mit einer dermalen Koagulationsnekrose überein. [King, W. W., Lemarié, S. L., Veazey, R. S., Hodin, E. C. Superficial spreading pyoderma and ulcerative dermatitis in a ferret (Oberflächlich ausgebreitete Pyodermie und ulzerative Dermatitis bei einem Frettchen). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 43–47.]     

An analysis of factors underlying hypotrichosis and alopecia in Irish Water Spaniels in the United Kingdom

A survey on the occurrence of dermatoses in the Irish Water spaniel (IWS) was carried out in the United Kingdom. A group of 20 dogs was selected and examined clinically. All dogs had a nonpruritic, noninflammatory, regionalized hair loss affecting the same areas of the body in males and females, although an initial cyclical pattern associated with the oestrus cycle was identified. Hormonal investigations showed features suggestive of an abnormality of steroidogenesis. Histopathology revealed features similar to canine recurrent flank alopecia (CRFA) and follicular dysplasia associated with abnormal melanization, as in colour dilution alopecia, although the clinical features did not correlate with those conditions. Dietary changes improved coat and skin quality in most of the cases in this series but the role of the diet was not investigated further. This study suggests that hair loss in IWS is influenced by dietary factors and sexual hormones. Abnormalities of the steroidogenic pathways may contribute to the severity of the condition.     

The Hereditary Nature of Canine Pancreatic Degenerative Atrophy in the German Shepherd Dog

The incidence of pancreatic degenerative atrophy (PDA) was investigated in 59 German shepherd dogs from two kindred. The male progenitors were the same in both kindred. In the four litters of the first kindred the incidence of PDA was 24 % (10 dogs out of 41), and there was at least one affected dog in each litter. When one of the litter bitches, later affected with PDA, was mated with one of the obligate carriers of PDA, one of the resultant seven offspring has so far been found to suffer from PDA. In the second kindred when a PDA-affected bitch and a clinically healthy male (heterozygote) were mated, two of the resultant six offspring were found to suffer from PDA.These results indicate that PDA is a disease inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, although the possibility of dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance cannot be excluded.     

Ocular signs of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis: a retrospective study in dogs from Barcelona, Spain

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a tick-borne disease caused by the rickettsia Ehrlichia canis. Ocular lesions are a common feature of the disease and can be present in all stages. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence, type and response to treatment of ocular lesions associated with monocytic ehrlichiosis in 46 affected dogs presented to the Autonomous University of Barcelona-Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UAB-VTH) from January 2000 to December 2002. Dogs were included in the study only if they had a positive serologic test for E. canis and information about the clinical outcome was available. Eighteen breeds were represented, with the German Shepherd dog (n = 6) being the most common. There were 25 intact and three castrated males, and 16 intact and two neutered females. Twenty dogs (43.4%) were between 5 and 10 years old. Seventeen dogs (37% of all cases of monocytic ehrlichiosis diagnosed during the study period) had ocular signs, and 11 dogs (64.7% of the ocular cases) had only ocular lesions without apparent systemic signs. Exudative retinal detachment was the most common ocular manifestation; other prevalent findings included anterior exudative uveitis and optic neuritis. Five of the 17 cases with ocular lesions (29.4%) had ocular bleeding disorders (hyphema or retinal hemorrhages). All the dogs with ocular disease presented with bilateral signs. Dogs with posterior segment disease had titers against E. canis that were > or = 1 : 320, while lower titers were noted in dogs with anterior exudative uveitis. Two dogs presented with chronic autoimmune panuveitis after ehrlichiosis treatment. Canine ehrlichiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of exudative retinal detachment and anterior uveal inflammatory lesions.     

Comparison of primary mitral valve disease in German Shepherd dogs and in small breeds

The case records of 58 German Shepherds (GS group) affected by mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and/or mitral valve regurgitation (MR), and 49 dogs weighing < 15 kg (D group), affected by chronic valvular disease (CVD) were reviewed. The dogs of the GS group were presented more often without a detectable heart murmur (p < 0.01), and less frequently with a high intensity heart murmur (p < 0.01). Atrial fibrillation (AF) was more common in the GS group (p < 0.001). MVP associated with mitral valve thickening was more common in the D group (p < 0.001). Fractional shortening (FS) was lower (p < 0.0001) and end-systolic volume index (ESV-I) was increased (p < 0.0001) in the GS group, whereas end-diastolic volume index (EDV-I) did not differ between the 2 groups. Prevalence and severity of pulmonary hypertension were similar in the 2 groups. Dogs with mitral valve disease weighing more than 20 kg had a 5.8 higher chance of developing decreased FS, increased ESV-I, AF and ventricular arrhythmias. In the GS group, the decreased FS and increased ESV-I were not associated with the presence of AF or ventricular arrhythmias (p > 0.05). It appears that GS may be affected both by mitral valve prolapse and mitral insufficiency. It also appears that a comparatively large proportion of GS shows no major mitral valve thickening or MVP, but still presents with significant mitral regurgitation, possibly suggesting a different cause for the important incompetence observed in most cases.     

