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Colombo S, Sartori R, Schievano C, Borio S. Development and validation of an owner-assessed Visual Analog Scale for feline pruritus severity scoring (VAScat). Vet Dermatol 2022; 33:407-413. [PMID: 35920060 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of the severity of pruritus is difficult in cats, because they manifest discomfort by increased licking, increased scratching or both. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Our objective was to develop and validate a feline-specific pruritus scale (VAScat). METHODS The scale was designed as a double Visual Analog Scale (VAS), one VAS for licking and one for scratching, with severity and behavioural descriptors. The highest score (VAS-max) on either VAS was taken as the pruritus score for each cat. Owners of 153 cats with skin diseases and of 108 healthy cats scored their pet's pruritus using the VAScat. Ninety-six of 153 cats with skin diseases also were re-evaluated after four to eight weeks of treatment. RESULTS Pearson's correlation value between VAS-licking and VAS-scratching scores was r = 0.26 (p < 0.01), and Cronbach's alpha was 0.41. Both indexes indicated that the two scales measure different manifestations of pruritus and supported the use of a dual assessing system. Comparison with a numerical pruritus severity scale (0, absent; 1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, severe) suggested that VAS-licking and VAS-scratching scales taken alone are unsuitable for measuring absent to mild pruritus (grades 0-1), while VAS-max is (p = 0.001). VAS-licking, VAS-scratching and VAS-max all were suitable to assess higher levels of pruritus (grades 2-3, p < 0.01). The VAScat was able to measure pruritus improvement following therapy, as post-treatment scores were significantly decreased compared to pre-treatment ones (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The VAScat proved to be a useful tool to assess pruritus in cats and for monitoring the response to treatment for pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stefano Borio
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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McClintock D, Austel M, Gogal RM, Banovic F. Oral dexamethasone sodium phosphate solution significantly reduces pruritus and clinical lesions in feline hypersensitivity dermatitis: an open-label study. Vet Dermatol 2021; 32:497-e137. [PMID: 34351657 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no liquid oral glucocorticoids labelled for management of pruritus and clinical lesions of feline hypersensitivity dermatitis (feline HD). HYPOTHESIS First, to demonstrate that dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DexSP, DexajectSP, Henry Schein; Dublin, OH, USA; 4 mg/mL), an intravenous glucocorticoid, can be absorbed by healthy cats when administered orally. Second, to demonstrate the efficacy of orally administered DexSP for reducing pruritus and clinical lesions in patients with feline HD. ANIMALS Seven healthy and 12 client-owned cats with HD. METHODS AND MATERIALS Healthy cats were administered a single dose of 0.2 mg/kg DexSP p.o. and serum concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Feline HD patients were assessed with SCORing Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD) and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) at Visit 1 (V1) and after 20-31 days of receiving 0.2 mg/kg/day DexSP p.o. (V2). Complete blood cell counts, serum chemistry profile, and urinalysis were performed in 50% of feline HD patients at both visits. RESULTS Healthy cats had detectable serum concentrations of DexSP following oral administration; concentrations ranged from 0.7 to 92.3 ng/mL. Feline HD patients showed significant decreases in SCORFAD and pVAS scores from V1 to V2. CONCLUSIONS DexSP was absorbed when administered orally to healthy cats and 0.2 mg/kg/day DexSP is an efficacious dose to rapidly improve the pruritus and clinical lesions associated with feline HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayle McClintock
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 2200 College Station Road, Athens, GA, 30605, USA
| | - Michaela Austel
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 2200 College Station Road, Athens, GA, 30605, USA
| | - Robert M Gogal
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Diagnostic Imaging, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Frane Banovic
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 2200 College Station Road, Athens, GA, 30605, USA
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Vargo C, Gogal R, Barber J, Austel M, Banovic F. Characterisation of the serum cytokine profile in feline atopic skin syndrome. Vet Dermatol 2021; 32:485-e133. [PMID: 34180094 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS) is a pruritic and inflammatory skin disease commonly encountered in cats. Three previous reports evaluated cytokine immune activation in cats diagnosed with feline allergic dermatitis. However, no significant upregulations were observed in allergic cats compared to healthy controls. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE To evaluate differences in the serum cytokine profile of cats diagnosed with FASS compared to healthy cats, and correlate serum markers with the extent of FASS skin disease using clinical scoring systems. ANIMALS Thirteen client-owned FASS cats and 12 healthy control cats. METHODS AND MATERIALS Thirteen cytokine and chemokines from the serum of FASS cats and healthy controls were analysed using a commercially available feline-specific multiplex assay. RESULTS Patients with FASS had a significant increase in serum concentrations of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-13 and IL-18. In addition, cytokine/chemokines involved in inflammation and chemotaxis [IL-8, C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand (CCL)5, CCL2 and CXCL12], as well as growth factors, stem cell factor and Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), also were significantly elevated. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.64) between the serum levels of Flt3L and Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD) score was observed. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the activation of a broad array of immune secretory cytokines in the serum of cats with FASS, which are largely associated with a mixed Th1 and Th2 inflammatory response along with specific growth factors. Further larger-sample studies are needed to assess the modulation of serum biomarkers in FASS by pharmacological/therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Vargo
- Departments of, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Robert Gogal
- Department of, Biosciences and Diagnostic Imaging, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - James Barber
- Department of, Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Michaela Austel
- Departments of, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Frane Banovic
- Departments of, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Santoro D, Archer L, Fagman L. Intradermal immunotherapy with actinomycetales preparations as treatment for feline atopic syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. Vet Dermatol 2021; 32:638-e170. [PMID: 33890342 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline atopic syndrome (FAS) is a common disease. Single intradermal injections of heat-killed actinomycetales have shown beneficial effects in canine allergies. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical effects of heat-killed actinomycetales [Gordonia bronchialis (GB) and Rodococcus coprophilus (RC)], alone or in combination, in FAS. METHODS AND MATERIALS Privately owned cats with a diagnosis of FAS were assigned randomly in three treatment groups (GB, RC and GB/RC combination) or placebo. Five intradermal injections were performed over a one year period. At each visit [Day (D)0, D20, D40, D60, D90, D180 and D365], clinical signs, global owner assessment score, use of rescue medications, clinical adverse effects, skin hydration and cutaneous pH were assessed. RESULTS Seventeen cats were enrolled. When compared to the placebo group and improvement in treatment GB was sustained from D90. When compared with D0 significant improvement in the GB group was seen from D60. Over one year, a complete remission of the clinical signs was seen in 30-67% of cats in the treatment groups. A reduction in the pruritus score was seen for RC after 365 days of treatment (P = 0.04). Differences in the other variables were not seen. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The use of multiple intradermal injections of heat-killed GB shows promise as effective and well-tolerated treatment for FAS. Because of the low cost and the lack of adverse effects, GB could be a beneficial treatment option for FAS. A larger study is needed to confirm these data and to evaluate the immunological changes occurring in the treated cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Santoro
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Linda Archer
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Lana Fagman
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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Mueller RS, Nuttall T, Prost C, Schulz B, Bizikova P. Treatment of the feline atopic syndrome - a systematic review. Vet Dermatol 2021; 32:43-e8. [PMID: 33470011 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline allergic skin disease and asthma occur regularly in small animal practice. OBJECTIVES To provide evidence-based recommendations for small animal practitioners on the treatment of feline atopic syndrome (FAS). METHODS AND MATERIALS The authors reviewed the literature available before February 2020, prepared a detailed evidence-based literature review and made recommendations based on the evaluated evidence. RESULTS Sixty-six papers and abstracts were identified describing treatment interventions for FAS and evaluated to establish treatment recommendations. For many treatment options, the papers were retrospective, open studies or case reports. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this review, there was good evidence for the efficacy of systemic glucocorticoids and ciclosporin, and limited evidence for the efficacy of topical glucocorticoids, oclacitinib and allergen-specific immunotherapy in feline atopic skin syndrome. Evidence pointed to low-to-moderate efficacy for antihistamines, fatty acids and palmitoyl ethanolamide. In feline asthma, there was good evidence for the efficacy of oral and inhaled glucocorticoids, and limited evidence of moderate efficacy for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Evidence supported low-to-moderate efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells, inhaled lidocaine and oclacitinib as treatments for feline asthma. For almost all therapeutic options (with the exception of glucocorticoids and ciclosporin), more randomised controlled trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf S Mueller
- Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tim Nuttall
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, EH25 9RG, UK
| | | | - Bianka Schulz
- Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Petra Bizikova
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Rzeszutek U. Successful Treatment of a Multi-Drug-Resistant Severely Pruritic Hypersensitivity Dermatitis in a Cat. Case Rep Vet Med 2020; 2020:8897365. [PMID: 33123405 PMCID: PMC7582092 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8897365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A 3-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat was presented with a severely pruritic dermatitis. After exclusion of flea allergy dermatitis, ectoparasite infestation, retroviral infection, neoplasia, and cutaneous adverse food reaction, a diagnosis of nonflea, nonfood hypersensitivity dermatitis (NFNFHD) was made. The resolution of complicating bacterial infection and yeast overgrowth did not improve the animal's condition. Numerous antipruritic treatment modalities used during the investigation proved unsuccessful, including anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive prednisolone doses, oclacitinib, antihistamines, ciclosporin A, and supplementation with essential fatty acids. Allergen-specific serology test results were negative. Treatment with oral dexamethasone allowed a complete resolution of clinical signs. The cat has been successfully maintained in remission for over 12 months. To the author's knowledge, this is the first case report of a cat with multi-drug-resistant NFNFHD treated successfully with dexamethasone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Rzeszutek
- Celia Hammond Animal Trust, 151-153 Barking Rd, Canning Town, London E16 4HQ, UK
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Winzelberg Olson S, Hohenhaus AE. Feline non-regenerative anemia: Diagnostic and treatment recommendations. J Feline Med Surg 2019; 21:615-631. [PMID: 31234748 PMCID: PMC10814193 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x19856178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Non-regenerative anemia, or anemia with reticulocytopenia, is a daily diagnosis in feline practice. CLINICAL CHALLENGES The disease processes underlying non-regenerative anemia are many and diverse. A major diagnostic evaluation may be required to correctly diagnose and treat the underlying cause. AUDIENCE All veterinarians caring for cats will face the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge of non-regenerative anemia. Readers will benefit from the review of diagnostic testing and therapeutic options for non-regenerative anemia. EVIDENCE BASE This review summarizes the currently available literature informing diagnostic and treatment recommendations related to non-regenerative anemia. The evidence available to support the recommendations in this review is graded as low and includes predominantly expert opinion, case reports and cases series, on which the authors' interpretation/consensus is based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Winzelberg Olson
- DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology and Small Animal Internal Medicine) Animal Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ann E Hohenhaus
- DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology and Small Animal Internal Medicine) Animal Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Gedon NKY, Mueller RS. Atopic dermatitis in cats and dogs: a difficult disease for animals and owners. Clin Transl Allergy 2018; 8:41. [PMID: 30323921 PMCID: PMC6172809 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-018-0228-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review article is to give an overview of atopic dermatitis in companion animals and of recent developments including knowledge on immunological background, novel treatment options and difficulties in disease management. The prevalence of hypersensitivities seems to be increasing. The pathogenetic mechanisms are not fully understood, yet multiple gene abnormalities and altered immunological processes are involved. In dogs and cats, the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is based on history, clinical examination and exclusion of other differential diagnoses. Intradermal testing or testing for serum allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E is only used to identify allergens for inclusion in the extract for allergen immunotherapy. Symptomatic therapy includes glucocorticoids, ciclosporin, essential fatty acids and antihistamines. A selective janus kinase 1 inhibitor and a caninized monoclonal interleukin-31 antibody are the newest options for symptomatic treatment, although longterm effects still need to be assessed. The chronic and often severe nature of the disease, the costly diagnostic workup, frequent clinical flares and lifelong treatment are challenging for owners, pets and veterinarians. Patience and excellent communication skills are needed to achieve a good owner compliance and satisfactory clinical outcome for the animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Katharina Yvonne Gedon
- Small Animal Medicine Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Veterinaerstraße 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf Steffen Mueller
- Small Animal Medicine Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Veterinaerstraße 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
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Colombo S, Sartori R. Ciclosporin and the cat: Current understanding and review of clinical use. J Feline Med Surg 2018; 20:244-255. [PMID: 29478396 PMCID: PMC10816290 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x17748718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Practical relevance: Ciclosporin (CsA) is a systemic immuno-modulatory drug widely used to treat immune-mediated diseases in humans and veterinary species. CsA was registered for use in cats in the USA and Europe in 2011, and is indicated for the treatment of chronic allergic dermatitis at a recommended daily dose of 7 mg/kg PO. AUDIENCE This review will be of interest to all veterinarians working with cats, given the wide range of potential applications of CsA and its safety profile. Although the drug is currently only licensed to treat chronic allergic dermatitis in cats, a small number of reports describe its use in non-dermatological conditions. Evidence base: This article reviews the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adverse effects and clinical use of CsA, both for the licensed indication and for off-label use in the feline patient. Information presented has been summarised from the existing literature on CsA, with specific interest in studies carried out in cats. For its licensed indication, chronic allergic dermatitis, evidence provided includes randomised, placebo or prednisolone-controlled studies (EBM grade I) and prospective or retrospective open trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Colombo
- Servizi Dermatologici Veterinari, via Felice Musazzi 24, Legnano (MI), 1–20025, Italy
| | - Roberta Sartori
- Servizi Dermatologici Veterinari, via Felice Musazzi 24, Legnano (MI), 1–20025, Italy
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