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Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest current threats to human and animal health. There is an urgent need to ensure that antimicrobials are used appropriately to limit the emergence and impact of resistance. In the human and veterinary healthcare setting, traditional culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing is typically conducted, requiring 48-72 h to identify appropriate antibiotics for treatment. In the meantime, broad-spectrum antimicrobials are often used, which may be ineffective or impact non-target commensal bacteria. Here, we present a rapid diagnostics pipeline, involving metagenomic Nanopore sequencing directly from clinical urine and skin samples of dogs. We have optimised this pipeline to be versatile and easily implementable in a clinical setting, with the potential for future adaptation to different sample types and animals. Using our approach, we can identify the bacterial pathogen present in a sample with 100% sensitivity within 5 hours. For urine samples, we can predict antibiotic sensitivity with up to 95% accuracy. However, skin swabs which exhibited lower bacterial abundance and higher host DNA, were less amenable and an additional host depletion step may be required prior to DNA extraction. In summary, our pipeline represents an important step towards the design of individually tailored veterinary treatment plans on the same day as presentation, facilitating effective use of antibiotics and promoting antimicrobial stewardship.Impact statementAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to veterinary and human healthcare. It is a one-health problem, as humans and dogs are in close contact, require similar antibiotics, and share bacterial pathogens and AMR genes. Limited treatments options due to AMR would have a catastrophic effect. The risk of infection would render much of modern healthcare (including critical care, orthopaedic and complex surgeries, implants and oncology) impossible. In addition, routine infections could become life threatening. It is therefore critical to preserve the efficacy of these drugs for the future. Inappropriate antimicrobial use is the single biggest factor driving AMR. Antimicrobial stewardship involves reducing antimicrobial use, using first-line narrow-spectrum drugs, and avoiding overly long treatment. Delays in culture-based diagnosis lead clinicians to speculatively use broad-spectrum antibiotics and prolong courses of treatment beyond clinical cure. Our rapid diagnostic approach will have a major impact in reducing, refining and replacing antibiotic use. This will advance antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary and human healthcare.Data summaryAll sequencing data mentioned in this work is available from NCBI, BioProject PRJNA925092, Biosamples SAMN32880396 to SAMN32880438, run accessions SRR23195371 to SRR23195413.The authors confirm all supporting data, code and protocols have been provided within the article or through supplementary data files.

Topical therapy in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) can moisturise and soothe the skin; treat and prevent secondary bacterial and yeast infections; and remove debris, grease and allergens. Shampoos are commonly used but can be time-consuming. Non-rinsing wipes, foams and spot-on preparations facilitate topical application and improve compliance. The ideal topical product for CAD should be emollient, lipid-barrier sparing, microbiome balancing, easy to apply and well-tolerated, have some residual activity, and be safe for the dog and owner. Ophytrium is a novel Ophiopogon japonicus (Japanese mondo grass) derived product. It blocks inflammatory pathways, maintains epidermal morphology and barrier function, and reduces staphylococcal adherence and biofilm formation in human and canine epidermis models. It has been incorporated in shampoos and foams for dogs (Douxo S3®; Ceva Sante Animale, Libourne, France). Use of 3-week treatment cycles with one shampoo followed by a foam application every 2–3 days helps to ameliorate CAD (Douxo S3 Calm®) and superficial staphylococcal pyoderma (ophytrium/3% chlorhexidine; Douxo S3 Pyo®). Effective topical therapy used alone or alongside other modalities can improve the effectiveness and safety of treatment for CAD. Reducing the need for systemic antimicrobials is a vital part of antimicrobial stewardship.

Two strains, H8/1Tand H16/1AT, of Gram-stain-positive, coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated from separate healthy domestic dogs in Scotland. Both strains were genome sequenced and their inferred DNA–DNA hybridisation indicates that H8/1Tand H16/1ATrepresent two novel species of the genusStaphylococcus. On the basis of the results of genome sequence analysis (genomeblastdistance phylogeny and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis) H8/1Tis most closely related toStaphylococcus devrieseiand H16/1ATmost closely related toStaphylococcus felis. Also, average nucleotide identity distinguished H8/1Tand H16/1ATfromS. devrieseiandS. felisas did minor phenotypic differences. On the basis of these results, it is proposed that H8/1Tand H16/1ATrepresent novel species with the respective namesStaphylococcus caledonicusandStaphylococcus canis. The type strain ofS. caledonicusis H8/1T(=NCTC 14452T=CCUG 74789T). The type strain ofS. canisis H16/1AT(=NCTC 14451T=CCUG 74790T)

Improved understanding of the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis in dogs has led to more effective treatment plans, including skin barrier repair and new targeted treatments for management of allergy-associated itch and inflammation. The intent of this review article is to provide an update on the etiologic rationale behind current recommendations that emphasize a multimodal approach for the management of atopic dermatitis in dogs. Increasing knowledge of this complex disease process will help direct future treatment options.

