Pharmacokinetics and interactions of digoxin with phenobarbital in dogs

In one experiment, 5 dogs were administered digoxin (0.022 mg/kg of body weight, IV), were rested for 2 weeks, were then given phenobarbital (13.2 mg/kg orally) for 14 days, and then were given digoxin again (0.022 mg/kg, IV). Comparing prephenobarbital (control) digoxin half-lives of 42.4 +/- 8.8 hours and postphenobarbital digoxin half-lives of 18.0 +/- 2.2 hours, the half-life was significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased after phenobarbital administration. Clearance was increased by 84%, and the volume of distribution given was decreased by 34%. In a second experiment, 5 dogs were given digoxin (0.022 mg/kg, orally) daily for 11 days, and the digoxin kinetics were evaluated after the last dosing. The dogs were then rested and given phenobarbital (13.2 mg/kg, orally) once daily for 14 days and digoxin (0.022 mg/kg) once daily for 11 days, and the pharmacokinetics of digoxin was determined on the last day of dosing. Significant differences in steady-state serum concentrations and the pharmacokinetics of digoxin were not found between the control and phenobarbital phases of the experiment. Mean (+/- SD) half-lives of digoxin were 29.0 +/- 7.2 hours before phenobarbital treatment (control) and were 34.8 +/- 7.2 hours after phenobarbital treatment. In comparing results of the single-dose experiment vs the oral multiple-dose experiment, dogs had shorter half-lives for digoxin after multiple dosing. Therefore, if phenobarbital and digoxin are to be chronically coadministered orally, an adjustment in the digoxin dose is not necessary.     

Serum and skin concentrations after multiple-dose oral administration of trimethoprim-sulfadiazine in dogs.

Six healthy adult mixed breed dogs were each given 5 oral doses of trimethoprim (TMP)/sulfadiazine (SDZ) at 2 dosage regimens: 5 mg of TMP/kg of body weight and 25 mg of SDZ/kg every 24 hours (experiment 1) and every 12 hours (experiment 2). Serum and skin concentrations of each drug were measured serially throughout each experiment and mean serum concentrations of TMP and SDZ were determined for each drug for 24 hours (experiment 1) and 12 hours (experiment 2) after the last dose was given. In experiment 1, mean serum TMP concentration was 0.67 +/- 0.02 micrograms/ml, and mean skin TMP concentration was 1.54 +/- 0.40 micrograms/g. Mean serum SDZ concentration was 51.1 +/- 12.2 micrograms/ml and mean skin SDZ concentration was 59.3 +/- 9.8 micrograms/g. In experiment 2, mean serum TMP concentration was 1.24 +/- 0.35 micrograms/ml and mean skin TMP concentration was 3.03 +/- 0.54 micrograms/g. Mean serum SDZ concentration was 51.6 +/- 9.3 micrograms/ml and mean skin SDZ concentration was 71.1 +/- 8.2 micrograms/g. After the 5th oral dose in both experiments, mean concentration of TMP and SDZ in serum and skin exceeded reported minimal inhibitory concentrations of TMP/SDZ (less than or equal to 0.25/4.75 micrograms/ml) for coagulase-positive Staphylococcus sp. It was concluded that therapeutically effective concentrations in serum and skin were achieved and maintained when using the manufacturer's recommended dosage of 30 mg of TMP/SDZ/kg (5 mg of TMP/kg and 25 mg of SDZ/kg) every 24 hours.     

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.     

