Symmetrical Alopecia Research Articles

A case report of association between canine iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism

The canine hypothyroidism corresponds to a hormonal disorder, mainly caused by destruction of the thyroid gland, followed by idiopathic thyroid degeneration or idiopathic follicular atrophy, leading to a low production of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The canine iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism consists of a disorder caused by the prolonged use of corticosteroids for therapeutic purposes, in most cases in allergic processes, such as canine atopy. In this case report, a twelve-year-old female Schnauzer was presented to the clinical facility with signs of apathy, polyphagia and non-pruritic bilateral symmetric alopecia that extended to the tip of the tail but sparing the head and limbs. Other clinical manifestations included polyuria, polydipsia, and bilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The animal was submitted to the blood count, T4, T3, TSH dosage, dexamethasone suppression test, biochemical tests, and imaging tests. Exam results demonstrate the presence of hyperadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism. Since the use of corticosteroids in canine allergic diseases can lead to the development of hyperadrenocorticism, and hypothyroidism corresponds to the most common endocrinopathy in dogs, it is essential that the clinical veterinarian is able to identify these diseases early.

Clinical and histopathological investigation of symmetrical alopecia with associated chronic pruritus in tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella apella).

Symmetrical alopecia is a common symptom of endocrine and autoimmune diseases, which are rarely manifested with pruritus. Increased levels of stress in primates have been presented with increased levels of pruritus and alopecia appearance. A pruritic and alopecic disease was investigated in a group of tufted capuchin monkeys (N = 12), but due to ethical reasons, four random animals were further investigated by numerous diagnostic methods. The impact of food and enclosure enrichment was assessed and observed over a 2-year period. Histopathology of four random tufted capuchin monkeys revealed lymphocytic perifolliculitis, with an appearance of a "swarm of bees" which was suggestive of alopecia areata. Etiological classification of pruritus excluded dermatological, systemic, and neurological causes, making it behavioral. Enclosure and food enrichment had a beneficial impact on pruritus (12/12) and alopecia (10/12). The findings were suggestive of alopecia areata, while the pruritus was considered behavioral in origin. Alopecia and pruritus improved upon enclosure and food enrichment.

Canine Sertoli cell tumor: anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin B, and estrone sulphate

A unilaterally castrated male boxer was referred for chronic generalized alopecia and pruritus. Physical examination revealed symmetrical alopecia, pendulous prepuce, lichenification of the scrotum, and enlargement of mammary papillae. Penile/preputial cytology revealed superficial epithelial cells. Transabdominal ultrasonographic examination revealed a globoid mass with heterogenous echogenicity in the left caudal abdomen. The presumptive diagnosis was Sertoli cell tumor (SCT) associated with cryptorchidism. Exploratory laparotomy and histology of the removed mass confirmed the diagnosis. Three weeks after surgery, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations decreased from 8,435 to 56 ng/ml and inhibin B decreased from 805 to < 6 pg/ml. Two months after surgery dermatoses subsided and there was substantial regression of enlarged nipples. This report highlights the diagnostic value of practical procedures (penile/preputial cytology, transabdominal ultrasonography, and measurement of serum AMH and inhibin B concentrations) to aid in the diagnosis of cryptorchidism and SCT, especially in patients with generalized skin conditions.

A Case Report of Association between Canine Hypothyroidism and Diabetes

Hypothyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder in dogs because of the low production of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland. The main cause of hypothyroidism in adult dogs is primary hypothyroidism associated with destruction of the thyroid gland in lymphocytic or autoimmune thyroiditis, followed by idiopathic thyroid degeneration or idiopathic follicular atrophy. Dogs affected by hypothyroidism may develop diabetes mellitus due to the propensity for the development of other endocrine diseases associated with the immune-mediated attack against cellular antigens associated with endocrine system. In this case report, an eleven-year-old male Lhasa Apso was presented to the clinical facility with signs of apathy, anorexia and non-pruritic bilateral symmetric alopecia that extended to the tip of the tail but sparing the head and limbs. Other clinical manifestations included polyuria, polydipsia, and bilateral cataracts. The animal was submitted to the blood count, T4, T3, TSH dosage, biochemical tests, and imaging tests (cervical and abdominal ultrasonography). Exam results demonstrate the presence of hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. Since hypothyroidism corresponds to the most common endocrine disorder in dogs, and they are prone to the development of diabetes mellitus, the veterinarian must be aware of the clinical manifestations of these diseases.