MHC class II risk haplotype associated with canine chronic superficial keratitis in German Shepherd dogs

Canine chronic superficial keratitis (CSK) is an inflammatory ocular disease of an autoimmune origin leading to blindness if untreated. The main symptoms of CSK are progressive, bilateral vascularisation, fibrous tissue formation and pigmentation of the anterior corneal stroma. Although CSK is found in many breeds it is most prevalent in German Shepherd dogs (GSDs). Since Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II is associated with several autoimmune diseases in dogs we investigated the possible role of DLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1 in GSDs affected with CSK. Our study population included 25 healthy controls and 30 CSK dogs. Most of the affected dogs were females suggesting a female predisposition. We identified 11 unevenly distributed haplotypes of which DLA-DRB1*01501/DQA1*00601/DQB1*00301 was significantly associated with the CSK dogs (OR=2.67, CI=1.17-6.44, p=0.02). We also found that overall homozygosity of MHC class II increases risk for CSK (OR=4.37, CI=1.27-18.46, p=0.02) and homozygosity of the risk haplotype by over eight-fold (OR=8.5, 95% CI=1.4-224, p=0.017). This study identifies a MHC class II risk haplotype for CSK in GSD and further supports the autoimmune origin of the disease.     

Monochorial diamniotic dizygotic twins in a German Shepherd Dog: A case report

Case report: A 6.5‐year‐old clinically healthy German Shepherd Dog with regular oestrous cycles of 6 months was presented for pregnancy diagnosis on day 38 after ovulation (p.ov.). Ultrasonography revealed three individual placental sites in progressed resorption and two vital adequately developed foetuses sharing a joint placenta. On days 41 and 48 p.ov., sonographic signs indicated normal development of both foetuses, but on day 52 p.ov., both foetuses were found to be dead. A caesarean section was performed the same day. Examination of the removed uterus confirmed the diagnosis of a “twin” pregnancy with two foetuses sharing the same placental site but separate amniotic membranes. One foetus showed generalized oedema (anasarca). Bacterial culture of swabs taken from inside the placental cavity was negative. At histological examination of the uterus, no signs of inflammation were found. Serum relaxin concentrations (day 38, 41, 48 and 52. p.ov.) were consistent with those of bitches with normal pregnancies. Cytogenetic analysis of the two foetuses revealed dizygotic twins, one male and one female according to SRY‐PCR. By genotyping 17 high‐polymorphic canine microsatellites, it could be demonstrated that the two foetuses developed from two different oocytes.     

Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci in nares and affected sites of pet dogs with superficial pyoderma

Currently, antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), are frequently isolated from canine superficial pyoderma in Japan. However, little is known regarding the nasal prevalence of MRSP in pet dogs. Here, we determined the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci in nares and affected sites of pet dogs with superficial pyoderma. Of the 125 nares and 108 affected sites of pet dogs with superficial pyoderma, 107 (13 species) and 110 (eight species) staphylococci strains, respectively, were isolated. The isolation rate of S. pseudintermedius from pyoderma sites (82/110 strains, 74.5%) was significantly higher than that from nares (57/107 strains, 53.3%) (P<0.01). Notably, the prevalence of MRSP (18/57 strains, 31.6%) in nares was equivalent to that in pyoderma sites (28/82 strains, 34.1%). Furthermore, the phenotypes and genotypes of antimicrobial resistance in MRSP strains from nares were similar to those from pyoderma sites. Our findings revealed that the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci in the nares of pet dogs with superficial pyoderma is the same level as that in affected sites. Therefore, considerable attention should be paid to the antimicrobial resistance of commensal staphylococci in companion animals.     

Aspects of the humoral immune response to Staphylococcus intermedius in dogs with superficial pyoderma,deep pyoderma and anal furunculosis

Bacterial infection (pyoderma) of the canine skin is largely caused by Staphylococcus intermedius and may be a superficial or deep infection. Pyoderma may be a primary, idiopathic disease or secondary to a range of other dermatological disorders. In this study, the serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, antistaphylococcal IgG and antistaphylococcal IgA were measured by ELISA in normal dogs (n = 22), dogs with idiopathic deep pyoderma (n = 22), atopic dermatitis and superficial pyoderma (n = 24), atopic dermatitis without pyoderma (n = 25), flea bite dermatitis with superficial pyoderma (n = 8), pustular demodicosis (n = 8) and German shepherd dogs with anal furunculosis (n = 28). The serum IgG was significantly increased in dogs with atopy and superficial pyoderma (p < 0.001), and lower than normal in dogs with idiopathic deep pyoderma (p < 0.015). The concentration of serum IgA was significantly lower than normal in dogs with atopy uncomplicated by pyoderma (p < 0.015). The concentration of antistaphylococcal IgG in all clinical sera was significantly elevated (p < 0.001) when compared to normal dogs but concentrations of antistaphylococcal IgA were no greater than in normal dogs. Western blotting analysis for determination of the specificity of serum IgG antistaphylococcal antibody revealed that there were nine major epitopes. Discriminant analysis demonstrated that particular combinations of these epitopes were recognised more frequently by sera from dogs in different clinical groups.     

中国地方狼犬与德国牧羊犬杂交育种毛色遗传规律的研究

应用基因遗传分离定律方法分析测定, 论证了中国地方狼犬狼青色个体的基因型为aw/aw或aw/at,黑背黄腹个体的基因型为at/at,基因aw对at显性。纯合狼青色的犬与其它毛色类型的犬相配所得后代,其毛色全为狼青色; 经鉴定为杂合子的狼青色犬与纯合的黑背黄腹犬相配,所得后代的毛色分离比为1∶1;经鉴定为杂合狼青色的公母犬互配,所得后代毛色分离比为3∶1。中国地方狼犬与德国牧羊犬相配,其后代毛色完全遵循基因遗传分离规律。