Dynamic computed tomographic quantitation of hepatic perfusion in dogs with and without portal vascular anomalies

OBJECTIVE: To compare hepatic, pancreatic, and gastric perfusion on dynamic computed tomography (CT) scans of clinically normal dogs with those of dogs with portal vascular anomalies. SAMPLE POPULATION: Dynamic computed tomography (CT) scans of 10 clinically normal dogs and 21 dogs with portal vascular anomalies. PROCEDURES: Retrospective analysis of dynamic CT scans. Hepatic arterial perfusion, hepatic portal perfusion, total hepatic perfusion, hepatic perfusion index, gastric perfusion, and pancreatic perfusion were calculated from time attenuation curves. RESULTS: Mean +/- hepatic arterial perfusion was significantly higher in affected dogs (0.57 +/- 0.27 mL/min x mL(-1)) than in clinically normal dogs (0.23 +/- 0.11 mL/min x mL(-1)), and hepatic portal perfusion was significantly lower in affected dogs (0.52 +/- 0.47 mL/min x mL(-1)) than in clinically normal dogs (1.08 +/- 0.45 mL/min x mL(-1)). This was reflected in the hepatic perfusion index, which was significantly higher in affected dogs (0.59 +/- 0.34), compared with clinically normal dogs (0.19 +/- 0.07). Gastric perfusion was significantly higher in dogs with portal vascular anomalies (0.72 +/- 0.44 mL/min x mL(-1)) than in clinically normal dogs (0.41 +/- 0.21 mL/min x mL(-1)), but total hepatic perfusion and pancreatic perfusion were not significantly different. Among subgroups, dogs with congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and dogs with arterioportal fistulae had higher hepatic arterial perfusion than did clinically normal dogs. Dogs with congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts also had an increase in gastric perfusion and hepatic perfusion index. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hepatic perfusion variables measured on CT scans revealed differences in hemodynamics between clinically normal dogs and those with portal vascular anomalies.     

Potential effects of glucocorticoids on serum iron concentration in dogs

Prednisone was give norally(2mg/kg b.i.d.) to seven healthy mixed breed dogs for 3 consecutive days. Serum iron concentration increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 142 +/- 26 micro g/dl (mean +/- SE) before a drug adminis- tration on Day 0 to a maximum of 307 +/- 47 micro g/dl on Day 2, and returned to the Day 0 value by Day 5. Mean total iron binding capacity did not vary more than 25% from the Day 0 value during the 9 day long study. The percent saturation of transferrin with iron increased from 33 +/- 6% on Day 0 to a maximum of 71 +/- 9% on Day 3. This determination had decreased to 34 +/- 3% on Day 5. No statistically significant changes occurred in these parameters studied in six control dogs that were not given the drug. To determine whether serum iron concentration might be correlated with endogenous serum cortisol concentration, these tests were determined in serum collected from nine dogs at 7 a.m., 3 p.m., and 11 p.m. each day for 3 consecutive days. Serum iron concentration was lower at 7 a.m. (147 +/- 9 micro g/dl) than at 3 p.m. (164 +/- 9 micro g/dl) or 11 p.m. (159 +/- 10 micro g/dl). Likewise serum cortisol was lower at 7 a.m. (1.29 +/- 0.18 micro g/dl) than at 3 p.m. (1.49 +/- 0.19 micro g/dl) or 11 p.m. (1.51 +/- 0.22 micro g/dl). There was a significant positive linear correlation between serum iron and serum cortisol concentrations when they were compared using mean values for each dog. From these studies, it appears that exogenously administered glucocorticoids and endogenous increases in serum cortisol concentrations may result in increased serum iron concentrations in dogs.     

Investigation of in vitro transdermal absorption of fentanyl from patches placed on skin samples obtained from various anatomic regions of dogs