Inherited symmetrical progressive alopecia in holstein cattle

This datasheet on inherited symmetrical progressive alopecia in holstein cattle covers Identity, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis.

Atualidades no tratamento da Síndrome Atópica Felina

The term Feline Atopic Syndrome has been used to describe allergic food and/or environmental hypersensitivity, excluding all parasitic causes. The most evident clinical sign in this disease is intense itching, generating cervicofacial abrasions and symmetrical alopecia self-induced by trauma. As no clinical sign of this syndrome is pathognosomenic, diagnosis is difficult and involves the exclusion of all pruriginous dermatological causes. The treatment of this disease represents a challenge for veterinarians, since its physiopathogeny has not yet been well elucidated and has so far been considered incurable. This review will address the available treatments.

Association between stress and bilateral symmetrical alopecia in free-ranging Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan

Since 2013, a high incidence of bilateral symmetrical alopecia has been observed in free-ranging Formosan macaques (Macaca cyclopis) in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan. We hypothesized that stress induces alopecia in this population. To verify our hypothesis, we evaluated the histopathological characteristics of skin biopsy and used a validated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) analysis, which act as an indicator of stress experienced by the individual. Follicular densities were lower (2.1–3.0 mm2) in individuals with symmetrical alopecia than in those with normal hair conditions (4.7 mm2). Furthermore, anagen to catagen/telogen ratios were lower in individuals with alopecia (0–1.4) than in those with normal hair (4.0). The histopathological characteristics of alopecia were similar to those of telogen effluvium, which indicates that stress is one of the possible etiologies. On the basis of the analytical and biological validation of EIAs for FGM analysis, 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone was considered suitable for monitoring adrenocortical activity in both sexes of Formosan macaques. The mean concentrations (standard error; sample size) of 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone were 2.02 (0.17; n = 10) and 1.41 (0.10; n = 31) μg/g for individuals with and without alopecia, respectively. Furthermore, the results of logistic regression analysis show that 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone (p = 0.012) concentration was positively associated with alopecia. Thus, stress was the most likely to trigger symmetrical alopecia in Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity. Although stress can decrease the fitness of an individual, considering the population status of Formosan macaques in Taiwan is stable and alopecia was only observed in our study area, which is isolated from other populations, the impact on the total population of Formosan macaque in Taiwan is limited. Nonetheless, stress-induced immunosuppression and alopecia might affect the local abundance and increase zoonosis risk due to frequent human–macaque contact in Mt. Longevity. Future studies are suggested to focus on the causative factor of stress and the effects of stress and alopecia on the health and welfare in the Formosan macaques.

Epidermal Renewal after Treatment of Primary Canine Hypothyroidism using Levothyroxine

Background: Primary canine hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder that causes imbalances in the hypothalamus-pituitarythyroid axis, is a common cause of endocrine dermatoses, which frequently presents with opaque dry brittle hair. Tissue changes are also visible, such as myxedema, hyperkeratosis, epidermal atrophy, alopecia, and others. This paper describes the skin changes caused by primary hypothyroidism in a female dog before and after treatment with levothyroxine.Case: This case study involved a 7-year-old Dalmatian bitch with a history of weight gain and changes such as rough dry brittle hair. For about a year, the dog also had also presented symmetrical erythematous and alopecia skin lesions in the regions of the hind limbs, lower back and tail, progressive lethargy and fatigue after exercise. A hemogram showed mild normocytic and normochromic regenerative anemia, as well as mild leukopenia and neutropenia. Biochemical tests revealed increased levels of creatinine, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Skin biopsy revealed the presence of comedones in the epidermis and acanthosis and trichilemmal keratinization. Hormonal tests revealed high TSH and low free T4 and total T4 levels. A cervical ultrasound scan showed changes in the thyroid glands, with hypoechoic parenchyma, in addition to increased size of the right lobe, suggesting thyroiditis. Based on these exams, the patient was diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism, and treatment with levothyroxine was instituted.Discussion: Around 90% of dogs with hypothyroidism show a decrease in total T4 and about 65-75% of them show an increase in TSH levels. In endocrinopathy, there is a decrease in the expression of T3 receptors in the keratinocytes and genes responsible for epidermal renewal. Also, molecules that affect epidermal differentiation bind to intracellular receptors belonging to the steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily. In this study, however, the application of the minimum levothyroxine dose restored the normal epidermal pattern for the species and the remaining parameters returned to normal. The hormone T3 acts in the differentiation of keratinocytes, a fact that, although not yet proven, is believed to be indirect and mediated by the epidermal growth factor or by the expression of the genes responsible for the renewal of the epidermis. Besides, some effects on the epidermis caused by deficiency of thyroid hormones may be due to secondary vitamin A deficiency, which is necessary for epithelial differentiation and binding epidermal growth factor (EGF) to the cell. Still, there is a theory that sex hormones also affect the differentiation of the epidermis, as studies show that deficiency causes effects similar to those caused by hypothyroidism. Some studies indicate the investigation of the relationship between secondary vitamin D deficiency and the increased cellularity of the epidermis of the spayed hypothyroid female rats. Additionally, the mechanism of the formation of hyperkeratosis in hypothyroidism is not yet elucidated. T3 is known to regulate keratingene expression and perhaps also epidermal maturation, epithelial cycle, and normal keratin synthesis. The single treatment with levothyroxine in the female dog was effective in promoting the restoration of gene expression to T3 in keratinocytes.Keywords: dermatopathies, endocrinopathies, hypothyroidism, levothyroxine, synthetic hormone.

