A slow-release formulation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) incorporating gelatin hydrogel was administered to two dogs to induce early closure and epithelialization in decubitus ulcers. On the 7th day after the administration of the slow-release formulation, the decubitus ulcer showed a considerable reduction in the mean wound area with the reduction ratio of 39.4 ± 8.80% in both dogs. On the 3rd to 14th day after administration, the development of normal red granulation tissue was observed in both dogs, and thereafter wound epithelialization was also observed. On the 28th day after administration, both dogs achieved wound closure and no subsequent recurrence of the wound was observed. The present results show that a single dose of a slow-release formulation of bFGF incorporating gelatin hydrogel may accelerate healing of refractory decubitus ulcers in dogs.

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An 11-month-old, spayed female chinchilla was presented three times with an ulcerating skin lesion on the right shoulder. The skin was markedly fragile, tore easily when clipping the area under general anesthesia, and the extensibility index of the skin was increased by 23.3%. Surgical resection of the lesion, including subcutaneous tissue and the underlying muscle, was performed and the surgical wound healed well. Histology revealed derangement of the collagen fibers characaterized by diffuse scattered dermal collagenous fibers. Electron microscopy supported the histological diagnosis with derangement of the collagen fibers also noted. As other lesions including joints were not recognized, this case was diagnosed as cutaneous asthenia. Recurrence has not been observed for 9 months since the first diagnosis.

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A 16-year-old neutered male domestic cat was presented with anorexia and lethargy. The cat had severe emaciation at the initial visit. The skin was easily exfoliated when the skin of the dorsum thorax was picked up for evaluation of dehydration. Histopathological examination of the exfoliated skin revealed marked epidermal and follicular atrophy and decrease of the collagen fibers in the dermis. From these findings the cat was diagnosed as having feline acquired skin fragility syndrome. Various examinations were carried out to determine the underlying disease of the skin fragility. Pleural effusion was confirmed by chest radiography, and the disappearance of the liver structure was confirmed by ultrasonographic imaging. Although symptomatic therapy was carried out, the cat died 16 days after the initial visit. Hepatic lymphoma was confirmed by autopsy.

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A miniature dachshund (9 years old, male) and a Labrador retriever (7 years old, female) presented the severe infiltration of eosinophils into the subcorneal layer and dermis according to dermatohistopathology. Both cases were initially suspected as allergic dermatitis because of pruritus and supra-normal to high eosinophil counts in the peripheral blood. A direct imprint of the skin showed bacteria and neutrophils, but no acantholytic cell. Skin biopsy revealed eosinophilic pustules without bacterial infection, suggesting that these bacteria were due to secondary infection. The dachshund had complete remission after treatment with a high dose of steroid, but the retriever died despite medical treatment.

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