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in vitro transdermal absorption of fentanyl from patches through skin samples obtained from various anatomic regions of dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Skin samples from 5 Greyhounds. PROCEDURE: Skin samples from the dogs' thoracic, neck, and groin regions were collected postmortem and frozen. After samples were thawed, circular sections were cut and placed in Franz-type diffusion cells in a water bath (32 degrees C). A commercial fentanyl patch, attached to an acetate strip with a circular hole, was applied to each skin sample. Cellulose strips were used as control membranes. Samples of receptor fluid in the diffusion cells were collected at intervals for 48 hours, and fentanyl concentrations were analyzed by use of high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Mean+/-SD release rate of fentanyl from the patch, defined by its absorption rate through the non-rate-limiting cellulose membrane, was linear during the first 8 hours (2.01+/-0.05 microg/cm2 of cellulose membrane/h) and then decreased. Fentanyl passed through skin from the groin region at a faster rate and with a significantly shorter lag time, compared with findings in neck or thoracic skin samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In vitro, fentanyl from a patch was absorbed more quickly and to a greater extent through skin collected from the groin region of dogs, compared with skin samples from the thoracic and neck regions. Placement of fentanyl patches in the groin region of dogs may decrease the lag time to achieve analgesia perioperatively; however, in vivo studies are necessary to confirm these findings.     

Sulphido-leukotriene production from peripheral leukocytes and skin in clinically normal dogs and house dust mite positive atopic dogs

Pathogenesis of canine atopy has not been completely elucidated. In humans, sulphido-leukotrienes (s-LT) play a role in atopy, and increased production of s-LT occurs in the skin and peripheral leukocytes after allergen challenge. The study population included 16 clinically normal and 13 atopic dogs. All atopic dogs had in common a positive reaction (4+) to the intradermal injection of house dust mite (allergen of reference). Blood samples and skin biopsies were collected. Sulphido-LT synthesis by peripheral leukocytes after stimulation was measured, and no statistically significant difference was found between clinically normal and atopic dogs. Sulphido-LT concentrations in skin samples from stimulated and unstimulated sites were measured, and no statistically significant difference was detected between clinically normal and atopic dogs or between lesional and nonlesional skin within the atopic group. Clinical signs of atopic dogs were graded by owners and no correlation was found between their severity and cutaneous concentrations of s-LT. In this study there was no increase in s-LT synthesis in atopic dogs.     

Effects of an ethyl lactate shampoo in conjunction with a systemic antibiotic in the treatment of canine superficial bacterial pyoderma in an open-label,nonplacebo-controlled study

An open-label, nonplacebo-controlled study was designed to compare systemic cephalexin therapy versus systemic cephalexin and ethyl lactate shampoo therapy in the treatment of canine superficial bacterial pyoderma. Twenty client-owned dogs diagnosed with generalized superficial bacterial pyoderma (SP) were alternately assigned to oral treatment with cephalexin (25 to 30 mg/kg every 12 hours) or treatment with cephalexin (as for Group 1) and twice-weekly shampooing with a 10% ethyl lactate shampoo, which was left in contact with the dog's skin for 10 minutes. On Days 14 and 28, skin lesion severity scores, assessed by the investigators, were significantly (P <.01) lower for the group treated with cephalexin and shampoo than for the group treated with cephalexin only. On Day 14, dog owners gave better scores to dogs treated with cephalexin and shampoo for haircoat appearance and body odor than for dogs treated only with cephalexin. Clinical and cytologic resolution of SP occurred significantly (P <.02) sooner in the cephalexin/shampoo group (29.4 days) than in the cephalexin only group (37.8 days).     

Isolation of Staphylococcus schleiferi from healthy dogs and dogs with otitis, pyoderma, or both