Clinical signs of hypothyroidism in domestic dogs

The research was conducted during 2016–2019 on the basis of veterinary clinics in Poltava - veterinary clinic at the Department of Therapy named after Professor P.Lokes of Poltava State Agrarian Academy, “Vet Line”, “Vet Comfort” and the laboratory of the Department of Therapy named after Professor P. I. Lokes of Poltava State Agrarian Academy. During the research we studied 11 dogs, which were diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The animals belonged to different breeds, had different sexes (6 females and 5 males) and age. For control we took 15 dogs without visible signs of any pathology. We compared the breed susceptibility of dogs with hypothyroidism and dogs with alimentary obesity. Thus, we found that most breeds are common to animals in both pathologies. However, in our sample for hypothyroidism there was no such breed as a pug, and outbred individuals, which accounted for a significant percentage of dogs with alimentary obesity. One of the most common clinical symptom is the presence of symmetrical alopecia on the sides on the background of dull and disheveled hair (90.9 %). Mucosal anemia was observed in a significant proportion of animals (81.8 %). The symptom of bradycardia and shortness of breath during exercise is observed in 72.7 % of experimental animals, which indicates the development of pathological changes in the cardiovascular system. It was found that all animals showed depression, weakness and fatigue (100.0 %). Polydipsia and hypothermia were much less common in 45.5 % of dogs, and corneal dystrophy in 36.4% of cases. The last clinical manifestation occurred in animals with the most severe pathology. According to the literature, it is known that hypothyroidism in dogs is often a symptom of obesity. According to our data, obesity (overweight) was registered in 63.6 % of experimental animals. With the diagnosis of “hypothyroidism” in dogs, we identified two experimental groups: 1 – animals with normal fatness; 2nd – with a clinical symptom of obesity. We can note a significant increase in adipose tissue in dogs with hypothyroidism of the 2nd experimental group (45.1 ± 1.70 %), which indicates the presence of endocrine obesity, as evidenced by visual assessment of fatness (4.7 ± 0.18 points). Such changes develop due to insufficient production of thyroid hormones. The latter play an important role in regulating metabolism in the body. Due to their deficiency, the metabolism in animals slows down and, as a result, there is a risk of obesity.

Use of fluorescent light energy for the management of bacterial skin infection associated with canine calcinosis cutis lesions

A 15-year-old male golden retriever who had been receiving prednisolone for orthopaedic problems for the past 2 years was presented for multifocal symmetrical alopecia, skin nodules and plaques on the...

