Francesco Albanese, Giulia Lazzarini, Margherita Orlandi, Andrea Pirone, Vincenzo Miragliotta, Enrico Mazzoni, Luca Pazzini, Maria Massaro, Luca Aresu, Francesca Abramo
{"title":"Cutaneous Reactive Histiocytosis in Golden Retrievers: An Immunohistochemical Approach.","authors":"Francesco Albanese, Giulia Lazzarini, Margherita Orlandi, Andrea Pirone, Vincenzo Miragliotta, Enrico Mazzoni, Luca Pazzini, Maria Massaro, Luca Aresu, Francesca Abramo","doi":"10.1111/vde.70104","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vde.70104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Canine cutaneous reactive histiocytosis (CRH) is a proliferative histiocytic disease characterised by the accumulation of dendritic cells (DCs). Differentiating CRH from other infectious or non-infectious granulomatous or histiocyte-rich diseases is challenging on histological evidence alone.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/objectives: </strong>This study aims to characterise the predominant histiocytic population in 11 golden retrievers with histological features compatible with CRH, using ionised calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and a validated macrophage antibodies cocktail for canine skin diseases.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Eleven golden retriever dogs were enrolled with a clinical and histological diagnosis of CRH.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Paraffin-embedded skin biopsy samples from cases with a confirmed diagnosis of CRH were evaluated to identify the histiocytic cell type. Two antibody reagents were used: (1) anti-Iba1 (goat polyclonal), a broad histiocytic marker and (2) a cocktail of rabbit recombinant monoclonal antibodies against CD11b, CD68, CD163, CD14 and CD16 to phenotype cutaneous macrophages.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All cases showed positive immunostaining with both antibodies. Although Iba1 immunostaining was diffuse in most of the histiocytoid cell population, only a few scattered histiocytoid cells stained with the anti-macrophage antibody cocktail.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and clinical relevance: </strong>Strong Iba1 positivity in the histiocytoid cells, together with their lack of staining for macrophage markers, supports a dendritic cell phenotype and is consistent with a diagnosis of CRH. In conclusion, using a macrophage marker in combination with a broad histiocytic marker may help to distinguish CRH from granulomatous, macrophage-rich diseases in paraffin-embedded skin tissue.</p>","PeriodicalId":23599,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"745-751"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13569199/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148391692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Standardising Assessment of Superficial Pyoderma in Dogs: Proposal of a Severity Score.","authors":"Mickaël Pinto, David Grass, Ina Herrmann","doi":"10.1111/vde.70086","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vde.70086","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Superficial pyoderma is common in dogs with atopic dermatitis, yet no validated and widely accepted severity scoring system exists.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/objectives: </strong>To develop a predictor for superficial pyoderma severity based on reliable objective lesion quantification combined with a clinician-assigned numerical severity rating.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Sixty client-owned dogs presenting with follicular papules, pustules, epidermal collarettes, and/or yellow crusts were prospectively enrolled.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Six clinicians assessed lesion types, numerical and categorical disease severity, and treatment efficacy at baseline and at up to two follow-up visits. Lesions were quantified by counting individual papules and pustules, and by standardised area measurements for confluent papules/pustules, epidermal collarettes and crusts. Inter- and intra-clinician reliability were evaluated. A predictive model for pyoderma severity was subsequently developed using lesion quantification and clinician-assigned numerical severity scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Recognition of specific lesion types and categorical severity assessments showed poor agreement between clinicians, indicating limited reliability for severity assessment. By contrast, combined lesion quantification demonstrated good inter- and intra-clinician reliability, and clinician-assigned numerical severity scores showed good inter-clinician reliability. The resulting predictive model demonstrated good agreement with clinician-assigned severity scores, estimating pyoderma severity on a continuous scale from 0 (no pyoderma) to 100 (worst conceivable pyoderma), with a mean absolute error of approximately nine severity points per case.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and clinical relevance: </strong>The proposed scoring system relies on combined lesion quantification without the need for subjective categorical grading. Although further validation is required, it provides a foundation for objective assessment of superficial pyoderma severity and introduces a mathematical model that translates combined lesion burden into clinician-perceived disease severity.</p>","PeriodicalId":23599,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"609-619"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13569156/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148424668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vera Felten, Erin Asley West, Franco Martini, Claude Favrot, Stefan Unterer, Jan Suchodolski, Michael Scharl, Harald Renz, Nina Maria Fischer, Ana Rostaher