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of isolation and susceptibility patterns of Staphylococcus schleiferi from healthy dogs and dogs with otitis, pyoderma, or both that had or had not received antimicrobial treatment. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 50 dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were allocated to 1 of 4 groups: healthy dogs (n=13), dogs without otitis but with pyoderma (10), dogs with otitis but without pyoderma (11), and dogs with otitis and pyoderma (16). Bacteriologic culture of ear swab specimens was performed in all dogs. Bacteriologic culture of skin swab specimens was also performed in dogs with concurrent pyoderma. Isolates were identified as S schleiferi subsp schleiferi or S schleiferi subsp coagulans on the basis of growth and biochemical characteristics. RESULTS: S schleiferi was not isolated from any dogs with pyoderma only. Staphylococcus schleiferi subsp schleiferi was isolated from the ears of 2 healthy dogs, and the skin and ears of 2 dogs and the skin of 1 dog with otitis and pyoderma. Staphylococcus schleiferi subsp coagulans was isolated from the ears of 3 dogs with otitis only, and the ears of 6 dogs and the skin of 2 dogs with otitis and pyoderma. One of the S schleiferi subsp schleiferi isolates from ears, 2 of the S schleiferi subsp coagulans isolates from ears, and 1 of the S schleiferi subsp coagulans isolates from the skin were resistant to methicillin. One methicillin-resistant isolate from the ears and 1 from the skin were also resistant to fluoroquinolones. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: S schleiferi subsp schleiferi was detected in healthy dogs and dogs with otitis and pyoderma. Methicillin-resistant and -susceptible S schleiferi subsp schleiferi and S schleiferi subsp coagulans were detected as the predominant organisms in dogs with otitis.     

Effects of doxycycline on early infections of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs

The antifilarial effects of tetracycline drugs were first demonstrated when they were found to be highly effective against L(3) and L(4) of Brugia pahangi and Litomosoides sigmodontis in rodent models. Tetracyclines are also now known to have activity against microfilariae and adult Dirofilaria immitis, but assessment of their activity against larval and juvenile heartworms has not been reported previously. This study assessed the effects of doxycycline administered orally at 10mg/kg twice daily for 30-day periods at selected times during the early part of the life cycle of D. immitis in dogs with dual infections of D. immitis and B. pahangi. Twenty beagles were randomly allocated by weight to four groups of five dogs each. On Day 0, each dog was given 50 D. immitis L(3) and 200 B. pahangi L(3) by SC injection. Dogs received doxycycline on Days 0-29 (Group 1); Days 40-69 (Group 2); or Days 65-94 (Group 3). Group 4 served as untreated controls. Blood samples were collected for microfilariae counting and antigen testing. Necropsy for collection of adult heartworms and selected tissues were performed Days 218-222. Heartworms recovered were examined by immunohistology, conventional microscopy/transmission electron microscopy, and molecular biology techniques. No live heartworms were recovered from dogs in Group 1; dogs in Group 2 had 0 to 2 live worms (98.4% efficacy), and dogs in Group 3 had 0-36 live worms (69.6% efficacy). All control dogs had live adult heartworms (25-41). The live worms recovered from dogs in Groups 2 and 3 were less developed and smaller that worms from control dogs. Microfilariae were not detected in any dogs in Groups 1 and 2; one dog in Group 3 had 1 microfilariae/ml at necropsy. All control dogs had microfilariae at necropsy. One dog in Group 1 was antigen positive at one sampling (Day 166). One dog in Group 2 was antigen positive Days 196 and 218-222 and three dogs in Group 3 were antigen positive at one or more samplings All five control dogs were antigen positive at all three sampling times. These findings suggest that doxycycline at 10mg/kg orally twice daily for 30 days has efficacy against migrating tissue-phase larvae and juvenile worms and will delay or restrict microfilarial production.     

Hyperadrenocorticism in 10 dogs with skin lesions as the only presenting clinical signs

Ten dogs that had skin lesions as the only presenting signs of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) and as the owners' primary complaint are described. Dogs were included if the initial examination was for skin disease, there were no signs of systemic illness on initial presentation and there was a confirmed diagnosis of HAC by specific screening tests. Dogs were excluded if they had a severe disease that might interfere with screening tests for HAC or if the screening tests were not diagnostic. There were five males and five females; six dogs were intact. Nine dogs were diagnosed at ≥7 years. Eight dogs weighed ≤10 kg. Alopecia was present in nine dogs. Eight dogs had bacterial pyoderma, five had hyperpigmentation, and four had thin skin. One dog had unresolved dermatophytosis. Skin lesions resolved after treatment in eight dogs. One dog was not treated and one was lost to follow-up. This study showed that skin lesions may be the only clinical signs of HAC. The presence of the more common clinical signs of HAC, such as a non-pruritic, truncal alopecia and/or thin skin, without any systemic signs of HAC and/or the presence of poorly responsive skin infections warrant screening for this disease.     

