Ciclosporin is an immunosuppressive drug that has been used to treat allergies and other immune-mediated diseases in cats, dogs and humans. Information about the adverse effects of ciclosporin in cats has been limited to smaller studies and case reports. Adverse effects in dogs are mainly gastrointestinal in nature, but humans can also experience hypertension and altered renal function. The aim of this retrospective case series study was to document the occurrence and clinical appearance of adverse events in cats receiving ciclosporin to treat allergic skin disease. The medical records of 50 cats with allergic dermatitis treated with oral ciclosporin (1.9-7.3 mg/kg/day) were reviewed. Adverse events occurred in 66% (33 cats). Adverse events likely to be associated with ciclosporin included the following: vomiting or diarrhoea within 1-8 weeks of receiving ciclosporin (24%), weight loss (16%), anorexia and subsequent hepatic lipidosis (2%) and gingival hyperplasia (2%). Other adverse events less likely to be associated with ciclosporin therapy included the following: weight gain (14%), dental tartar and gingivitis (10%), otitis (4%), chronic diarrhoea (4%), inflammatory bowel disease with indolent gastrointestinal lymphoma (2%), urinary tract infection (2%), cataract (2%), elevated liver enzymes (2%), hyperthyroidism and renal failure (2%) and transient inappropriate urination (2%). Some cats experienced multiple adverse events. Case-control studies are needed to prove cause and effect of ciclosporin with regard to these adverse events.

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This study supports a potential benefit of adjunctive zinc methionine supplementation in CAD. Dogs receiving glucocorticoids may be more likely to benefit. Further studies are needed to substantiate these initial results.

Sheep are a potential source of livestock-associated meticillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ST398.

Background: The use of azathioprine (AZA) in dogs is limited by the potential for hepatotoxicity and myelosuppression.Hypothesis/Objectives: To determine the prevalence of AZA-associated hepatotoxicity in dogs with dermatological conditions receiving alternate-day AZA. The hypothesis was that dogs receiving AZA every other day (EOD) would have a lower prevalence of hepatotoxicity compared to published data for dogs receiving daily AZA. A secondary aim was to determine the prevalence of AZA-associated myelosuppression over the same time period and population.Animals: Forty-one client-owned dogs with dermatological conditions treated with AZA EOD and glucocorticoids with clinical and haematological follow-up available for a minimum of two months of AZA therapy.Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from April 1994 to July 2020.Hepatotoxicity was defined as elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at least twofold above the reference range.Results: Azathioprine-associated hepatotoxicity was observed in two of 41 dogs (4.9%), with onset at 18 and 40 days, respectively. One dog receiving AZA at 1.9 mg/kg EOD had a fourfold increase in ALT. The other dog (AZA dose 2.3 mg/kg EOD) had a 30-fold increase in ALT. Azathioprine was not associated with thrombocytopenia, anaemia or neutropenia in any dogs.Lymphopenia developed in one dog (2.4%) with onset at 105 days. Conclusions and clinical relevance:Alternate-day AZA administration with tapering glucocorticoids was well-tolerated in dogs with dermatological conditions.