A myringotomy is a surgical incision made in the tympanic membrane (TM). This gives access to the middle ear for sampling, flushing and instilling topical therapy. It should be considered whenever the TM is intact and there is clinical evidence of otitis media, abnormal TMs and/or abnormal diagnostic imaging. Samples should be collected for cytological investigation and culture, and then the external ear should be cleaned and dried (if required). Myringotomies should be performed under general anaesthesia and, wherever possible, using a video otoscope; the enhanced view and instrument ports facilitate the technique and reduce the risk of complications. The myringotomy incision should be made in the caudoventral quadrant of the TM using an appropriately sized urinary catheter to collect samples and flush the middle ear cavity. A thorough understanding of the anatomy, technique and potential ototoxicity of topical therapy is needed to minimize the risk of neurological and other complications. The TM usually heals within 35 days if kept free of infection.Une myringotomie est une incision chirurgicale de la membrane tympanique (TM). Elle donne accès à l’oreille moyenne pour prélèvement, flushing et traitement topique. Elle doit être envisagée même si la TM est intacte et si il y a des signes cliniques évocateurs d’otite moyenne, de TM anormale et/ou un diagnostic anormal d’imagerie. Les échantillons devraient être collectés pour cytologie et culture, et ainsi l’oreille externe devrait être nettoyée et séchée (si besoin). Les myringotomies devraient être réalisées sous anesthésie générale et si possible à l’aide d’un vidéo-otoscope; l’amélioration de la visualisation et du port des instruments facilitent la technique et réduit le risque de complications. L’incision de myringotomie devrait être réalisée dans le cadrant caudo-ventral de la TM à l’aide d’une sonde urinaire de diamètre approprié pour la collecte des échantillons et le nettoyage de la bulle tympanique. Une meilleure connaissance de l’anatomie, la technique et la potentielle ototoxicité du traitement topique est nécessaire pour minimiser le risque de complications, notamment, neurologiques. La Tm cicatrise habituellement en 35 jours si aucune infection n’est présente.Una miringotomía es una incisión quirúrgica realizada en la membrana timpánica (TM). Esto da acceso al oído medio para tomar muestras, lavar e introducir la terapia tópica. Se debe considerar siempre que la TM esté intacta y haya evidencia clínica de otitis media, TM anormales y/o imágenes de diagnóstico anormales. Se deben obtener muestras para investigación citológica y cultivo, y luego se debe limpiar y secar el oído externo (si es necesario). Las miringotomías deben realizarse bajo anestesia general y, siempre que sea posible, utilizando un video otoscopio; la mejor visualización y los enlaces para instrumentos facilitan la técnica y reducen el riesgo de complicaciones. La incisión de miringotomía debe realizarse en el cuadrante caudoventral de la TM utilizando un catéter urinario de tamaño apropiado para recolectar muestras y lavar la cavidad del oído medio. Se necesita un conocimiento profundo de la anatomía, la técnica y la posible ototoxicidad de la terapia tópica para minimizar el riesgo de complicaciones neurológicas y de otro tipo. La TM generalmente cicatriza en 35 días si se mantiene libre de infección.Eine Myringotomie ist eine chirurgische Inzision am Trommelfell (TM). Diese ermöglicht einen Zugang zum Mittelohr, um Proben zu nehmen, es zu spülen oder topische Medikamente zu applizieren. Sie sollte immer in Betracht gezogen werden, wenn das TM intakt ist und eine klinische Evidenz für eine Mittelohrentzündung, abnormale TMs und/oder eine abnormale bildgebende Diagnostik vorliegen. Die Proben sollten für eine zytologische Untersuchung und Kultur genommen werden, danach sollte das äußere Ohr gereinigt und (wenn nötig) getrocknet werden. Myringotomien sollten unter Vollnarkose und wenn möglich mittels Video Otoskop durchgeführt werden; die erweiterte Sicht und die Instrumentenzugänge erleichtern die Technik und reduzieren das Risiko von Komplikationen. Die Inzision für die Myringotomie sollte im caudoventralen Quadranten des TM erfolgen, wobei ein entsprechend großer Katzenharnkatheter zur Probenahme und zur Spülung des Mittelohrs Verwendung finden sollte. Ein genaues Wissen der Anatomie, der Technik und der möglichen Ototoxizität der topischen Therapie ist Voraussetzung, um das Risiko einer neurologischen oder einer anderen Komplikation zu minimieren. Das TM heilt normalerweise, wenn eine Infektion verhindert wird, innerhalb von 35 Tagen zu.鼓膜切開術は, 鼓膜(TM)を切開する手術である。鼓膜を切開することにより, 中耳へのアクセスが可能となり, サンプリング, フラッシング, 外用療法の実施が可能となる。鼓膜が無傷で、中耳炎の臨床的証拠、鼓膜の異常、および画像診断の異常がある場合には、鼓膜切開を考慮すべきである。細胞学的検査および培養のためにサンプルを採取し、外耳洗浄して乾燥させる (必要な場合) 必要がある。鼓膜切開術は全身麻酔下で行い、可能な限りビデオ耳鏡を使用すべきである。鼓膜切開術は、サンプル採取および中耳腔洗浄のために適切なサイズの尿道カテーテルを用いて鼓膜の尾腹側四分円に行うべきである。神経系やその他の合併症のリスクを最小限に抑えるためには、解剖、技術、および外用療法の潜在的な耳毒性を十分に理解する必要がある。感染がなければ、TMは通常35日以内に治癒する。.鼓膜切开术是在鼓膜(TM)上做的手术切口。这允许进入中耳进行采样、冲洗和外部治疗灌注。当TM完整且有中耳炎、TM异常和/或诊断成像异常的临床证据时, 应考虑TM。应采集样本进行细胞学检查和培养, 然后 (如需要) 清洁外耳并使之干燥。鼓膜切开术应在全身麻醉下进行, 并在可能的情况下使用视频耳镜进行操作; 增强的视野和器械端口有助于该技术, 并降低并发症的风险。应使用合适尺寸的导管在TM尾腹侧象限做鼓膜切开术切口, 采集样本并冲洗中耳腔。需要全面了解外部治疗的解剖结构、技术和潜在耳毒性, 以将神经和其他并发症的风险降至最低。如果保持无感染,TM通常在35天内愈合。.A miringotomia é uma incisão cirúrgica realizada na membrana timpânica (MT) que dá acesso ao ouvido médio para coleta de amostras, limpeza e instilação de terapia tópica. A miringotomia deve ser considerada sempre que a MT está intacta e há evidência clínica de otite média, MTs anormais e/ou exame de imagem anormal. As amostras devem ser coletadas para investigação citológica e cultura, e depois o ouvido médio deve ser limpo e seco (se necessário). Miringotomias devem ser realizadas sob anestesia geral e, sempre que possível, utilizando um vídeo otoscópio; a visão ampliada e as portas para instrumentos facilitam a técnica e reduzem o risco de complicações. A incisão da miringotomia deve ser realizada no quadrante caudoventral da MT utilizando um cateter urinário de tamanho apropriado para coletar amostras e lavar a cavidade do ouvido médio. Um conhecimento aprofundado da anatomia, técnica e potencial ototoxicidade de produtos tópicos é necessário para minimizar o risco de complicações neurológicas e de outra natureza. A MT geralmente cicatriza em 35 dias se for mantida sem infecção.