Pituitary dwarfism and concurrent hypothyroidism in a Golden Retriever/German Shepherd cross breed dog

### Signalment and history A 16-month-old male Golden Retriever and German Shepherd crossbreed dog presented with a history of skin disorders. Physical examination findings included stunted growth with normal proportions, prognathism, delayed dental eruption and a downward fold of the tip of the pinnae, bilateral symmetrical alopecia on the proximal extremities, neck, back, tail, sides and ventral surface of the body; hyperpigmentation and lanugo retention were also present (figure 1). Diagnosis of the cause of dwarfism in a canine patient can be a challenge when concurrent developmental abnormalities are present. Radiology is a widely available tool in clinical veterinary practice and is recommended in dwarfism cases. Figure 1 Image of a 16-month-old male Golden Retriever/German Shepherd crossbreed dog presented with stunted growth with normal proportions, downward fold of the tip of the pinnae, bilateral symmetrical alopecia on the extremities, neck, back, tail, sides and ventral surface of the body, hyperpigmentation and lanugo retention were also observed. Radiographical findings were shortened vertebral bodies, widened radiolucent intervertebral space and persistent physis at the level of vertebral bodies (figure 2) and tibia (figure 3). Long bones (humerus, femur and radius) appeared shorter with a wider metaphysis …

Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (7): signalment and cutaneous manifestations of dogs and cats with adverse food reactions

BackgroundOutside of pruritus, there is no clear consensus on the nature and prevalence of cutaneous manifestations of adverse food reactions (AFRs) in dogs and cats.ResultsWe searched two databases on August 7, 2018, for articles reporting detailed data on the signalment and clinical signs of at least one dog or cat with a cutaneous AFR (CAFR). We identified 233 and 407 citations from which were selected 32 articles reporting original information. Twenty-two articles included data on 825 dogs with CAFRs. The reported age of onset varied from less than one to 13 years of age; a beginning of signs by 6 or 12 months of age was noted in 22 to 38% of dogs, respectively. The female-to-male ratio also varied considerably. Four breeds (German shepherd dogs, West Highland white terriers, Labrador and golden retrievers) accounted for about 40% of affected dogs. Most dogs diagnosed with a CAFR were pruritic, most often in a generalized pattern, with the ears, feet, and abdomen also being frequently affected; the perineum was uncommonly targeted, however. Canine CAFRs presented mainly as recurrent bacterial skin infections, otitis externa and atopic dermatitis. Twelve articles reported novel information on 210 cats with this syndrome. There was no apparent breed and gender predisposition for feline CAFRs, but cats appeared to develop signs later than dogs with the same syndrome. Most cats with a CAFR were pruritic, especially on the head/face and neck, with the abdomen and ears also commonly involved. Symmetric self-induced alopecia, a head-and-neck self-traumatic dermatitis, miliary dermatitis and variants of eosinophilic diseases were the most common manifestations of feline CAFRs.ConclusionsCAFRs affect dogs and cats of any age, any breed, and both genders, with the proportion of juvenile dogs diagnosed about twice that of cats. There are no reliable breed predisposition data. Most patients are pruritic, with half the dogs having generalized pruritus and half the cats scratching their face/head or neck. Canine CAFRs most often manifest as bacterial skin infections, otitis externa or atopic dermatitis; cats with CAFRs will exhibit the expected clinical phenotypes associated with feline hypersensitivity dermatitides.

Description and characterization of a hair coat disorder in schipperkes.

Schipperkes develop bilaterally symmetrical alopecia preceded by lightening of the hair coat not associated with systemic clinical signs. The alopecia is presumptively diagnosed as Alopecia X but has never been investigated. The purpose of this study was to describe clinical features, histopathological and laboratory abnormalities associated with symmetrical, noninflammatory alopecia in schipperkes. Three healthy and eight affected schipperkes. Complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry panel, urinalysis (UA), urine cortisol: creatinine ratio (UCCR), total thyroxine (T4 ), free thyroxine by equilibrium dialysis (fT4 ed), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and pre- and post-stimulation cortisol with sex hormone analyses were performed for all dogs. A minimum of two skin biopsy sites were sampled for histopathological evaluation. The CBC, serum chemistry panel, UA, T4 , fT4 ed, TSH and post-ACTH cortisol concentrations were normal for all dogs. Androstenedione concentrations were increased for all dogs; two of three healthy and five of eight affected dogs had increased post-ACTH androstenedione concentrations. Estradiol concentrations were increased for all healthy and four of eight affected dogs, with post-ACTH estradiol concentrations increased for all healthy and five of eight affected dogs. Progesterone concentrations were increased for two of three healthy and four of eight affected dogs. Post-ACTH progesterone concentrations were increased for one of three healthy and four of eight affected dogs. For one of three healthy and two of eight affected dogs, 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations were increased; post-ACTH 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations were increased in three of eight affected dogs only. Histopathology results from affected dogs were consistent with hair cycle arrest. This disorder resembles Alopecia X clinically and histologically.

