Canine and Feline Pemphigus Foliaceus-an Update on Pathogenesis and Treatment.

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is one of the most common autoimmune skin diseases of dogs and cats and is characterized by the development of pustules, crusts, erosions, scales, and alopecia. Albeit poorly understood, the pathophysiology of canine and feline PF appears to involve immune dysregulation and immunoglobulin G autoantibodies that are directed against the keratinocyte cell surface. At present, the management of canine and feline PF relies on the long-term to lifelong prescription of immunosuppressive medications.

Stem cell engineering approaches for investigating glial cues in central nervous system disorders.

Glial cells are important in maintaining homeostasis for neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). During CNS disease or after injury, glia react to altered microenvironments and often acquire altered functions that contribute to disease pathology. A major focus for research is utilizing stem cell (SC)-derived glia as a potential renewable source for cell replacement to restore function, including neuronal support, and as a model for disease states to identify therapeutic targets.

The Eotaxin-1/CCR3 Axis and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Are Critical in Anti-NC16A IgE-Induced Bullous Pemphigoid.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune bullous skin disease of humans and is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation and circulating and tissue-bound IgG and IgE autoantibodies directed against two hemidesmosomal proteins: BP180 and BP230. The noncollagenous 16A domain (NC16A) of BP180 has been found to contain major epitopes recognized by autoantibodies in BP. We recently established the pathogenicity of anti-NC16A IgE through passive transfer of patient-derived autoantibodies to double-humanized mice that express the human high-affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI, and human NC16A domain (FcεRI/NC16A).

Anti-NC16A IgA from Patients with Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis Induce Neutrophil-Dependent Subepidermal Blistering in Mice.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is an acquired autoimmune subepidermal blistering skin disease characterized by circulating and tissue-bound IgA autoantibodies that recognize epitopes within the hemidesmosomal protein BP180, including its NC16A domain. Histologically, LABD has long been defined by neutrophil infiltration and dermal-epidermal separation. However, the pathogenic roles of anti-NC16A IgA and neutrophils in LABD, as well as their interactions, have not been thoroughly studied.

Pathology in Practice.

In collaboration with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

Open trial of Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (PRN1008) in the treatment of canine pemphigus foliaceus.

Background: Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is important in B-cell signalling. Efficacy has been reported for BTK inhibitors (BTKi) in human autoimmune diseases. Canine pemphigus foliaceus (cPF) is one of the most common canine autoimmune skin diseases.

Clinicopathological findings and clinical outcomes in 49 cases of feline pemphigus foliaceus examined in Northern California, USA (1987-2017).

Background: Few studies have described the pathophysiology, clinical course, treatment outcomes and quality of life (QoL) of cats with pemphigus foliaceus (PF).

Objective: Describe clinicopathological features, treatment outcomes and impacts on QoL in feline PF.

Animals: Forty-nine client-owned cats with PF that presented to a veterinary teaching hospital between 1987 and 2017.

The Necessity for Post-Maneuver Restrictions in the Treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: An Updated Meta-Analysis of the Literature.

Objective: Many studies have published conflicting results regarding the necessity of post-maneuver postural restrictions following treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The purpose of this meta-analysis is to complete an updated, comprehensive review to determine best practice following a repositioning maneuver (RM).

Data Sources: PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase were searched through July 2016.

Successful management of minoxidil toxicosis in a dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 2-year-old sexually intact female mixed-breed dog was evaluated at an emergency hospital approximately 5 hours after ingestion of an unknown amount of over-the-counter topical hair growth promoter containing 5% minoxidil foam. Vomiting and signs of lethargy were reported by the owner, and physical examination revealed tachycardia and hypotension. No treatments were performed, and the dog was transferred to a veterinary referral hospital for management of suspected minoxidil toxicosis.

Isolated unilateral absence of the right pulmonary artery in two cats visualized by computed tomography angiography.

Case Series Summary: Two cats were evaluated for progressive exercise intolerance, dyspnea and unilateral infiltrate of the left lung. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed absence of the right pulmonary artery in both cats with systemic arterial collateral vessels perfusing the right segmental pulmonary arteries. In one case, the collateral vessels arose from the esophageal artery, while in the other case they derived off the right costocervical trunk.