{"title":"Faecal Microbiota Transplantation Reduces Lesion Severity and Medication Use in Canine Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.","authors":"Vera Felten, Erin Asley West, Franco Martini, Claude Favrot, Stefan Unterer, Jan Suchodolski, Michael Scharl, Harald Renz, Nina Maria Fischer, Ana Rostaher","doi":"10.1111/vde.70092","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vde.70092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an established therapy for gastrointestinal disease, yet its role in canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/objectives: </strong>We hypothesised that adjunctive FMT improves clinical severity and reduces symptomatic medication use in dogs with cAD. The objective was to evaluate efficacy and safety versus placebo.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Forty-six client-owned dogs with naturally occurring cAD were enrolled from a referral hospital population; 40 completed the study (FMT n = 20, placebo n = 20).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Dogs received daily oral lyophilised FMT capsules for 90 days plus three monthly rectal FMT administrations (Day [D]0, D30, D60) or placebo capsules with sham handling. Concomitant symptomatic therapies were permitted. Outcomes included Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, fourth iteration (CADESI-04), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), Medication Score (D0-90) and Owner Global Assessment of Treatment Efficacy (OGATE, D90).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CADESI-04 scores were lower with FMT at month (M) 2 (7 ± 6 vs. 16 ± 12; p = 0.006) and month 3 (8 ± 6 vs. 15 ± 12; p = 0.020). Sustained responders (≥ 50% CADESI-04 improvement at M2 and M3) were more frequent with FMT (35% vs. 5%; p = 0.044). In the FMT group, the medication scores were lower at M2 (16 ± 10 vs. 23 ± 11; p = 0.033) and M3 (13 ± 10 vs. 24 ± 15; p = 0.007) compared to placebo. PVAS decreased in both groups without between-group differences. OGATE favoured FMT (p = 0.028). FMT was well tolerated.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and clinical relevance: </strong>Adjunctive FMT reduced lesion severity and medication requirements, supporting its use as a safe microbiome-based add-on therapy in cAD.</p>","PeriodicalId":23599,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"735-744"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13569286/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148240157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Successful Treatment of Idiopathic Follicular Mucinosis in a Golden Retriever: Clinical, Dermoscopic and Histopathological Findings.","authors":"Elisa Theuerkauff, Martina Dettwiler, Maren Dölle","doi":"10.1111/vde.70067","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vde.70067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Follicular mucinosis is a rare form of alopecia in dogs characterised by deposition of mural mucin, leading to hair loss, favouring the face, neck and limbs. This report documents its histopathological features, dermoscopic findings, clinical course and successful treatment in a golden retriever dog with follicular mucinosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":23599,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"577-580"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13569362/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lotta Pänkälä, Kirsti Schildt, Anna Huupponen, Antti Sukura, Seppo Saari
{"title":"Canine Sarcoidosis Treated Successfully With Oclacitinib: A Case Report.","authors":"Lotta Pänkälä, Kirsti Schildt, Anna Huupponen, Antti Sukura, Seppo Saari","doi":"10.1111/vde.70070","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vde.70070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A male Finnish Lapphund presented with widespread papular skin lesions, which were diagnosed as cutaneous sarcoidosis based on histopathological results. Multiple diagnostic techniques, including bacterial and fungal culture, special staining, electron microscopy and in situ hybridisation, failed to identify a specific causative agent. Remission was achieved with oral oclacitinib.</p>","PeriodicalId":23599,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"775-779"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13569276/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147522026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Camilo J Morales, Stephen D White, Verena K Affolter, Catherine A Outerbridge, K Gary Magdesian, Tyler J M Jordan
{"title":"Long-Term Use of Oclacitinib Maleate for the Management of Pemphigus Foliaceus in a Miniature Donkey.","authors":"Camilo J Morales, Stephen D White, Verena K Affolter, Catherine A Outerbridge, K Gary Magdesian, Tyler J M Jordan","doi":"10.1111/vde.70071","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vde.70071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 6-year-old miniature jenny was presented with pruritus, scaling, crusting and alopecia. Pemphigus foliaceus was diagnosed based on history, clinical presentation and histological findings. The jenny was successfully managed with oclacitinib maleate, with and without low-dose prednisolone, for over a 4 year period without adverse effects or signs of toxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":23599,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"659-663"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13569183/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christina M Dierkes, Daniel O Morris, Christine L Cain, Laurel E Redding, Maho Okumura, Alison Gore, Stephen D Cole
