ORCID Profile
0000-0001-9293-1352
Current Organisation
Murdoch University
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-05-2017
DOI: 10.1111/VDE.12320
Abstract: Currently the same allergen concentrations for canine intradermal testing (IDT) are recommended for feline IDT. Feline skin reactions are subtle and more difficult to read than canine reactions. This difference may be due to suboptimal allergen concentrations used for IDT in cats. To determine the irritant threshold concentration (ITC) of 16 pollen allergens using serial dilutions of allergen and intravenous fluorescein. The hypothesis tested was that feline IDT currently is performed at suboptimal allergen concentrations for pollens. Twenty privately owned healthy clinically nonallergic cats. IDT was performed in duplicate using 16 pollen allergens (weeds, grasses and trees) at a dilution of 8000 PNU/mL. Two blinded investigators graded the test reactions independently using subjective and objective criteria. Intravenous fluorescein was then administered and the test reactions were re-evaluated. IDT was repeated for any allergen that was positive, using serial dilutions of allergen at a concentration of 6000 and 4000 PNU/mL. The ITC for 2 of 16 of the allergens was determined. The ITC of Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) and Schinus spp. (Peppercorn) was determined to be between 6000 and 8000 PNU/mL. The ITC of all other allergens tested in this study was >8000 PNU/mL. This study confirms that suboptimal allergen concentrations currently are used for feline IDT as the ITC is >8000 PNU/mL for 14 of 16 of the grass, weed and tree pollens evaluated. The ITC of Cynodon dactylon and Schinus spp. was determined to be between 6000 and 8000 PNU/mL.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-07-2015
DOI: 10.1111/VDE.12243
Abstract: Metatarsal fistulation is an uncommon cutaneous condition reported almost exclusively in German shepherd dogs and their cross-breeds. To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first reported case of focal metatarsal fistulae syndrome affecting a greyhound. Remission was obtained within 6 weeks of commencing treatment using compounded 0.1% tacrolimus ointment twice daily and the dog remained stable for another 6 months with twice weekly application before treatment was discontinued. The dog remained in remission at the time of writing, which is 1 year after treatment withdrawal.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2004
DOI: 10.1111/J.1748-5827.2004.TB00193.X
Abstract: Nine dogs with panniculitis due to rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) were examined over 17 years. Dogs were two to 15 years five were male, four were female. All were obese or in good condition. Antecedent injury, typically a dog bite or vehicular trauma, could be identified in some patients, while one bitch had hyperadrenocorticism. Infections involved different locations, although the cervicothoracic region, dorsum or flank were most often affected. Patients were systemically well, apart from one dog with pyrexia and two with pain or lameness. Cytology demonstrated pyogranulomatous inflammation, but in only one case was it possible to see acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) in smears. Histology demonstrated chronic active pyogranulomatous panniculitis and dermatitis AFB could be detected in only four specimens. Culture of aspirates or resected tissues demonstrated RGM in all cases, comprising six Mycobacterium smegmatis group and three Mycobacterium fortuitum group isolates. Resection of infected tissues, perioperative injectable antimicrobials and long courses of oral antimicrobials chosen according to susceptibility data generally effected a cure, although some cases recurred.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-06-2013
DOI: 10.1111/VDE.12046
Abstract: Ciclosporin is a calcineurin inhibitor that is currently registered for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. The most common adverse effects include mild, transient gastrointestinal disturbances. Single case reports of opportunistic infections due to Nocardia spp., Neospora spp. and papillomaviruses have also been reported. Clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of systemic immunosuppression and subsequent infection with Nocardia spp. in dogs receiving ciclosporin. Cutaneous nocardiosis in two dogs receiving ciclosporin therapy for management of canine atopic dermatitis. Histopathology, PCR for Nocardia spp. and computed tomography. One dog developed disseminated nocardiosis due to Nocardia brasiliensis and a second dog developed localized cutaneous nocardiosis due to a novel Nocardia species subsequent to ciclosporin administration at the recommended dose rate for the management of canine atopic dermatitis. The second case was receiving a combination of ciclosporin and ketoconazole, and serum trough ciclosporin levels were elevated. Clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of systemic immunosuppression and subsequent infection with Nocardia spp. in dogs receiving ciclosporin. Measurement of serum ciclosporin levels may be useful in identifying those in iduals which are at risk of opportunistic infections.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2004
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2004.TB12153.X
Abstract: To evaluate the efficacy of cyclosporin in controlling the clinical signs associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs under Australian field conditions. A multicentre prospective clinical investigation of the use of cyclosporin in 41 dogs with atopic dermatitis. Dogs were treated with cyclosporin (5 mg/kg orally once daily with food) for 6 weeks. Four clinical parameters of severity of atopic dermatitis were measured on Day 0 and on Day 42 using a 0 to 4 scoring system. In idual variables were then combined to form a Global Score. Both client and clinician observed pruritus scores were combined to form a Pruritus Score. Pre- and post-treatment scores were statistically analysed. The difference in results between the two investigators was also recorded and analysed. All dogs showed a marked reduction in pruritus and erythema during the 6-week treatment period. All dogs showed a significant (P < 0.001) improvement in clinical lesion scores and Global Score (P < 0.001). The mean percentage improvement in Global Score from Day 0 to Day 42 was 83.9%. The mean percentage improvement in Pruritus Score from Day 0 to Day 42 was 83%. The medication was well tolerated. Side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea and soft stools were observed in four dogs. Another four dogs developed bacterial pyoderma during the trial period. There was no significant difference in results between the two centres. Cyclosporin was well tolerated and efficacious in the symptomatic treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs attending two veterinary dermatology referral centres in Australia, under Australian field conditions, when administered at 5 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 19-12-2013
Abstract: Flea allergic dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases of cats presented for veterinary attention. It is therefore important for the practitioner to be able to design an appropriate flea management plan for their patients. There is no ‘one size fits all’ flea control programme for cats. Successful flea management requires an understanding of flea biology and knowledge of the mode of action of commercial flea products, of which there is a wide range available. Management of owner expectations can often present a challenge. Cat owners generally attribute a persistence of fleas after the administration of routine flea control to be a reflection of product failure. Owners may also be sceptical that fleas are responsible for the clinical signs of overgrooming in their cat and perceive a lack of response to flea adulticide treatment to be evidence of this fact. This article reviews an extensive body of published literature to update some concepts in flea control and discuss how judicious use of traditional and newer flea products can contribute to an integrated flea control strategy for cats.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-02-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2008.00254.X
Abstract: Primary secretory otitis media is an uncommon disease affecting predominantly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs. Current treatment recommendations include repeated manual removal of the mucoid effusion from the tympanic cavity through a myringotomy incision and topical or systemic corticosteroids. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of tympanostomy tubes to provide continual tympanic cavity ventilation and drainage for the treatment of primary secretory otitis media in three dogs. Tympanostomy tubes were placed within a myringotomy incision in the pars tensa with the aid of an operating microscope. Clinical signs resolved rapidly in all cases following the procedure and all cases were asymptomatic at the time of follow-up, 8, 6 and 4 months later. Results of this study indicate that tympanostomy tubes provide continual tympanic cavity ventilation and drainage and may be an acceptable alternative to repeated myringotomy for the treatment of primary secretory otitis media.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-3164.2005.00468.X
Abstract: Clinical, histopathological and immunological features of exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus, an uncommon generalized exfoliative dermatitis occurring exclusively in German short-haired pointers, were characterized in 25 dogs. The disease affects young adult dogs and its familial incidence strongly suggests a hereditary origin. Lesions were characterized by scaling and alopecia affecting 100 (25/25) and 76% (19/25) of dogs, respectively. Follicular casts were present in 28% (7/25) of dogs. The muzzle, pinnae and dorsum were typically affected. Generalized skin lesions were described in 52% (13/25) of dogs. Systemic signs of pain and lameness affected several dogs. Anaemia and thrombocytopenia were detected in several dogs with a more severe clinical phenotype. The most common histopathological features were hyperkeratosis and a lymphocytic interface dermatitis. Direct immunostaining revealed IgG deposition in the epidermal and follicular basement membrane of 100 (19/19) and 41% (7/17) of dogs, respectively. Circulating antifollicular and antisebaceous gland IgG antibodies were demonstrated by indirect immunostaining in 57% (4/7) of dogs. This disease usually responds poorly to immunosuppressive therapy and it has a guarded prognosis. Where outcome was recorded, 85% (10/12) of dogs were euthanased due to either a failure to respond to, or complications associated with, immunomodulatory therapy. Two affected dogs are in remission and maintained on immunomodulatory dosages of prednisolone. This study demonstrates the existence of a cellular and humoral immune response directed against the epidermal basement membrane of dogs with exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Additional studies are required to further characterize the immunological pathogenesis of this disease.
Publisher: Microbiology Society
Date: 09-2014
Abstract: Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) has recently emerged as a worldwide cause of canine pyoderma. In this study, we characterized 22 S. pseudintermedius isolates cultured from 19 dogs with pyoderma that attended a veterinary dermatology referral clinic in Australia in 2011 and 2012. Twelve isolates were identified as MRSP by mecA real-time PCR and phenotypic resistance to oxacillin. In addition to β-lactam resistance, MRSP isolates were resistant to erythromycin (91.6 %), gentamicin (83.3 %), ciprofloxacin (83.3 %), chlor henicol (75 %), clindamycin (66 %), oxytetracycline (66 %) and tetracycline (50 %), as shown by disc-diffusion susceptibility testing. Meticillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius isolates only showed resistance to penicillin/ icillin (90 %) and tetracycline (10 %). PFGE using the Sma I restriction enzyme was unable to type nine of the 12 MRSP isolates. However the nine isolates provided the same PFGE pulsotype using the Cfr 91 restriction enzyme. Application of the mec -associated direct repeat unit ( dru ) typing method identified the nine Sma I PFGE-untypable isolates as dt11cb, a dru type that has only previously been associated with MRSP sequence type (ST)45 isolates that possess a unique SCC mec element. The dt11cb isolates shared a similar multidrug-resistant antibiogram phenotype profile, whereas the other MRSP isolates, dt11a, dt11af (dt11a-associated) and dt10h, were resistant to fewer antibiotic classes and had distinct PFGE profiles. This is the first report of MRSP causing pyoderma in dogs from Australia. The rapid intercontinental emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant MRSP strains confirms the urgent need for new treatment modalities for recurrent canine pyoderma in veterinary practice.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 20-10-2006
Abstract: A 6-month-old Burmese kitten developed focal skin lesions following a routine ovariohysterectomy. These were eventually attributed to the patient struggling during catheter placement and induction of anaesthesia. The lesions were caused by fluid extravasation in the subcutis and ischaemic necrosis of the overlying dermis, giving rise to an eschar-like appearance. Such lesions have been seen previously in Burmese cats with cutaneous asthenia and it is thought that they arise due to poor collagenous support for dermal blood vessels. An increased skin extensibility index ( %) supported a diagnosis of cutaneous asthenia (Ehlers–Danlos-like syndrome), which has been reported as an inherited condition of Burmese cats in Australia, New Zealand and Europe. An additional Burmese cat with cutaneous asthenia is presented in detail, with lifetime follow-up and further salient observations by the owner, a veterinarian. Photographs of three other affected Burmese cats are provided to illustrate the range of presentations encountered with this condition. All five affected cats were presented with eschars, atrophic alopecia and increased skin extensibility, while one cat also had skin ulcers. Routine histopathological examination, including use of special stains such as trichrome, was unhelpful in establishing the diagnosis. The clinical features of this genetic disease of Burmese cats are reviewed, especially in relation to the postulated ‘vasculopathy’ that gives rise to characteristic skin lesions. Long term management of this condition is discussed briefly.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2000
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-1994
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2004
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-3164.2004.00383.X
Abstract: Abstract A 9-year-old Boston terrier was diagnosed with multifocal, nodular panniculitis caused by an organism belonging to the Mycobacterium smegmatis group by histological evaluation and bacteriological identification. The mycobacterial species was identified by direct gene sequence analysis and confirmed to be Mycobacterium goodii. Treatment using doxycycline and ciprofloxacin was successfully implemented for the mycobacterial panniculitis over a period of 9 months. Concurrent pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) was also identified using routine diagnostic methods and mitotane therapy was implemented. There was follow-up for 14 months after cessation of antimicrobial therapy with no recurrence of mycobacterial infection. Although cutaneous infections are frequently recognized as complications of canine pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism, concurrent mycobacterial panniculitis due to any rapidly growing mycobacterium has not previously been reported. This is the first confirmed case of mycobacterial panniculitis due to M. goodii infection in a dog and also the first of any rapidly growing mycobacterial infection in a dog with concurrent endogenous Cushing's disease.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/VDE.12349
Abstract: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers an alternative mode of allergen delivery to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) with the aim of inducing immunological tolerance. Currently, there are no published reports regarding the efficacy or safety of SLIT in horses. To describe the first case of several adverse events occurring in a horse subsequent to the repeat administration of SLIT. A seven-year-old, warmblood mare with a confirmed diagnosis of equine hypersensitivity dermatitis (EHD). Immunotherapy was recommended for management of EHD. Due to the temperament of the horse, the owner elected to proceed with SLIT. Thirty six hours after commencing SLIT, the mare developed scleral oedema, moderate dyspnoea and abdominal discomfort. SLIT was withdrawn for 10 days and re instituted using a ten-fold dilution of the original vaccine. Localized oedema and swelling of the tongue developed within 12 h of administration. At this juncture, SLIT was withdrawn. The horse was rechallenged with the SLIT allergen vehicle, 50% glycerine and no adverse reactions occurred. SCIT was commenced using the same allergens and no adverse events occurred with repeated administration. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of adverse reactions developing subsequent to the administration of SLIT for the management of EHD.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-1999
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.1999.TB10263.X
Abstract: To compare an ELISA measuring serum allergen-specific IgE with intradermal skin testing in canine atopic dermatitis. Eighty-four dogs with the clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis underwent intradermal skin testing and serum testing for allergen-specific IgE. Tests were performed in a blinded fashion. Positive reactions were compared and the sensitivity and specificity of the serum test (using intradermal skin test as the standard) were determined overall and for in idual allergen groups (grass pollens, weed pollens, tree pollens, house dust mites and fleas). The sensitivity of the ELISA overall was 90.4%. Evaluating the in idual allergen groups, the sensitivity for dust mite hypersensitivity was 95.1%, for fleas 85.4%, for tree pollens 84.3%, for grass pollens 95.1% and for weed pollens 96.4%. The specificity was 91.6% overall, for dust mites 96.3%, for fleas 92.7%, for tree pollens 95.2%, for grass pollens 94% and for weed pollens 80.7%. The evaluated ELISA seemed reliable for the diagnosis of atopy in practice and can be recommended as a screening test prior to intradermal skin testing or for use in dogs when immunotherapy is not a therapeutic option.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-01-2019
No related grants have been discovered for Amanda Burrows.