Mielotoxicidad inducida por estrógenos de origen ovárico y leiomiosarcoma vulvar en una perra. Comunicación de caso

Las elevadas concentraciones sanguíneas de estrógenos resultan tóxicas para la médula ósea, contribuyendo al desarrollo de hipoplasia medular severa. En estados crónicos, esta puede ser irreversible. Los estrógenos influyen en el desarrollo de tumores del músculo liso en útero, vagina y vulva. Los sarcomas primarios representan solamente el 1-3 % de las neoplasias malignas vulvares en perras; el leiomiosarcoma es el más común. En este trabajo se describe un caso de mielotoxicidad inducida por estrógenos de origen ovárico y un leiomiosarcoma vulvar en una perra pit bull de 7 años. El animal presentaba hiporexia, depresión, dificultad para desplazarse, disnea, dolor a la palpación en la región inguinal, disuria, edema vulvar, alopecia simétrica bilateral, agrandamiento de glándulas mamarias y ciclos reproductivos anormales, así como una masa localizada en el labio vulvar izquierdo. Mediante estudios de laboratorio se demostró pancitopenia severa asociada a mielotoxicidad y una concentración de 17β-estradiol sérico de 185,6 pg/ml. Mediante el examen citológico de la médula ósea se determinó hipoplasia medular. Se realizaron escisión quirúrgica de la masa tumoral y ooforosalpingectomía, encontrándose un quiste folicular en el ovario derecho. Se realizaron estudios histopatológicos e inmunohistoquímicos y se formuló un diagnóstico definitivo de mielotoxicidad inducida por estrógenos y leiomiosarcoma vulvar.

Previous Treatment with Trilostane and Levotiroxin in Subdosis Difficult the Diagnosis of Canine Hypothyroidism

Background: hypothyroidism is a disease of clinical importance that causes multisystem disorders, which can be confused with other endocrinopathies. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is necessary in order to avoid worsening of the clinical manifestation. The use of drugs in a wrong way can directly imply the difficulty of the diagnostic approach, since they may causechanges in the biochemical profiles, which are of great importance as markers in diseases of animals with low thyroid function.Case: The case reports a German Spitz male, one year old and six months old, neutered, who presented bilateral do not cause itching alopecia, being treated by another professional for endocrine and fungal affections. In this same medical appointment were neglected biochemical and hematological profile exams. The exams that had been performed were skin scrapings,which showed growth of fungi and bacteria, besides the measurement of thyroid hormones as TSH, T4L (T4 free) e T3, and also the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Based on the findings the therapy instituted by such professional was the administration of itraconazole (ITL®), levothyroxine sodium (compounded drugs) and trilostane (compounded drugs). With absence of clinical improvement, the guardian came to the hospital veterinary, in search of a second diagnostic opinion, where during the collection of information at the time of the anamnesis the patient presented lethargy, drowsiness and absence of hair on both sides. During the clinical examination, the animal presented mild bradycardia and a slightly diminished rectal temperature; in the dermatological evaluation the presence of pup pelt, cutaneous hyperpigmentation and hair thinning in the abdominal area were noted. From this evaluation, hematological exams were requested, which had altered the presence of lymphocytosis, and biochemical tests, where changes in the cholesterol and triglyceride levels were expected, but they were within the normal range. Hormone measurement showed decreased TSH and T4L levels within the reference range. Thyroid ultrasonography demonstrated a hypoplastic gland, while the assessment of abdominal organs were preserved. Based on this, the new therapy instituted was the increase of levothyroxine sodium (Puran®) dose with the withdrawal of other drugs that were being administered to the patient. Over the course of five months, the tutor returned because of lack of improvement in the condition, where he returned to present symptoms such as drowsiness, apathy and indisposition. Thus, a new battery of tests was requested, where the biochemical and hormonal parameters were within the normal range. Due to TSH being within normal, it was decided to change the medication for another version of human levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid®), which has been presenting satisfactory results so far.Discussion: In cases of patients, even when young, when they present bilateral symmetrical alopecia, complementary exams such as scraping of the skin and hair, trichrome and fungal culture, together with hemogram and biochemical profile, are necessary for discarding of endocrinopathies other than hypothyroidism. Treatments instituted with drugs such as trilostan cause changes in laboratory tests, which may make diagnosis difficult. Treatment with levothyroxine sodium expected in patients with hypothyroidism, and serum TSH and T4L levels should be monitored for evaluation of treatment efficacy. The present study demonstrated that the inadequate treatment made diagnosis difficult due to hematological andbiochemical alterations.Keywords: alopecia, dog, endocrine dermatopathy, hypothyroidism, levothyroxine, trilostane.