{"title":"Screening Equine Skin and Mucous Membranes for Carriage of Coagulase-Positive Staphylococci.","authors":"Christina M Dierkes, Daniel O Morris, Christine L Cain, Laurel E Redding, Maho Okumura, Alison Gore, Stephen D Cole","doi":"10.1111/vde.70099","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vde.70099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Commensal populations of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp. (CoPS) in healthy horses are not well-defined.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the point prevalence, anatomical distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility and genomic characteristics of CoPS in healthy horses.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>One-hundred and fifty privately owned, systemically healthy horses from seven facilities were enrolled in this study.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Horses were sampled from the nares, buccal mucosa and three skin sites. Isolates were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by gradient diffusion. Whole-genome sequencing with multilocus sequence typing (MLST) characterised Staphylococcus aureus lineages. In silico PCR differentiated Group A and Group B Staphylococcus delphini. Sampling site sensitivity was calculated using a multisite composite reference. Mixed-effects logistic regression evaluated associations between demographic factors and carriage.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Carriage of any staphylococcal species occurred in 111 of 150 (74%) horses: S. aureus 28 of 150 horses (18.7%) and S. delphini 23 of 150 horses (15.3%). Increasing age was associated with decreased odds of CoPS isolation (odds ratio 0.92/year; 95% confidence interval 0.86-0.98). The nares were the most sensitive single sampling site, whereas multisite sampling improved detection. Meticillin-resistance was absent in all CoPS isolates, and S. delphini isolates were fully susceptible to all antimicrobials tested. MLST revealed multiple S. aureus sequence types, some of which were shared across multiple horses at some boarding facilities. Both groups of S. delphini lineage were identified, although many isolates were nontypable.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and clinical relevance: </strong>Healthy horses harbour S. aureus and S. delphini, with minimal antimicrobial resistance. Shared S. aureus sequence types within facilities suggest possible lateral transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":23599,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"681-687"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13569202/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148333099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Management and Clinical Outcomes of Cats With Ceruminoliths: A Retrospective Study of 31 Cases.","authors":"Mélanie Moreira André, Pascal Prélaud, Amaury Briand","doi":"10.1111/vde.70065","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vde.70065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ceruminoliths are accumulations of cerumen and cornified material, in the ear canal that can obstruct the tympanic region (proximal external acoustic meatus). Management typically involves ceruminolytic agents or otic lavage under general anaesthesia.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/objectives: </strong>To describe the clinical presentation, management and outcomes of cats diagnosed with ceruminoliths.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Medical records of cats diagnosed between 2011 and 2024 were reviewed.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Inclusion criteria were visual confirmation of ceruminoliths by otoendoscopy, initiation of treatment and at least one follow-up examination. Treatment efficacy was assessed using otoendoscopy and an owner global assessment of treatment efficacy (OGATE).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-one cats were included; 26 underwent otoendoscopy-guided lavage under general anaesthesia combined with medical treatment, while five received medical treatment alone. Ceruminolytic cleaners and short-term systemic glucocorticoids (2-7 days) were commonly prescribed. Tympanic lesions were frequent, with perforation in 10 cats and thickening/discolouration in five. At final recheck, four cats had tympanic scarring or other irregularities, and one tympanic perforation persisted. At the initial follow-up, 55% of cats were free of ceruminoliths. At final follow-up, 65% remained recurrence-free. OGATE data were available for 15 owners: 60% reported a positive response, with five rating the outcome as excellent and four as good.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and clinical relevance: </strong>Tympanic lesions were frequent and sometimes permanent. The recurrence of ceruminoliths highlights the need to investigate underlying predisposing factors. This study emphasises the importance of recognising tympanic involvement and the necessity of long-term monitoring in affected cats.</p>","PeriodicalId":23599,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"827-832"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13569158/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147514929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Caroline Williams, Alicia Webb Milum, Samantha Andritsch, Michael E von Fricken, Meagan Painter