Assessment of alterations in triglyceride and glycogen concentrations in muscle tissue of Alaskan sled dogs during repetitive prolonged exercise

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in muscle glycogen (MG) and triglyceride (MT) concentrations in aerobically conditioned sled dogs during prolonged exercise. ANIMALS: 54 Alaskan sled dogs fed a high-fat diet. PROCEDURES: 48 dogs ran 140-km distances on 4 consecutive days (cumulative distance, up to 560 km); 6 dogs remained as nonexercising control animals. Muscle biopsies were performed immediately after running 140, 420, or 560 km (6 dogs each) and subsequently after feeding and 7 hours of rest. Single muscle biopsies were performed during recovery at 28 hours in 7 dogs that completed 560 km and at 50 and 98 hours in 7 and 6 dogs that completed 510 km, respectively. Tissue samples were analyzed for MG and MT concentrations. RESULTS: In control dogs, mean +/- SD MG and MT concentrations were 375 +/- 37 mmol/kg of dry weight (kgDW) and 25.9 +/- 10.3 mmol/kgDW, respectively. Compared with control values, MG concentration was lower after dogs completed 140 and 420 km (137 +/- 36 mmol/kgDW and 203 +/- 30 mmol/kgDW, respectively); MT concentration was lower after dogs completed 140, 420, and 560 km (7.4 +/- 5.4 mmol/kgDW; 9.6 +/- 6.9 mmol/kgDW, and 6.3 +/- 4.9 mmol/kgDW, respectively). Depletion rates during the first run exceeded rates during the final run. Replenishment rates during recovery periods were not different, regardless of distance; only MG concentration at 50 hours was significantly greater than the control value. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Concentration of MG progressively increased in sled dogs undergoing prolonged exercise as a result of attenuated depletion.     

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.     

Effects of zinc-L-carnosine and vitamin E on aspirin-induced gastroduodenal injury in dogs

Background: Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs frequently cause gastrointestinal (GI) injury. Zinc‐l ‐carnosine has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, mucosal protective, and healing properties in rodent models and in some human studies of GI injury. Hypothesis: The combination of zinc‐l ‐carnosine and vitamin E attenuates aspirin‐induced gastroduodenal mucosal injury. Animals: Eighteen healthy random‐source Foxhound dogs. Methods: In this randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study dogs were treated with placebo (n = 6; 0X group), 30 mg/30 IU (n = 6; 1X group), or 60 mg/60 IU (n = 6; 2X group) zinc‐l ‐carnosine/vitamin E orally every 12 hours for 35 days. Between Day 7 and 35, GI mucosal lesions were induced with aspirin (25 mg/kg PO q8h). Mucosal injury lesions (hemorrhage, erosion, and ulcer) were assessed by gastroduodenoscopy on Days 14, 21, and 35 with a 12‐point scoring scale. Results: At baseline (Day ?1) gastroscopy scores were not significantly different between groups (mean ± SD: 0X, 4.4 ± 0.8; group 1X, 4.4 ± 0.6; group 2X, 4.2 ± 0.3; P= .55). Gastroscopy scores increased significantly in all groups between Day ?1 and Days 14, 21, and 35 (P < .0001). On Day 35, gastroscopy scores were 29.2 ± 5.2 (0X), 27.3 ± 3.7 (1X), and 28.6 ± 3.3 (2X). Mean gastroscopy scores were not significantly different among treatment groups on any of the days (P= .61). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Administration of the combination of zinc‐l ‐carnosine and vitamin E at 1X or 2X dosing did not attenuate aspirin‐induced gastroduodenal mucosal injury.     