Use of ketoconazole in the treatment and control of clinical and hematological changes in canine hyperadrenocorticism: Case Report

Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), also known as Cushing's Syndrome, is a disease manifested by a series of clinical changes and multisystem abnormalities resulting from increased chronic exposure to glucocorticoids secreted by the adrenal glands or excessive administration of this hormone. Two different categories of medications are currently used in the treatment of HAC: inhibitors of steroidogenesis and modulators of ACTH secretion. Among the drugs inhibiting steroidogenesis the most indicated in practice by veterinarians is trilostane. However, due to its high cost, there is a need to study drugs that may have a systemic action in the control of clinical and hematological alterations in CAH. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the use of ketoconazole as the drug of choice in the treatment and control of clinical and hematological changes of canine hyperadrenocorticism. At 8-year-old Poodle dog with diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism was attended at the Metropolitan Veterinary Polytechnic of Caucaia - HVM. The guardian reported that the dog was 4 months without using Trilostan because it did not have financial conditions to maintain the treatment, which significantly worsened the clinical signs previously presented: polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, hyperpigmented skin with lesions, symmetrical alopecia, telangiectasia, pendular abdomen, muscle weakness in the pelvic limbs. Dyspnea was visually detected and cardiac auscultation detected tachycardia. Laboratory, ultrasonographic and cardiac evaluation (electrocardiogram and echocardiogram) were requested. Due to changes in the results of the tests, the veterinarian suggested the use of ketoconazole at the initial dose of 5mg / kg / VO / BID for 7 days and silymarin 180mg / VO / SID.com for purpose of controlling the patient's clinical symptoms and the observed changes in the examinations carried out. After this period, there was a significant improvement in the hematological and biochemical alterations of the patient, however the animal clinically presented worsening, presenting frequent vomiting and inappetence. In view of the above, it can be concluded that the use of ketoconazole in the treatment of patients with canine CAH should be used only as an adjuvant treatment, since despite the significant improvement of the hematological and biochemical changes related to the endocrine disorder does not improve clinical symptoms.

Imaging features of bilateral primary megaureter in a senior dog: a case report

An 8-year-old dog weighing 45 kg presented with symmetric alopecia, diarrhoea and undescended testes with no associated urinary symptoms. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomographic excretory urography revealed extensive dilation and reduced peristalsis of both ureters, except for the distal parts, which showed normal insertion into the urinary bladder, and normal calibre without peristalsis. No abnormalities of the urinary bladder or urethra that may have caused obstruction were identified. A diagnosis of primary megaureter was made. This is the first known reported case of primary megaureter in a dog. To our knowledge, this is first known case report in the veterinary literature that describes the ultrasonographic features of primary megaureter.