Feline allergic diseases present as challenging problems for clinicians, not least because of the number of reaction patterns of the feline skin, none of which are specific for allergy. Furthermore, there is some controversy over the nomenclature that should be used in their description.To review the literature, assess the status of knowledge of the topic and the extent to which these diseases could be categorized as atopic in nature, and make recommendations concerning nomenclature.Atopic diseases in humans and cats were researched. A comparison then was made of the essential features in the two species.There were sufficient similarities between human atopic diseases and the manifestations of feline diseases of presumed allergic aetiology to justify the use of "atopic" to describe some of the feline conditions affecting the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. However, none of the allergic skin diseases showed features consistent with atopic dermatitis as described in man and the dog.The term "Feline Atopic Syndrome" (FAS) is proposed to encompass allergic diseases of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract, and "Feline atopic skin syndrome" (FASS) proposed to describe allergic skin disease associated with environmental allergies. We are not aware of any adverse food reactions in cats that are attributable to causes other than immunological reactions against the food itself. We therefore propose an aetiological definition of "Food Allergy" (FA) to describe such cases.Une nouvelle anomalie congénitale de la tige pilaire ressemblant au phénotype nu des rongeurs est décrite dans une portée de quatre chats européens (DSH). Les données relatives aux anomalies de la tige pilaire et des follicules pileux sont rares en médecine vétérinaire.Décrire et comparer les anomalies structurelles de ces chats avec d’autres dystrophies félines et d’autres mammifères.Une portée de chats DSH avec alopécie progressive non-inflammatoire. MÉTHODES: L’évaluation histopathologique, la microscopie électronique à transmission et l’analyse des éléments par rayons X définissaient les changements pilaires et cutanés des chats nés alopéciques. Les données ont été comparées aux archives de chats normaux et de souris mutantes Dsg4ANTECEDENTES: se describe una nueva anomalía congénita del pelo que se asemeja al fenotipo de pelo lanceolado de los roedores en una camada de cuatro gatos domésticos de pelo corto (DSH). Los datos relacionados con los trastornos del pelo y los folículos siguen siendo escasos en medicina veterinaria. OBJETIVOS: Describir y comparar anomalías estructurales en estos gatos con otras distrofias capilares en gatos y otros mamíferos. ANIMALES: una camada de gatos DSH con alopecia no inflamatoria progresiva. MÉTODOS: evaluación histopatológica, por microscopía electrónica de barrido y de transmisión y el análisis de elementos basados en rayos X definieron los cambios en el pelo y la piel de los gatos nacidos con alopecia. Los hallazgos se compararon con datos de archivo de gatos normales y ratones mutantes de pelo lanceolado (Dsg4Es wird eine neue angeborene Haarschaft Abnormalität bei einem Wurf von vier Hauskatzen (DSH) beschrieben, die dem lanzenförmigen Haar Phänotyp von Nagern gleicht. Daten über Haarschaft- und Follikelstörungen bleiben in der Veterinärmedizin rar.Eine Beschreibung der Strukturabnormalitäten bei diesen Katzen und ein Vergleich mit anderen Haardystrophien bei Katzen und anderen Säugern.Ein Wurf von Hauskatzen mit einer progressiven nichtentzündlichen Alopezie.Mittels histopathologischer Evaluierung, Raster- und Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie, und Röntgen-basierter Elementanalyse wurden die Haar- und Hautveränderungen bei Katzen, die mit einer Alopezie geboren worden waren, definiert. Die Befunde wurden mit archivierten Daten von normalen Katzen und lanzenförmigen Haaren (Dsg4Die Licht- und Rasterelektronenmikroskopie der Haare zeigte Lanzen- oder Speer-Kopf geformte Defekte der Haarspitzen. Die histologischen Befunde zeigten geschwollene Haarschäfte, ursprünglich oberhalb der Haarwurzelmatrix und später auch in den distalen Teilen der telogenen Haarfollikel, ähnlich denen bei Dsg4Eine seltene Form einer angeborenen Alopezie, resultierend aus einer follikulären Dystrophie wird bei Katzen in einer ähnlichen Form beschrieben, wie es bereits bei einigen mutanten Mausstämmen mit einer Einzelgenmutation in Adhäsionsmolekülen oder Keratingenen publiziert worden war.背景: げっ歯類の槍状の毛の表現型に似た新しい先天性毛幹異常が4頭のドメスティック・ショートヘア（DSH）の同腹子で記述されている。毛幹および毛包の障害に関連するデータは、獣医学ではまだ不足している。 目的: 本研究の目的は、これらの猫の構造異常を説明し、猫や他の哺乳類の他の毛髪ジストロフィーと比較することであった。 動物: 進行性の非炎症性脱毛症を伴うDSH猫の同腹子。 方法: 組織病理学的評価、走査型および透過型電子顕微鏡法、およびX線ベース元素解析により、脱毛症で生まれた猫の毛および皮膚の変化が定義された。調査結果は、健常猫と披針形の毛（Dsg4背景: 在4只同窝家养短毛(DSH)猫中，发现了类似啮齿动物披针形毛发表型，这是一种新的先天性毛干异常。与毛干和毛囊疾病相关的数据在兽医学中仍然很少。 目的: 描述这些猫的结构异常，并与猫和其他哺乳动物的其他毛发形成不良进行比较。 动物: 患有进行性非炎性脱毛症的一窝DSH猫。 方法: 组织病理学评价、扫描和透射电子显微镜以及基于X射线的元素分析，定义了新生脱毛猫的毛发和皮肤变化。将结果与正常猫、披针形毛发(Dsg4lahJ)和角质75(Krt75tm1Der)突变小鼠的存档数据进行比较。 结果: 毛发的光学和扫描电子显微镜检查显示，毛尖存在披针形或矛头形缺陷。组织学发现毛干肿胀，最初在毛球基质上方，后来在终止期毛囊的远端部分发现，与在Dsg4lahJ Krt75tm1Der突变小鼠中观察到的相似。毛干和毛囊的透射电镜显示脱毛猫护毛的正常结构缺失。毛干缺损正下方的硫含量在统计学上显著降低（毛发硫营养不良）。 结论和临床重要性: 发现了猫的罕见先天性脱发形式，由毛囊发育不良所导致，与粘附分子或角质基因中单基因突变的几种突变小鼠品系中报告的毛囊和毛干变化类似。.Uma nova anomalia congênita da haste pilosa semelhante ao fenótipo de pelo lanceolado dos roedores foi descrita em uma ninhada de quatro gatos domésticos de pelo curto (DSH). Dados relacionados a enfermidades da haste e folículo piloso permanecem escassos na medicina veterinária.Descrever e comparar as anomalias estruturais nestes gatos com outras distrofias pilosas em gatos e outros mamíferos.Um gato DSH apresentando alopecia não inflamatória progressiva. MÉTODOS: Avaliação histopatológica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e transmissão e análise elementar baseada em raio-X foram utilizadas para caracterizar as alterações de pele e pelos em gatos nascidos com alopecia. Os achados foram comparados a dados arquivados de gatos normais e ratos com mutação de pelo lanceolado (Dsg4À microscopia de varredura e óptica, observou-se pelos com defeitos nas pontas, que se apresentavam em formato de lança ou ponta de lança. Os achados histológicos foram hastes pilosas dilatadas, inicialmente acima da matriz do bulbo piloso e posteriormente nas partes distais dos folículos pilosos telógenos, similar ao observado nos ratos mutantes Dsg4

Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) alopecia syndrome (ABAS) commonly affects captive bears, particularly sexually mature females. ABAS is characterized by bilaterally symmetrical predominantly flank alopecia with or without profound pruritus and secondary bacterial and Malassezia infections. There is no effective treatment and severely affected bears have been euthanized. This paper describes the successful management of ABAS in three female Andean bears. Skin biopsies and cytology revealed a mixed dermal inflammatory infiltrate, alopecia, hyperkeratosis, and Malassezia dermatitis. Allergen specific serology was positive for environmental allergens in one case. Hematology, serum biochemistry, and thyroid and adrenal function were normal in all cases. There was no consistent response to novel diet trials, antifungals, antihistamines, allergen specific immunotherapy, or topical antimicrobials. There was a partial response to ciclosporin (Atopica® cat, Novartis Animal Health; 5 mg/kg po, sid) in one case and oral glucocorticoids in all cases (dexamethasone sodium phosphate, [Colvasone 0.2%, Norbrook], 0.15 mg/kg po, sid or prednisolone [Deltacortene, Bruno Farmaceutici, and Megasolone 20, Coophavet], 0.3-1.2 mg/kg po, sid), but treatment was withdrawn following adverse effects. Treatment with oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel®, Zoetis; 0.46-0.5 mg/kg po, bid) resulted in rapid and complete resolution of the pruritus with subsequent improvement in demeanor and fur regrowth. After 5 mo, the bears were almost fully furred and off all other medication. Treatment was tapered to the lowest dose that prevented relapse of the pruritus (0.23-0.4 mg/kg po, sid). No adverse effects have been noted. ABAS is usually an intractable condition, and, to our knowledge, oclacitinib is the first treatment shown to result in sustained clinical improvement. Further studies on the etiology of ABAS, and on efficacy and long-term safety of oclacitinib are needed.