Serum pharmacokinetics of clindamycin hydrochloride in normal dogs when administered at two dosage regimens

The aim of this cross-over study was to compare clindamycin pharmacokinetics in the serum of clinically normal dogs when administered orally at two dosage regimens (5.5 mg/kg, twice daily, and 11 mg/kg, once daily), separated by a 1 week wash-out period. Serum samples were obtained from six clinically normal laboratory beagles before, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h after the first and fifth dose of clindamycin at 5.5 mg/kg, twice daily, and before, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 h after the first and third dose at 11 mg/kg, once daily. Serum clindamycin concentrations were determined by reverse-phase liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Results were analysed using Student's paired t-test, at a 5% level of significance. Values of pharmacokinetic parameters that differed significantly between the two dosage regimens included the following: maximal concentration and area under the concentration-time curve were higher at 11 mg/kg, once daily, than at 5.5 mg/kg, twice daily; and, more importantly, the ratio of AUC(0-24) to the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.5 μg/mL for a 24 h period (AUC(0-24)/MIC) was higher when clindamycin was administered at 11 than at 5.5 mg/kg, at least during the first day of drug administration. Therefore, a better pharmacokinetic profile may be expected when clindamycin is administered at 11 mg/kg, once daily, for the treatment of canine pyoderma caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of orbifloxacin against Staphylococcus intermedius isolates from canine skin and ear infections

The objective of the study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of orbifloxacin against Staphylococcus intermedius strains isolated in France from canine skin and ear infections. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of orbifloxacin against 240 field S. intermedius isolates (69 skin and 171 ear isolates) ranged from 0.016 to 8 mg l(-1), with MIC50 and MIC90 equal to 0.5 and 1 mg l(-1), respectively. Only one strain, a pyoderma isolate was resistant (MIC=8 mg l(-1)). Orbifloxacin was tested at different concentrations for killing rate against five isolates obtained from pyoderma cases and against a reference strain (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213). Orbifloxacin expressed a concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against the S. aureus reference strain, but a time-dependent bactericidal activity against S. intermedius. Orbifloxacin induced bactericidal effect against the S. intermedius strains tested with concentrations equal to or two times MIC.     

Morphometric analyses of the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis and correlations with cutaneous and plasma histamine and total serum IgE

In order to improve the diagnostic value of histopathologic examination of skin biopsy samples from dogs with atopic dermatitis and, perhaps, to identify any differences from the normal state that may predispose to this skin condition, we compared the anatomic and cellular morphology of skin from three standard sites in 21 normal and 15 atopic dogs. The standard sites were lateral neck, dorsal rump, and craniolateral abdomen. No differences between the two groups were found in the means of area or thickness of the stratum corneum or the remainder of the epidermis at any site. The area of sebaceous glands, but not apocrine sweat glands, was larger in the atopic group (P less than or equal to 0.05 for the lateral neck skin and P less than or equal to 0.1 for the dorsal rump skin). The mean number of non-metachromatic mononuclear cells in combined skin samples (126 microns 2) in atopic dogs (91.0 +/- 28.7) was significantly greater (P less than or equal to 0.01) than for the control normal dogs (65.3 +/- 19.3); the mean number of mast cells in atopic dogs (12.39 +/- 6.44) was similarly greater than in the controls (8.48 +/- 5.14; P less than or equal to 0.1). Eosinophils were significantly increased in atopic dog skin (P less than or equal to 0.01). with the mean for all three sites combined of 0.81 +/- 0.90 compared with a mean of 0.06 +/- 0.15 for normal dogs. Numbers of circulating blood eosinophils were not significantly different in the atopic and normal group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prevalence of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) from skin and carriage sites of dogs after treatment of their meticillin-resistant or meticillin-sensitive staphylococcal pyoderma

