Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is one of the most important nosocomial pathogens of humans, has recently emerged in animals. The predominant staphylococcal species in dogs is S. pseudintermedius. Methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) is now increasingly common in veterinary medicine. Since identification of S. pseudintermedius requires molecular methods, commercial clinical laboratories have not been able to identify it. This study reviewed etiologic agents in 10 dogs with pyoderma from which MRSA had been previously isolated in a clinical laboratory. Exudate swabbed from each dog was analyzed by two commercial laboratories (Lab A and B) and also by multiplex-PCR (M-PCR) for species identification of coagulase-positive staphylococci. The three results were compared. Among 10 isolated strains, 8 strains were identified as S. pseudintermedius, and 2 were identified as S. schleiferi by M-PCR. All strains except for one were tested positive for methicillin resistance. Results from both commercial clinical laboratories were poor. Lab A misidentified 9 strains as MRSA. Lab B reported none of the strains as methicillin-resistant and identified 7 strains at genus level (Staphylococcus sp.). It is essential to determine methicillin resistance in staphylococcal infections and the criteria differ with species, thus inadequate species identification could have an adverse effect on treatment decisions.

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Clinical efficacy of Malaseb™ containing 2% miconazole nitrate and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in topical management of Malassezia dermatitis was evaluated in a randomized, investigator-blinded, 1% selenium disulfide shampoo-controlled trial. One hundred twenty six dogs with Malassezia dermatitis were divided into Malaseb™ and control using a random number table. Skin lesions including erythema, scales, seborrhea and pruritus were scored before and after the trial by the investigators. Culture tests were performed before and after the trial as the evaluation of Staphylococcus spp. and Malassezia spp. Total score and all skin lesion’s score after the trial showed significantly lower levels than before the trial (P≤0.001). Total score after the trial in Malaseb™ revealed significantly lower level than control (P≤0.001). Two groups after the trial had significantly low counts of Staphylococcus spp. and Malassezia spp., and did not show significantly difference. However, Malaseb™ revealed lower counts of Staphylococcus spp. and Malassezia spp. than control. Malaseb™ had 7.1% adverse effects with mild symptoms, and two groups did not show significantly differences of adverse effects (P=0.718). Based on these results, it is indicated that Malaseb™ is an effective and safe topical therapy in dogs with Malassezia dermatitis.

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Four miniature Dachshunds with juvenile onset, severe peripheral edema are described. All dogs developed edema at 3 to 5 months old at the pinnae, tail and it was observed at the muzzle, periocular area, extremities, and prepuce in some. Physical examination and blood examinations included complete blood count, and serum chemistry analysis showed no evidence suggesting a primary cause of edema in three cases. Case 4 showed temporary, moderate hypoalbuminemia, but no clinical and laboratory findings to lead underline disorders were found. Histopathologic findings revealed pale-staining collagen losing its fibrillar character with extensive edema in the dermis in all dogs. Based on these findings, congenital vascular disturbance in the skin was suspected and the edema was reduced after administration with tocopherol nicotinate and/or carbazochrome sodium sulfonate hydrate.

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