{"title":"Applying the Health Belief Model to Identify Factors Associated With Owner Persistence to Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy.","authors":"Caroline Williams, Alicia Webb Milum, Samantha Andritsch, Michael E von Fricken, Meagan Painter","doi":"10.1111/vde.70072","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vde.70072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only treatment targeting the pathophysiology of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) and feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS). Despite its disease-modifying potential, owner persistence remains a clinical challenge. This study applied the Health Belief Model (HBM) to evaluate factors influencing owner persistence with ASIT.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/objectives: </strong>We hypothesised that owner perceptions of ASIT effectiveness, perceived barriers (e.g., cost) and ease of treatment integration would be associated with persistence. The objective was to identify modifiable psychological and logistical factors to support sustained ASIT use in cAD and FASS management.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>No animals were used.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Pets prescribed ASIT between 1 January 2020 and 31 May 2024, were identified from four geographically diverse veterinary dermatology practices. Owners completed a survey assessing HBM constructs-perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, social support-and a knowledge domain. Owner-reported ASIT refill behaviour served as a proxy for persistence. Associations between HBM constructs and refill behaviour were evaluated using chi-square tests and logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Higher perceived disease severity, greater perceived benefits and increased self-efficacy were positively associated with persistence. Owners who viewed their pet's condition as severe, believed ASIT effective, or felt confident administering treatment were more likely to continue therapy. Cost concerns and administration challenges were key perceived barriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and clinical relevance: </strong>This study highlights the psychological factors in owner persistence with ASIT. HBM-informed educational strategies that emphasise disease impact, treatment value and owner confidence may improve persistence with ASIT and long-term disease management.</p>","PeriodicalId":23599,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"713-721"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13569391/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147634259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eun-Seo Shin, Soh-Yoon Kang, Min-Sun Kim, Cheol-Yong Hwang
{"title":"Associations Between Otic Cytological Findings and Clinical Severity by Pathogen Group in Canine Otitis Externa: A Retrospective Study of 318 Cases.","authors":"Eun-Seo Shin, Soh-Yoon Kang, Min-Sun Kim, Cheol-Yong Hwang","doi":"10.1111/vde.70107","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vde.70107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Otic cytological assessment is routinely used in canine otitis externa (OE) to assess microbial burden and inflammation. Evidence that cytological findings are associated with clinical severity, particularly by pathogen group, remains limited.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate associations between otic cytological findings and clinical severity in canine OE, overall and by pathogen group.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Three hundred and eighteen client-owned dogs with OE presented to a referral dermatological service.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Clinical severity was scored using the Otitis Index Score 3 (OTIS3; 0-12). Cytological findings were evaluated using a semiquantitative 0-3 scale for cocci, rods and Malassezia, based on predefined institutional criteria. A total cytological score (0-9) was calculated as the sum of the scores for the three groups. Neutrophil presence was also recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>OTIS3 scores showed a moderate correlation with total cytological score (p < 0.0001; Spearman's r = 0.45). Scores increased significantly with higher cocci and rod cytological scores (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.0001), while Malassezia scores were not. OTIS3 scores also were significantly higher when neutrophils were present.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and clinical relevance: </strong>Associations between otic cytological findings and clinical severity of OE varied by pathogen group. Greater clinical severity was associated with neutrophil presence and bacterial burden. These findings support the interpretation of cytological findings combined with OTIS3 for assessment and monitoring of canine OE.</p>","PeriodicalId":23599,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"858-864"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13569214/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148620962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}