Background – Meticillin‐resistant staphylococci are significant pathogens in veterinary dermatology, yet longitudinal studies of the impact of routine antimicrobial therapy on emergence or resolution of resistance are lacking. Objectives – To determine the prevalence of meticillin‐resistant staphylococci on skin and carriage sites in dogs with bacterial pyoderma and evaluate the prevalence of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) colonization after successful treatment of pyoderma. Animals – One hundred and seventy‐three dogs that presented to a dermatology referral service with pyoderma and 41 healthy control dogs. Methods – Skin, nasal and rectal swabs for bacterial culture were collected at the time of referral and after clinical resolution of the pyoderma. Meticillin resistance was confirmed by demonstration of penicillin binding protein 2a antigen. Results – Initially, skin cultures yielded MRSP in 70 (40.5%) dogs, meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in three (1.7%) and meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus schleiferi ssp. coagulans (MRSScoag) in five (2.9%). Samples collected from the nose and rectum (carriage sites) yielded MRSP in 59 (34.1%) dogs, MRSA in 11 (6.4%) and MRSScoag in seven (4.0%). One hundred and two dogs were available for follow‐up cultures after clinical cure. Of 42 dogs initially diagnosed with MRSP pyoderma, MRSP was isolated at follow‐up from skin in 19 (45.2%) and carriage sites in 20 (47.6%). Of 60 dogs that did not have MRSP pyoderma initially, MRSP was isolated post‐treatment from the skin in 17 (28.3%), and MRSP from carriage sites increased from 7.8% (initially) to 26.7% (P = 0.0022). Conclusions and clinical importance – Colonization by MRSP often persists after resolution of MRSP pyoderma. Acquisition of MRSP during treatment appears to be common.     

Pharmacokinetics of norfloxacin in dogs after single intravenous and single and multiple oral administrations of the drug

Norfloxacin was given to 6 healthy dogs at a dosage of 5 mg/kg of body weight IV and orally in a complete crossover study, and orally at dosages of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg to 6 healthy dogs in a 3-way crossover study. For 24 hours, serum concentration was monitored serially after each administration. Another 6 dogs were given 5 mg of norfloxacin/kg orally every 12 hours for 14 days, and serum concentration was determined serially for 12 hours after the first and last administration of the drug. Complete blood count and serum biochemical analysis were performed before and after 14 days of oral norfloxacin administration, and clinical signs of drug toxicosis were monitored twice daily during norfloxacin administration. Urine concentration of norfloxacin was determined periodically during serum acquisition periods. Norfloxacin concentration was determined, using high-performance liquid chromatography with a limit of detection of 25 ng of norfloxacin/ml of serum or urine. Serum norfloxacin pharmacokinetic values after single IV dosing in dogs were best modeled, using a 2-compartment open model, with distribution and elimination half-lives of 0.467 and 3.56 hours (harmonic means), respectively. Area-derived volume of distribution (Vd area) was 1.77 +/- 0.69 L/kg (arithmetic mean +/- SD), and serum clearance (Cls) was 0.332 +/- 0.115 L/h/kg. Mean residence time was 4.32 +/- 0.98 hour. Comparison of the area under the curve (AUC; derived, using model-independent calculations) after iv administration (5 mg/kg) with AUC after oral administration (5 mg/kg) in the same dogs indicated bioavailability of 35.0 +/- 46.1%, with a mean residence time after oral administration of 5.71 +/-2.24 hours. Urine concentration was 33.8 +/- 15.3 micrograms/ml at 4 hours after a single dose of 5 mg/kg given orally, whereas concentration after 20 mg/kg was given orally was 56.8 +/- 18.0 micrograms/ml at 6 hours after dosing. Twelve hours after drug administration, urine concentration was 47.4 +/- 20.6 micrograms/ml after the 5-mg/kg dose and 80.6 +/- 37.7 micrograms/ml after the 20/mg/kg dose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)