OBJECTIVE To investigate in vitro effects of triclosan coating of suture materials on the growth of clinically relevant bacteria isolated from wounds in dogs. SAMPLE 6 types of suture material and 10 isolates each of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, methicillin-resistant S pseudintermedius, Escherichia coli, and AmpC β-lactamase and extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing E coli from clinical wound infections. PROCEDURES Isolates were cultured on Mueller-Hinton agar with 3 types of triclosan-coated suture, uncoated counterparts of the same suture types, and positive and negative controls. Zones of inhibition (ZOIs) were measured after overnight incubation. Sustained antimicrobial activity assays were performed with susceptible isolates. The ZOI measurements and durations of sustained antimicrobial activity were compared among suture types and isolates by statistical methods. Suture surface characteristics and bacterial adherence were evaluated qualitatively with scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS ZOIs were generated only by triclosan-coated materials; triclosan-coated suture had sustained antimicrobial activity (inhibition) for 3 to 29 days against all tested pathogens. The ZOIs around triclosan-coated suture were significantly greater for S pseudintermedius isolates than for E coli isolates. Bacterial adherence to uncoated polyglactin-910 was greatest, followed by triclosan-coated polyglactin-910, and then uncoated monofilament sutures, with least adherence to coated monofilament sutures. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surface characteristics of suture materials may be as important or more important than triclosan coating for microbial inhibition; however, triclosan coating appeared to affect bacterial adherence for multifilament sutures. Triclosan-coated, particularly monofilament, sutures inhibited pathogens commonly isolated from wounds of dogs, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. Further studies are required to assess clinical efficacy of triclosan-coated suture materials in vivo.

Tim Nuttall, Senior Lecturer in Dermatology at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, summarizes the EMA categorization of antibiotics for use in animals for prudent and responsible use.

Culicoides midges are important as vectors of disease, as an irritant with severe effects on human outdoor activities in certain areas and as the cause of insect bite hypersensitivity in domestic animals (most notably horses). Here we report, for the first time, the confirmation of ovine hypersensitivity to Culicoides midges in Hebridean sheep suffering from seasonal allergic skin disease using intradermal allergen testing. The affected sheep formed 40% of the adults in the small flock, and this indication of a potentially high prevalence of a condition with welfare implications is of concern.

Background: Craven Cottage has seen plans approved for a new riverside stand to expand capacity within the stadium from 26 000 to over 30 0000. Aims and Method: In order to anticipate any increase in use of medical services during match days, this study aimed to review nine seasons of medical data for Fulham Football Club. We examined the usage of crowd medical services to see if the number of injuries/illnesses requiring medical assistance at each match had any correlation to the crowd numbers in attendance. A retrospective data analysis was done on injury location, type of injury, whether the patient required transporting to hospital or whether follow up was recommended. The aim being to assess whether increased capacity would impact on local emergency services and primary care. Results: Between 2004–2013, there were 830 presentations to medical services, 43 patients were transported to hospital (5.18%) with 32 (3.85%) being advised to see their GP. Of these, 512 were new injuries/trauma and 318 medical presentations. There was one fatal non-traumatic cardiac arrest and 19 assaults. The data showed total crowd attendances of 4 157 597 over the 10-year period, with mean crowd numbers per game of 18 878. From these total crowd attendances there was a consultation rate per 10 000 gate admissions of 1.97. This is comparable to previously published Premiership data. Analysis of the location of accidental injuries showed no statistical differences in injury patterns; however, regarding mechanism of injury, more assaults occurred in areas where fans mix, irrespective of capacity per match. Conclusions: This study has shown no significant differences or trends in trauma, medical cases or consultations per 10 000 gate admission. Plans to increase capacity should not affect provision of medical cover, though will be accounted for in major incident planning in the number of medical staff required to attend matches to cover for extra ticket sales. GP and A&E services should not be stretched by the increased capacity.

