German Shepherd dog pyoderma: a prospective study of 23 cases

Abstract

Twenty-three German Shepherd dogs aected with recurrent deep pyoderma (GSP) were studied prospectively. After selection according to inclusive and exclusive criteria, parameters of humoral and cellmediated immunity were examined. Radial immunodiusion showed high levels of IgG and low levels of IgA. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were analysed by¯ow cytometry. The CD8 subpopulation was abnormally elevated, while the CD4 cell subpopulation was decreased. German Shepherd pyoderma is thus associated with immunological factors.

Immunological Indicators in Dogs Affected by Deep Pyoderma

“…Most likely, Th-lymphocytes in this group of dogs were immunosuppressed and this effect of glucocorticoids persisted for more than one month. Generally, these findings agree well with those described in German shepherd dogs (Chabanne et al 1995;Denerolle et al 1998); however, changes in T and B cells have been observed in dogs without dermatological symptoms as well, which may be indicative of immunodeficiency of a primary origin. Some of the autoimmune diseases, e.g.…”

“…The observation of increased counts of neutrophils and decreased counts of lymphocytes in dogs affected by deep pyoderma corresponds to previous findings (Denerolle et al 1998;Toman et al 1998). While the former is most likely a direct result of chronic bacterial inflammation of skin, the latter could be a consequence of immunosuppressive effects of bacterial superantigens (Barta and Turnwald 1983).…”

“…As a result of the superantigen effect, the TNF∝ and IL-2 cytokines are massively released from T lymphocytes. There are also superantigens activating the B lymphocyte system in response to staphylococcal protein A, which is part of the bacterial wall and is able to interact with immunoglobulin Fc fragment (Denerolle et al 1998) .…”

“…Deep pyoderma of German Shepherds is known to be associated with marked alteration of immune status of affected dogs (Chabanne et al 1995;Toman et al 1997;Denerolle et al 1998). However, there is only little information about impairment of immune system in deep pyoderma of other breeds (Toman et al 1998).…”

Quantificação de subpopulações linfocitárias no sangue periférico de cães sadios adultos

“…É possível que existam diferenças entre as raças na atividade do sistema imune. Chabanne et al (1995) e Denerolle et al (1998) ressaltam que a piodermite em Pastores Alemães pode levar a uma redistribuição das subpopulações linfocitárias nesses animais. Os citados autores asseveram que a baixa contagem combinada com a reduzida atividade de linfócitos circulantes, nesses cães, pode levar à maior susceptibilidade dos mesmos à enfermidade.…”