Efficacy of Oclacitinib on Feline Atopic Syndrome Management

Background: The feline atopic syndrome (FAS) associated to environmental allergens is the third most common allergic dermatosis in domestic cats. In general, clinical signs are not pathognomonic and the exclusion of other pruritus causes is necessary to reach the diagnosis of FAS. The treatment is based on the use of drugs to control the pruritus, such as glucocorticoids, cyclosporine and, recently, oclacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor. This study aimed to report the efficacy of oclacitinib on the treatment of FAS associated to environmental allergens.Case: A 10-year-old female feline, crossbred, presented a history of pruritic dermatitis during ten months and diarrhea. The animal had been submitted to treatment for ectoparasites with pour-on selamectin and was fed with a commercial hypoallergenic diet in the last eight weeks or so. However, no improvement on the skin condition was observed. Physical examination revealed disseminated furfuraceous desquamation, excoriation and erythema on the right supraorbital region. Bilateral conjunctivitis was also observed. Complete blood cell count, biochemistry profile, urinalysis, immunochromathographic test for feline immunodeffiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), fungic culture and abdominal ultrasonography were requested. The abnormalities observed were reduced urinary density and discrete loss of renal corticomedullary differentiation. Thus, based on physical examination and complementary exams, the animal was diagnosis with FAS, since the main other causes of pruritus (hypersensitivity to ectoparasites and alimentary allergens) were excluded. The animal was also diagnosed with stage 1 chronic kidney disease. Therapy based on oclacitinib was instituted with an induction dose of 1 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days, followed by a maintenance dose of 1 mg/kg once daily. After 30 days of treatment, a satisfactory therapeutic response was observed, with complete remission of pruritus. The animal was regularly evaluated, with clinical and laboratorial exams, to check the efficacy of treatment and to identify the possible adverse effects of the drug. After 300 days of treatment the animal presented a relapse of pruritic dermatitis, and the dose was changed to 1 mg/kg twice daily, with remission of clinical signs. No adverse reactions or changes in laboratorial exams were observed during the follow-up, and the chronic kidney disease remained on stage 1.Discussion: In spite of being the third most frequent allergic dermatopathy in cats, FAS is still considered as an uncommon disease. FAS is a diagnosis of exclusion, where hypersensivity to ectoparasites and alimentary allergens must be investigated before reaching the diagnosis of FAS. Clinical signs are not pathognomonic. Thus, pruritus, skin lesions on head and/or neck, miliaris dermatitis, symmetric alopecia and eosinophilic dermatitis can be observed. Other dermatologic and systemic manifestations, such as gastrointestinal, ophthalmic and respiratory signs, may be present. The reported animal presented dermatologic and systemic signs of FAS, since all the clinical alterations disappeared with the use of oclacitinib. Because some dogs demonstrated immunosuppression and developed diseases related to this, such as papilomatosis and demodicosis, while using this drug, we decided to rule out the presence of the infection by FIV and FeLV, before the beginning of the therapy. Other drugs can be used for treat cats with FAS, such as glucocorticoids and ciclosporin. However, these drugs are associated to side effects in a long-term therapy. In this case report, a cat treated with oclacitinib showed a long-term control of pruritus and clinical signs remission without adverse effects. Oclacitinib demonstrated to be a good therapeutic option on the treatment of FAS associated to environmental allergens.

Sporadic association of Legg–Calve–Perthes disease with rare phakomatoses-Gomez-Lopez-Hernandez syndrome

Gomez-Lopez-Hernandez syndrome (GLH) is a very rare phakomatosis, which is characterized by the triad of rhombencephalosynapsis, facial anesthesia in the trigeminal area, and scalp alopecia. A 9-year-old boy with pain and limping right hip for 6 months was presented. Clinically, he was having bilateral symmetrical temporal alopecia, strabismus, and pseudoproptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging brain shows cerebellar fusion. Examination of the hip was consistent with the diagnosis of Perthes disease. Even though some of the phakomatoses are associated with skeletal abnormalities, there is no association of any phakomatoses with Legg–Calve–Perthes disease (LCPD) of the hip. This will be the first ever report of an association of GLH syndrome with LCPD.

Sheep-Associated Malignant Catarrhal Fever-Like Skin Disease in a Free-Ranging Bighorn Sheep ( Ovis canadensis ), Alberta, Canada.

Malignant catarrhal fever-like clinical disease was diagnosed in a free-ranging bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis ) from Alberta, Canada, in June 2015. Antemortem and gross pathology findings included muscle atrophy, marked weight loss, and bilaterally symmetric alopecia with hyperpigmentation and crusting over the face, medial surfaces of the pinnae, dorsal trunk, distal limbs, perineal area, and tail. Histologically, the skin lesions were characterized by granulomatous mural folliculitis with numerous multinucleated giant cells and fewer lymphocytes and eosinophils consistent with previous reports of chronic ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) infection. Multiple skin samples were positive for OvHV-2 DNA on PCR, and on partial sequencing of the viral DNA, there was 94% homology with reference GenBank OvHV-2. Quantitative PCR confirmed an increased level of OvHV-2 DNA in the lesional skin tissues. Based on exclusion of other disease processes, gross and histological lesions, PCR, and viral DNA sequencing results, a diagnosis of OvHV-2-mediated malignant catarrhal fever-like dermatitis was made.