RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: an imbalance of the intestinal microbiota can cause health problems in the gastrointestinal tract and in other organs. Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD) is a genetically predisposed, inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin disease with multifactorial etiology and multimodal treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a nutraceutical product on Dysbiotic Index (DI) and the skin lesions of atopic dogs. METHODS: a nutraceutical product was administered to 32 dogs with CAD. The product was associated with a standardized hypoallergenic diet for 60 days; the dietary regimen continued for 120 days, while ongoing therapies remained unchanged. Values of Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesional Index (CADLI) and DI were evaluated on day 0, 60, 120. RESULTS: all the 32 dogs showed a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.001) to V60 of VAS and CADLI, which persisted and increased to V120 when diet alone was continued. The decrease in the DI value was also statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: the intake of nutraceutical associated with diet resulted in a decrease in the index of intestinal dysbiosis, with an improvement in the subjective severity of cutaneous lesions.
RESUMEN
A 10-year-old canine with chronic unilateral otitis and a history of unsuccessful systemic and topical antibiotic treatments was referred. A computer tomography scan (CT scan) revealed unilateral chronic otitis with calcification of the ear canal, abscessation and fistula. On bacterial culture a Staphylococcus pseudintermedius sensitive to pradofloxacin was isolated. Systemic treatment with pradofloxacin, 3 mg/kg per os once daily, improved the infection and the dog had total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy performed. After one month, despite antibiotic treatment new fistulas developed in the same area. Bacterial culture revealed an drug-resistant S. pseudintermedius sensitive only to rifampicin. Under general anesthesia, the area was cleaned with 0.5% saline solution and 1 mL of indocyanine green (Emundo®, A.R.C.) was injected into the fistulas. A treatment with diode laser (A.R.C. Laser 810 nm, GmbH, Nurnberg, Germany) of four cycles 500 mw for 30 s, with a dosage of 50 J/cm2 in the effected area was performed. No antibiotic was administered and one week later, 50% of the fistulas were closed with a significant improvement of the patient's clinical condition. Cytology and bacterial culture were negative 72 h after the treatment. Total recovery occurred after two weeks. Photodynamic Therapy(PDT) is a promising antibacterial technique in case of localized refractory bacterial infections.