Ligneous conjunctivitis and gingivitis were diagnosed in three related Scottish terrier dogs presented for investigation of severe conjunctivitis and respiratory signs. Hypoplasminogenaemia was confirmed in one of the three affected dogs. Supportive treatment was not effective, and the dogs died or were euthanased because of the disease. Post-mortem analysis of two of the dogs revealed multiple abnormalities including severe proliferative fibrinous lesions affecting the conjunctiva, gingiva, trachea, larynx and epicardium and multiple fibrous adhesions throughout the thoracic and abdominal cavities. One dog had internal hydrocephalus and lacked a cerebellar vermis. Ligneous membranitis was confirmed on histopathology. This is a rare condition in dogs but an important differential diagnosis for severe conjunctivitis and gingivitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease of dogs. Interleukin (IL)-34 is a monocyte/macrophage growth factor, produced mainly by keratinocytes, that has been implicated in several human inflammatory conditions including human AD.Canine serum IL-34 concentrations are increased in dogs with AD and correlate with clinical lesion and pruritus scores.Forty seven client-owned dogs diagnosed with AD and 25 healthy, unaffected control dogs.A commercially available IL-34 ELISA was optimized for the measurement of IL-34 in canine serum samples. Information regarding treatment, clinical lesion scores [Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04)] and pruritus Visual Analog Score (pVAS) were recorded for each dog at the time of serum collection.Dogs with AD had significantly increased serum IL-34 concentrations compared to controls. There was a significant positive correlation between IL-34 concentrations and CADESI-04 and pVAS scores. Concentrations of IL-34 remained increased in dogs with AD receiving steroids or the JAK1 inhibitor, oclacitinib, compared to unaffected control dogs.Serum IL-34 concentrations are increased in dogs with AD and are correlated with clinical severity and pruritus. IL-34 may be a suitable candidate therapeutic target for canine AD.La dermatite atopique (AD) est une dermatose inflammatoire fréquente chez le chien. L’interleukine (IL)-34 est un facteur de croissance des monocytes/macrophages principalement produit par les kératinocytes, et est impliqué dans plusieurs maladies inflammatoires de l’homme dont la dermatite atopique. HYPOTHÈSES: Les concentrations sériques d’IL-34 canin sont augmentées chez le chien atopique et corrèlent avec les scores de lésions cliniques et de prurit.Quarante sept chiens de propriétaires avec diagnostic d’AD et 25 chiens sains contrôles. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Un test ELISA IL-34 disponible dans le commerce a été optimisé pour la mesure d’IL-34 des échantillons de serum de chien. Les données concernant le traitement, les scores clinique [Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04)] et de prurit pVAS (pruritus Visual Analog Score) ont été enregistrés pour chaque chien au moment du prélèvement de serum. RÉSULTATS: Les chiens avec AD avaient des concentrations sériques d’IL-34 significativement plus élevées comparé aux contrôles. Il y avait une corrélation positive significative entre les concentrations d’IL-34 et les scores de CADESI-04 et pVAS. Les concentrations d’IL-34 restaient élevées chez les chiens atopiques recevant des corticoïdes ou l’inhibiteur de JAK1, l’oclacitinib, comparé aux chiens non atteints.Les concentrations sériques d’IL-34 sont augmentées chez les chiens atopiques et sont corrélés avec la sévérité du prurit et la clinique. L’IL-34 pourrait être une cible thérapeutique adaptée pour l’AD canine.INTRODUCCIÓN: la dermatitis atópica (AD) es una enfermedad cutánea inflamatoria común en los perros. La interlequina (IL)-34 es un factor de crecimiento de monocitos/macrófagos, producido principalmente por queratinocitos, que se ha implicado en varias afecciones inflamatorias humanas, incluida la AD humana. HIPÓTESIS: las concentraciones de IL-34 en suero canino están aumentadas en perros con AD y se correlacionan con las lesiones clínicas y los valores de prurito. ANIMALES: cuarenta y siete perros propiedad de clientes diagnosticados con AD y 25 perros de control sanos y no afectados. MÉTODOS Y MATERIALES: se optimizó un ELISA IL-34 disponible comercialmente para la medición de IL-34 en muestras de suero canino. La información sobre el tratamiento, los valores de lesiones clínicas (Índice de extensión y severidad de la dermatitis atópica canina, 4ta reevaluación (CADESI-04)) y el valor visual análogo del prurito (pVAS) se registraron para cada perro en el momento de la recolección de suero. RESULTADOS: los perros con AD presentaron un incremento significativo en las concentraciones séricas de IL-34 en comparación con los controles. Hubo una correlación positiva significativa entre las concentraciones de IL-34 y los valores de CADESI-04 y pVAS. Las concentraciones de IL-34 permanecieron aumentadas en perros con AD que recibieron esteroides o el inhibidor de JAK1, oclacitinib, en comparación con los perros de control no afectados. CONCLUSIONES E IMPORTANCIA CLÍNICA: las concentraciones séricas de IL-34 aumentan en perros con AD y se correlacionan con la gravedad clínica y el prurito. IL-34 puede ser un candidato adecuado a objetivo terapéutico para la AD canina.Die atopische Dermatitis (AD) ist eine häufige entzündliche Hauterkrankung bei Hunden. Interleukin (IL)-34 ist ein Monozyten/Makrophagen Wachstumsfaktor, der hauptsächlich von Keratinozyten produziert wird und bei mehreren entzündlichen Erkrankungen des Menschen wie auch der humanen AD eine Rolle spielt.Die caninen IL-34 Serumkonzentrationen sind bei Hunden mit AD erhöht und korrelieren mit klinischen Veränderungen und den Pruritus Werten.Siebenundvierzig Hunde in Privatbesitz, die mit AD diagnostiziert worden waren sowie 25 gesunde, nicht betroffene Kontrollhunde nahmen an der Studie teil.Ein kommerziell erhältlicher IL-34 ELISA wurde für die IL-34 Messung in caninen Serumproben optimiert. Es wurden die Informationen in Bezug auf die Behandlung, die klinischen Veränderungswerte [Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4te Ausgabe (CADESI-04)] und die Pruritus Visual Analog Score (pVAS) für jeden Hund zum Zeitpunkt der Serumgewinnung festgehalten.Hunde mit AD zeigten im Vergleich zu den Kontrollen signifikant erhöhte IL-34 Konzentrationen. Es bestand eine signifikant positive Korrelation zwischen den IL-34 Konzentrationen und dem CADESI-04 und den pVAS Werten. Die Konzentrationen von IL-34 blieben bei Hunden mit AD während der Verabreichung von Steroiden oder dem JAK1 Inhibitor, Oclacitinib, im Vergleich zu nicht betroffenen Kontrollhunden erhöht.Die Serum IL-34 Konzentrationen sind bei Hunden mit AD erhöht und mit dem klinischen Schweregrad und dem Juckreiz korreliert. IL-34 könnte ein passender Kandidat als therapeutisches Ziel für die AD des Hundes sein.背景: 异位性皮炎 (AD) 是犬常见的炎性皮肤病。白细胞介素 (IL)-34是一种单核/巨噬细胞生长因子，主要由角质细胞产生，角质细胞也参与包括人AD在内的多种人类炎症。 假设: AD患犬的血清IL-34浓度升高，并且与临床病变和瘙痒评分相关。 动物: 诊断为AD的47只私家犬和25只健康、无症状的对照犬。 方法和材料: 对测定犬血清IL-34的市售IL-34ELISA进行优化。采集血清时，记录每只犬的治疗信息、临床病变评分 [犬异位性皮炎程度和严重性指数，第4版 (CADESI-04)] 和瘙痒评分 (pVAS)。 结果: 与对照组相比， AD患犬的血清IL-34浓度显著升高。IL-34浓度与CADESI-04、pVAS评分呈显著正相关。与无症状对照犬相比，接受类固醇或JAK1抑制剂-奥拉替尼的AD患犬，其IL-34浓度保持升高。 结论和临床重要性: AD患犬血清IL-34浓度升高，并且与临床严重性和瘙痒相关。IL-34可能是犬AD治疗的合适备选靶点。.背景: アトピー性皮膚炎（AD）は、犬の一般的な炎症性皮膚疾患である。インターロイキン（IL）-34は、主にケラチノサイトによって産生される単球/マクロファージ増殖因子であり、人ADを含むいくつかの人の炎症疾患に関与しているとされている。 仮説: イヌの血清IL-34濃度は、AD犬で増加し、臨床病変および掻痒スコアと相関する。 被験動物: ADと診断されたクライアント所有犬47頭および健常で弛緩していない対照犬25頭。 材料と方法: 商業的に利用可能なIL-34 ELISAが、犬血清サンプル中のIL-34の測定用に最適化された。治療に関する情報、臨床病変スコア[犬のアトピー性皮膚炎の程度と重症度指数（CADESI-04）]および掻痒性視覚アナログスコア（pVAS）は、血清採取時に各犬について記録された。 結果: AD犬は、対照群と比較して血清IL-34濃度が大幅に増加した。 IL-34濃度とCADESI-04およびpVASスコアの間に有意な正の相関があった。 IL-34の濃度は、罹患していない対照犬と比較して、ステロイドまたはJAK1阻害剤であるオクラシチニブを投与されているAD犬で増加したままであった。 結論と臨床的重要性: AD犬では血清IL-34濃度が増加し、臨床的重症度と掻痒と相関している。 IL-34は犬ADの適切な候補治療標的であり得る。.A dermatite atópica (DA) é uma dermatopatia inflamatória comum de cães. A interleucina (IL) -34 é um fator de crescimento de monócitos / macrófagos, produzido principalmente por queratinócitos, que tem sido implicado em várias condições inflamatórias humanas, incluindo a DA. HIPÓTESE: As concentrações séricas de IL-34 canina aumentam em cães com DA e se correlacionam com os escores clínicos de lesões e prurido.Quarenta e sete cães diagnosticados com DA pertencentes a clientes e 25 cães saudáveis ​​e não afetados. MÉTODOS E MATERIAIS: Um kit de ELISA para IL-34 disponível comercialmente foi otimizado para a mensuração de IL-34 em amostras de soro canino. Informações sobre o tratamento, escores de lesões [Índice de severidade e extensão da dermatite atópica canina, 4ª iteração (CADESI-04)] e a escala analógica visual de prurido (pVAS) foram registrados para cada cão no momento da coleta de soro.Cães com DA apresentaram aumento significativo das concentrações séricas de IL-34 em comparação aos controles. Houve uma correlação positiva significativa entre as concentrações de IL-34 e os escores CADESI-04 e pVAS. As concentrações de IL-34 permaneceram aumentadas em cães com DA recebendo esteroides ou o inibidor de JAK1, oclacitinib, em comparação com cães controle não afetados. CONCLUSÕES E IMPORTÂNCIA CLÍNICA: As concentrações séricas de IL-34 estão aumentadas em cães com DA e estão correlacionadas com a gravidade clínica e o prurido. A IL-34 pode ser uma candidata adequada a alvo terapêutico para a DA canina.

