The Skin Microbiome of Normal and Allergic Dogs

Rodrigues Hoffmann A, Patterson AP, Diesel A, Lawhon SD, Ly HJ, Elkins Stephenson C, Mansell J, Steiner JM, Dowd SE, Olivry T, Suchodolski JS. The skin microbiome in healthy and allergic dogs. PLoS One 2014; 9: e83197. Abstract. 

PubMed ID (PMID): 24421875

Reprints: Open Access

Comments: This is the first original report on the skin microbiome of normal dogs, which was established using skin surface PCR of the 16S rRNA gene, a gene common to all bacteria, with sequencing and identification of all products. This paper, albeit complex, provides interesting results on the variability and most abundant bacterial phyla at different skin and mucosal sites. As in humans, the skin microbiome of a small number of allergic dogs was found to be less diverse than that of normal individuals.

Recommended by: Thierry Olivry, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Mechanism of Lesions in Canine Leishmaniosis

Koutinas AF, Koutinas CK. Pathologic mechanisms underlying the clinical findings in canine leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum/chagasi. Vet Pathol 2014; 51: 527-538. Abstract. 

PubMed ID (PMID): 24510947

Reprint: AF Koutinas 

Comments: This is a very useful paper that reviews first the general and then the organ-specific mechanisms (e.g. skin, ocular, renal, musculo-skeletal...) of lesions that occur during leishmaniosis in dogs. A must read for those studying for their dermatology diploma.

Recommended by: Thierry Olivry, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Skin Diseases in Exotic Animals

Fisher PG (editor). Select topics in dermatology. Vet Clin N Amer Exotic Anim Pract 2013: 523-820. 

PubMed ID (PMID): multiple

Reprint: N/A

Comments: The entire September 2013 issue of this journal is devoted to various subjects of exotic animal dermatology. Some articles are likely to be very relevant to veterinary dermatologists and their residents: there are etiology-specific papers (ex: "ectoparasites in small exotic mammals", others are on syndromes (ex: "bumblefoot" in rabbits, rodents and birds) or on common diseases (ex: ovarian cysts in the Guinea pig). As these topics are rarely covered in review papers, this specific issue of this journal is likely to be of great value to individuals seeing exotics and/or residents studying for their examination.

Recommended by: Thierry Olivry, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA