Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCE) is common in dogs; however, there is conflicting information in the veterinary literature regarding clinical characteristics and data on recovery in severe cases is sparse. A systematic review of canine FCE was performed to delineate the natural history of this disease. 322 previously reported cases and 71 previously unreported cases were identified for inclusion. Source publications were identified via PubMed central search and by references from review articles. Previously unreported cases were identified via computerised medical records search at two veterinary institutions. FCE was most common in middle-aged large breed dogs (30 per cent); however, the miniature schnauzer was the most frequently reported individual breed and small breeds comprised 24 per cent of all reported cases. The most common neuroanatomical localisation was a T3-L3 myelopathy (33.1 per cent). Prognosis for recovery of ambulation was good to excellent with 85 per cent of cases regaining the ability to walk unassisted, most within 3 weeks. Persistent neurological deficits were common in patients that recovered ambulation (49.1 per cent). When nociception was absent in the affected limbs at initial presentation, rate of recovery was lower (10 per cent); however, this data is likely biased by limited follow-up in more severe cases. Future prospective studies should evaluate prognosis for more severely affected patients.

In this study, we topically administered two antioxidant compounds, the manganese-porphyrin-derivatives BMX-001 and BMX-010, in a mouse model of allergic dermatitis and compared the efficacy for reduction of itch and inflammation. In vitro effects of BMX-001 and BMX-010 on keratinocytes, bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and T-cells were initially analysed. For assessment of scratching behaviour, BMX-001 and BMX-010 (0.01 and 0.1 %) were topically applied 16 h and/or 1 h before compound 48/80 or toluene-2,4,-diisocyanate (TDI) challenge in a TDI induced mouse dermatitis model. Additionally, assessment of allergic skin inflammation was performed in a similar manner in the TDI model. Post-treatment ear thickness was measured 24 h after TDI challenge and compared to basal values. The mice were sacrificed and the ear auricle was removed for further analysis. In vitro, both BMX substances significantly inhibited cytokine production of keratinocytes as well as of BMDC and T-cell proliferation. Topical treatment with BMX cream resulted in a significant decrease in scratching behaviour in the compound 48/80 model, but not in the TDI model. Mice treated with BMX-001 and BMX-010 showed a moderate dose dependent decrease in ear thickness, and interestingly, the concentration of the cytokines IL-1β and IL-4 in inflamed skin was reduced by 80-90 % by all treatment options. These first results suggest the potential benefit of a BMX-001 and BMX-010 cream for the treatment of allergic-inflammatory skin diseases.

Mycoplasma spp. are known from several chelonian and other reptilian species. We determined if turtles obtained by the Turtle Rescue Team at North Carolina State University are carriers of hemotropic Mycoplasma or Bartonella spp. Spleen samples were collected at necropsy during May through July, 2014 from 53 turtles of seven species. All turtles were dead or were euthanized upon arrival due to severe traumatic injuries, or they died shortly after beginning treatment. We used PCR amplification for both bacterial genera; Bartonella spp. DNA was not amplified. Based upon sequencing of the 16S rRNA subunit, one eastern box turtle ( Terrapene carolina carolina) and one yellow-bellied slider ( Trachemys scripta scripta) were infected with Mycoplasma spp. that have genetic similarities to strains that infect other animals.