Background – Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease of dogs. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) initiates pro-inflammatory cytokine release in human AD and serum concentrations are correlated with disease severity.Hypothesis – Canine serum MIF concentrations are increased in dogs with AD and correlate with clinical lesion and pruritus scores.Animals – Client owned dogs (n = 49) diagnosed with AD and 17 healthy, unaffected control dogs were usedfor the study.Methods and materials – A commercially available MIF ELISA was optimized for the dog and serum from clini-cal cases used. Information regarding treatment, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, (CADESI-4) and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) were recorded for each dog at the time of serum collection.Results – Dogs with AD which had not received steroid therapy and those treated with oclacitinib had significantly elevated serum MIF concentrations compared to controls. Concentrations of MIF were not significantly different in AD dogs receiving steroids compared to controls. There was no significant correlation between MIF concentrations and clinical scores (CADESI-4 or pVAS).Conclusions and clinical importance – Serum MIF concentrations are increased in dogs with AD and MIF might be a target for therapy.

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical health problem, with systemic antimicrobial therapy driving development of AMR across the host spectrum.ObjectivesThis study compares longitudinal carriage, at multiple timepoints, of AMR faecal Escherichia coli in dogs undergoing routine antimicrobial treatment.MethodsFaecal samples (n = 457) from dogs (n = 127) were examined pretreatment, immediately after treatment and 1 month and 3 months post-treatment with one of five antimicrobials. Isolates were tested for susceptibility to a range of antimicrobials using disc diffusion for each treatment group at different timepoints; the presence/absence of corresponding resistance genes was investigated using PCR assays. The impact of treatment group/timepoint and other risk factors on the presence of resistance [MDR, fluoroquinolone resistance, third-generation cephalosporin resistance (3GCR) and ESBL and AmpC production] was investigated using multilevel modelling. Samples with at least one AMR E. coli from selective/non-selective agar were classed as positive. Resistance was also assessed at the isolate level, determining the abundance of AMR from non-selective culture.ResultsTreatment with β-lactams or fluoroquinolones was significantly associated with the detection of 3GCR, AmpC-producing, MDR and/or fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli, but not ESBL-producing E. coli, immediately after treatment. However, 1 month post-treatment, only amoxicillin/clavulanate was significantly associated with the detection of 3GCR; there was no significant difference at 3 months post-treatment for any antimicrobial compared with pretreatment samples.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that β-lactam and fluoroquinolone antibiotic usage is associated with increased detection of important phenotypic and genotypic AMR faecal E. coli following routine therapy in vet-visiting dogs. This has important implications for veterinary and public health in terms of antimicrobial prescribing and biosecurity protocols, and dog waste disposal.

Case series summary This was a retrospective study on the clinical features and response to treatment in seven cats with feline hyperaesthesia syndrome (FHS) and tail mutilation. FHS is a poorly understood disorder characterised by skin rippling over the dorsal lumbar area, episodes of jumping and running, excessive vocalisation, and tail chasing and self-trauma. The majority of the cats were young, with a median age of 1 year at the onset of clinical signs, male (n = 6) and with access to the outdoors (n = 5). Multiple daily episodes of tail chasing and self-trauma were reported in five cats, with tail mutilation in four cats. Vocalisation during the episodes (n = 5) and rippling of lumbar skin (n = 5) were also reported. Haematology, serum biochemistry, Toxoplasma gondii and feline immunodeficiency virus/feline leukaemia virus serology, MRI scans of brain, spinal cord and cauda equina, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and electrodiagnostic tests did not reveal any clinically significant abnormalities. A definitive final diagnosis was not reached in any of the cats, but hypersensitivity dermatitis was suspected in two cases. A variety of medications was used alone or in combination, including gabapentin (n = 6), meloxicam (n = 4), antibiotics (n = 4), phenobarbital (n = 2), prednisolone (n = 2) and topiramate (n = 2); ciclosporin, clomipramine, fluoxetine, amitriptyline and tramadol were used in one cat each. Clinical improvement was achieved in six cases; in five cats complete remission of clinical signs was achieved with gabapentin alone (n = 2), a combination of gabapentin/ciclosporin/amitriptyline (n = 1), gabapentin/prednisolone/phenobarbital (n = 1) or gabapentin/topiramate/meloxicam (n = 1). Relevance and novel information This is the first retrospective study on a series of cats with FHS. The diagnostic work-up did not reveal any significant abnormalities of the central or peripheral nervous system; dermatological and behavioural problems could not be ruled out. We propose an integrated multidisciplinary diagnostic pathway to be used for the management of clinical cases and for future prospective studies.

Tim Nuttall discusses the challenges, and importance, of interpreting this important information.