Background– Studies focusing on next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene have allowed detailed surveys of skin bacterial populations (microbiota) of the skin. Hypothesis/objectives– This study evaluated temporal changes in the skin microbiota in a canine model of atopic dermatitis. Conclusions and clinical importance– This study demonstrates that an allergen challenge in sensitized dogs leads to bacterial dysbiosis with increased abundance of S. pseudintermedius at the site of lesion induction.

Background - Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease caused by the dimorphic saprophytic fungus Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii. Primary pulmonary infection can disseminate to cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, or less commonly direct cutaneous inoculation may occur. Hypothesis/Objectives - To characterize the historical, clinical, diagnostic and treatment findings in dogs and cats with cutaneous manifestation of coccidioidomycosis. Conclusions and clinical importance - Coccidioidomycosis is the most common mycosis of dogs and cats in endemic regions and cutaneous signs of the disease may be an initial presenting complaint. This study identified a variety of cutaneous manifestations of the disease in dogs and cats and should be recognized by clinicians.

Background – The diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) remains challenging due to the lack of a simple biomarker or metabolic profile. In human medicine, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is an analytical technique used for several diseases. It requires a small amount of sample and allows the identification of structural moieties of biomolecules on the basis of their infrared absorption, with limited sample pretreatment. Hypothesis/Objectives – The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of FTIR. Conclusions – A study on a larger cohort including common pruritic skin diseases is necessary to confirm these initial results and the relevance of this diagnostic technique.

Background - Food allergen-specific sublingual immunotherapy (FA-SLIT) has emerged as a novel and successful approach for desensitizing human patients to specific food allergens. It has not been tested in dogs. Objective - To investigate the efficacy, quality of life (QoL), tolerability and safety of FA-SLIT in dogs with adverse food reactions (AFR). Conclusions and clinical importance - FA-SLIT was effective, well tolerated and safe. No severe adverse events were recorded; erythema and pruritus were reported in association with only 0.7% of the dispensed doses. Larger clinical trials with more extended maintenance immunotherapy periods will be needed to provide more precise estimates of efficacy and frequency of adverse events.

Background– Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a chronic autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease of dogs, cats and humans. Objectives– The goal of this study was to describe the clinical, histological and immunological features and treatment outcomes of canine MMP. Conclusions and clinical importance– Canine MMP is a chronic and relapsing disease requiring a long-term treatment. Combination therapy is often needed to achieve CR.

Background – Although zinc responsive dermatosis is typically a disorder of Arctic breed dogs, this study identifies similar cutaneous lesions on the face and pressure points of Boston terrier dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives – To document the clinical and histological features of localized parakeratotic hyperkeratosis of Boston terrier dogs, to determine if the lesions respond to zinc supplementation and to determine whether tissue zinc levels were decreased in affected versus unaffected dogs. Conclusions and clinical importance – To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first report of localized parakeratotic hyperkeratosis in Boston terrier dogs, some of which improved with oral zinc supplementation. Prospective studies in Boston terrier dogs are warranted to document potential zinc deficiency (serum and/or tissue levels, pre- and post-treatment) and to objectively assess response to zinc supplementation and other therapies.

Background– Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) may cause suppurative otitis externa with severe inflammation and ulceration in dogs. Multidrug resistance is commonly reported for this organism, creating a difficult therapeutic challenge. Objective– The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of a gel containing 0.5 µg/mL of antimicrobial peptide AMP2041, 0.07% chlorhexidine digluconate (CLX), 0.4% Tris and 0.1% EDTA on 30 clinical isolates of PA from canine otitis externa. Conclusion– This gel has shown rapid, complete and long-lasting activity against a panel of 30 PA isolates from cases of canine otitis externa.

Background – Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are popular companion animals with reported skin diseases, but most reports are accessed from textbooks or review articles. Hypothesis/Objectives – To document skin diseases and their prevalence in companion guinea pigs in northern California, USA and to investigate predilections for the most common conditions over a 25 year period. Conclusions and clinical importance – Cutaneous conditions in companion guinea pigs in the USA are common. Clinicians should include a dermatological examination when examining these rodents regardless of the reason for presentation.

Background–Rapid and accurate identification of dermatophytes is crucial for the effective control of disease outbreaks. Current methods based on culture and microscopic characteristics may require weeks before positive identification is made. Objectives–To (i) identify the most common pathogenic dermatophytes affecting Arabian horses; (ii) compare the performance of direct microscopy (DM), culture, PCR using hair samples (PCR_hair) and PCR based on culture isolates (PCR_culture) for the diagnosis of dermatophytosis. Conclusions–The dermatophytes M. canis, T. verrucosum, T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes and M. equinum were the most common cause of dermatophytosis in Arabian horses. Although the number of samples was small, the ITS-based PCR may be a useful diagnostic tool when combined with culture.

Background– Aural plaques can be found on the inner surfaces of one or both ears of horses. Despite their low malignancy, these lesions can sometimes cause discomfort and sensitivity in horses, and a loss in commercial value due to their aesthetic effect. There has been a study describing the epidemiological features and the clinical prevalence of equine aural plaques in Brazil. Hypothesis/Objectives– The aim of this study was to determine the clinical prevalence and selected associated factors of aural plaques. Conclusions– The findings confirm the extensive distribution of this disease in Brazil and its association with several management factors.

Background - Cutaneous wounds are common in chelonians. The clinical and histological features of wound healing in these species are not well described and this prevents evaluation of new therapies. Objectives - To describe clinical and histopathological features of cutaneous wound healing in the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans). Conclusions and clinical importance - Second intention wound healing progressed slowly and with an indolent behaviour. Microscopically there was marked overlapping of the inflammatory and proliferative phases over a long time period.