Clinical and laboratory findings of induced contact dermatitis in Egyptian Baladi dogs

Abstract

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) in five healthy male baladi dogs was induced by spraying sodium hypochlorite 5.25% for successive 16 days. Dogs were subjected to clinical examination, serum biochemical analysis of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as complete blood cell count (CBC) analysis before and after spraying and treatment. Histopathological examination of resulting skin lesions was investigated. The results revealed appearance of erythema, alopecia and slight congestion of conjunctival mucus membrane. Significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in TAC was recorded at day 16 post spraying where obvious lesions were observed. No significant change in hematological and serum CRP values was recorded. Loss of stratum corneum, hemorrhage, necrosis of the epidermal cells associated with inflammatory cells infiltration in the epidermis and the dermis, congestion of the dermal capillaries and acanthosis were observed. The dogs were treated for 14 days using topical tacrolimus, antihistaminic drug (Cetirizine dihydrochloride) and fatty acids (omega 3 plus). It can be concluded that routine using of sodium hypochlorite 5.25% without dilution in household cleaning solution can lead to ICD. Decreased serum level of TAC is mainly responsible for progress of clinical signs. Topical tacrolimus was an effective drug for contact dermatitis. The work aimed to induce of irritant contact dermatitis by sodium hypochlorite 5.25% and determine any change in the hematology and sero-biochemical parameters as well as histopathological examinations. Also, how to manage and treat resulting skin lesions.