Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Skin Nocardia infection in dogs treated with ciclosporin for atopic
By Siak, Meng K & Burrows, Amanda K·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2013·Animal Dermatology Clinic-Perth, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Cutaneous nocardiosis in two dogs receiving ciclosporin therapy for the management of canine atopic dermatitis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old mixed breed dog developed skin lesions after being treated with ciclosporin for atopic dermatitis (a skin allergy). Another dog, also on ciclosporin, showed signs of a more serious infection affecting multiple areas of its body. Both cases were linked to Nocardia, a type of bacteria that can cause infections in dogs with weakened immune systems. The veterinarians used tests to confirm the infection and suggested monitoring ciclosporin levels to help prevent such issues in the future. Treatment adjustments and close monitoring helped manage the infections.
People also search for: dog skin infection ciclosporin · atopic dermatitis treatment dog · Nocardia infection in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: 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. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of systemic immunosuppression and subsequent infection with Nocardia spp. in dogs receiving ciclosporin. ANIMALS: Cutaneous nocardiosis in two dogs receiving ciclosporin therapy for management of canine atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Histopathology, PCR for Nocardia spp. and computed tomography. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: 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 individuals which are at risk of opportunistic infections.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23781943/