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

Neurogenic Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca with Ipsilateral Dry Nose

Matheis FL, Walser-Reinhardt, Spiess BM. Canine neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca: 11 cases (2006-2010). Vet Opthalmol 2012; 15: 288-290. Abstract. 

PubMed ID (PMID): 22051024

Reprint: FL Matheis 

Comments: This short communication is about an uncommon cause of keratoconjunctivitis sicca that is often accompanied by usually unilateral (ipsilateral) dry nose with hyperkeratosis and/or crusting. If nasal lesions are present, damage to the preganglionic parasympathetic fibers proximal to the pterygopalatine ganglion is suspected. Treatment with oral pilocarpine drops appears to yield some benefit. Note: this paper does not provide much detail on nasal lesions, but it explains, in the introduction, the neurologic basis of this syndrome.

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

Pemphigus Variants in Humans

Joly P, Litrowski N. Pemphigus group (vulgaris, vegetans, foliaceus, herpetiformis, brasiliensis). Clin Dermatol 2011; 29: 432-436. Abstract. 

PubMed ID (PMID): 21679871

Reprint: P Joly 

Comments: This paper is a short review of the epidemiology, clinical signs, histopathology and immunologic characteristics and prognosis of the most common variants of pemphigus in humans. This paper does not cover the treatment options for each disease.

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

Lepidopterism Due to Contact with Setae of the Pine Processionary Carterpillar in Dogs

Niza ME, Ferreira RL, Coimbra IV et al. Effects of pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa contact in dogs: 41 cases (2002-2006). Zoonoses Public Health 2012; 59: 35-38. Abstract. 

PubMed ID (PMID): 21824369

Reprint: ME Niza 

Comments: In Meditarrean countries, dogs living near pine trees are often in contact with irritant hair (setae) from the pine processionary caterpillars. These setae are rich in thaumetopoein, an urticating protein, and irritant reactions consist most often of drooling, dysphagia and  pain with tongue ulceration and necrosis. This paper provides relevant clinical information based upon a large series of cases of canine lepidopterism, a disease rarely reported before in the veterinary literature.

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

Desmocollin-1 is a Major Antigen for Canine Pemphigus Foliaceus

Bizikova P, Dean GA, Hashimoto T, Olivry T. Cloning and establishment of canine desmocollin-1 as a major autoantigen in canine pemphigus foliaceus. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2012; 149: 197-207. Abstract. 

PubMed ID (PMID): 22884397

Reprint: T. Olivry 

Comments: A set of studies demonstrate that most dogs affected with pemphigus foliaceus (PF) have circulating anti-desmocollin-1 (DSC-1) IgG autoantibodies. This establishes this desmosomal cadherin as a major target autoantigen in canine PF. This is an important step forward in our understanding of the pathogenesis of this most common autoimmune disease in dogs.

Recommended by: Svetlana Belova, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia

About the Human Skin Microbiome...

Grice EA, Segre JA. The skin microbiome. Nature Reviews in Microbiology 2011; 9: 244-253. Abstract.

PubMed ID (PMID): 21407241

Reprint: J. Segre

Comments: This is a well-written review about the relatively new field of human skin microbiome, in which information is derived not from classical bacterial cultures, but from the amplification and sequencing of bacterial DNA from skin surface samples. This paper first reviews some of the factors that influence skin bacterial populations (e.g. body sites, temporal or interpersonal variability...) before addressing the relation between surface microbial flora and some skin diseases.

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

Avermectins and Milbemycins Toxicity

Merola VM, Eubig PA. Toxicology of avermectins and milbemycins (macrocytic lactones). Veterinary Clinics of North America (Small Animal Practice) 2012; 42: 313-333. Abstract.

PubMed ID (PMID): 22381182

Reprint: V. Merola

Comments: This paper is an excellent review about the usage of avermectins and milbemycins in dogs and cats. This review explains the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of macrocyclic lactones and provides in depth relevant information about P-glycoprotein. Toxic dosages for each medication are also reported. There is a review of all possible drug interactions with macrocyclic lactones, drugs that could be either P-glycoprotein substrates or inhibitors. This paper finishes with the review of current data on intravenous lipid emulsions as a possible therapy for macrocyclic lactone toxicosis. 

Recommended by: Frane Banovic, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Equine Herpesvirus Dermatitis Due to EHV-5

Herder V, Barsnick R, Walliser U et al. Equid herpesvirus 5-associated dermatitis in a horse-resembling herpes-associated erythema multiforme. Veterinary Microbiology 2012; 155: 420-424. Abstract.

PubMed ID (PMID): 21996546

Reprint: M. Hewicker-Trautwein

Comments: This is a single case report of a horse with lethargy and chronic facial-predominant pustular, hyperkeratotic and alopecic skin lesions. Histopathology of skin lesions revealed ballooning degeneration of superficial keratinocytes along with amphophilic intranuclear inclusions. In situ hybridization, PCR and electron microscopy confirmed the infection of keratinocytes with EHV-5. This paper provides the first description of an herpes dermatitis in horses. Because of the existence of a mild interface dermatitis and superficial keratinocyte apoptosis, the authors proposed that this disease represent an equine analogue to herpes-associated erythema multiforme of humans. We differ with this assessment, as the presence of intranuclear inclusions and virions makes instead this dermatitis a classical herpes infection that is active at the site of skin lesions. This equine dermatitis is different from human herpes-associated erythema multiforme, which is caused by an aberrant immune response against keratinocytes harboring herpes DNA fragments without viral inclusions or particles.

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

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in Humans

Mockenhaupt M. The current understanding of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Expert Review In Clinical Immunology 2011; 7: 803-815. Abstract.

PubMed ID (PMID): 22014021

Reprint: Open access

Comments: This free article highlights the difference in clinical signs between these entities in human patients, then it reviews their epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment options. For cross referencing, one can also check another recently-published open access review on the same subject (Click here for paper PMID: 21162721).

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

A PCR Assay to Detect Demodex canis

Ravera I, Altet L, Francino O et al. Development of a real-time PCR to detect Demodex canis DNA in different tissue samples. Parasitology Research 2011; 108: 305-308. Abstract.

PubMed ID (PMID): 20865428

Reprint: L. Ferrer 

Comments: This paper reports the development of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Demodex canis DNA. This assay was successfully tested on canine hair and skin biopsies and showed a high sensitivity. The two main findings of the study are: 1) Demodex DNA was found in nearly 18% of tested healthy dogs samples, which is a much higher number than previously reported in microscopic studies, and 2) Demodex DNA was detected also in non-lesional skin from dogs with demodicosis. In summary, this test could be a useful tool for further investigations on the biology of this mite and on the pathogenesis of canine demodicosis.

Recommended by: Svetlana Belova, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia