Microneedling for dogs

Hello, Summarians!

It is fun to see techniques that transfer between humans and veterinary medicine. Here are a couple of examples of those technologies.

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Microneedling in Dogs

The study conducted by Kang et al. investigates the effects of microneedling (MN) on hair cycle arrest (HCA), a common condition in dogs, particularly Pomeranians, that leads to noninflammatory symmetrical alopecia. This cosmetic issue is characterized by hair loss primarily on the trunk while sparing the extremities and head. Differential diagnosis includes ruling out endocrinopathies like hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism due to their similar dermatological signs. The pathogenesis of HCA is not well understood, but genetic factors such as breed predisposition and early age of onset suggest a genetic origin. Research has explored the genetic underpinnings of HCA through transcriptome profiling and whole-genome sequencing, revealing a downregulation of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway-related genes and a mutation in MAP3K20, which is related to the noncanonical Wnt pathway. These pathways are critical for hair growth during the anagen phase of the hair cycle. 

The study's goal was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MN using three different needle lengths (1, 2, and 3 mm) in treating HCA in dogs. Six dogs, including five Pomeranians and one mixed breed, diagnosed with HCA participated in the study. Each dog's alopecic sites were divided into three sections, treated with different needle lengths, and observed over 20 months. The results showed that 3 mm needles provided the most effective hair regrowth, with recurrence of hair loss observed in five out of six dogs between 5 and 16 months post-treatment. Some dogs experienced transient pruritus, and the study noted that longer needles required stronger sedation due to increased pain. 

The study suggests that while MN can induce hair regrowth in dogs with HCA, recurrence is common, and adverse effects like pruritus can occur. The use of longer needles (3 mm) was associated with better hair regrowth outcomes but also required more careful consideration of pain management. These findings highlight the need for further research to establish standardized protocols for MN in treating HCA, taking into account the balance between efficacy, safety, and animal welfare. 

Kang YH, Kim MS, Kang SY, Hyun JE, Hwang CY. Optimal microneedle length for hair regrowth in hair cycle arrest (alopecia X) in six dogs. Vet Dermatol. 2024 Apr;35(2):184-193. doi: 10.1111/vde.13219. Epub 2023 Dec 6. PMID: 38057943. 

Bottom line — Seems to work but needs long-term studies.

Soaked Hay vs Pellets in Asthma Horses.

The study investigated the effects of soaked hay versus pelleted hay on horses with severe asthma, focusing on lung function, inflammation, and clinical scores. The main findings are: 

• Soaked Hay Improvements: Soaked hay improved respiratory clinical scores and lung function, but not pulmonary neutrophilia. Owners reported decreased coughing and overall clinical improvement. The efficacy of soaked hay may be underestimated due to short soaking times by some owners, the persistence of dust in improperly soaked hay, and the immediate environmental improvements not being replicated in typical stables. 

• Pellets for Lung Inflammation: Pellets improved clinical scores, lung function, and pulmonary neutrophilia. The study suggests that feeding position and possibly the complete removal of dust through pellet feeding contribute to these improvements. 

• Limitations and Practical Considerations of Soaked Hay: Despite clinical improvements, soaked hay increases bacterial content, potentially exposing horses to higher endotoxin levels. The practice also presents logistical challenges, including increased labor, environmental concerns with disposal of soaking water, and the physical handling of heavier, soaked hay. 

• Nutrient Loss and Weight Loss with Soaked Hay: Soaking hay results in loss of water-soluble carbohydrates, minerals, and proteins, which can lead to weight loss in horses despite no change in body condition scores observed in this study. It underscores the need for careful nutritional management and monitoring when using soaked hay as part of a dust-reduction strategy. 

• Conclusion: Soaked hay can be an effective part of a dust-reduction program for horses with severe asthma, improving clinical scores, lung function, and mucus scores. However, its limitations, including potential nutrient loss, increased labor, and environmental concerns, make it less practical in some settings. Pelleted diets offer an alternative with more consistent improvements in lung inflammation but may not be suitable for all situations due to cost or other constraints. 

This study highlights the complexity of managing asthma in horses, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes environmental control, dietary management, and possibly pharmacological interventions to effectively reduce dust exposure and improve the health and welfare of affected horses. 

Westerfeld R, Payette F, Dubuc V, et al. Effects of soaked hay on lung function and airway inflammation in horses with severe asthma. J Vet Intern Med. 2024; 38(1): 469-476. doi:10.1111/jvim.16919 

Bottom line — Soaked hay can work but has limitations

AI to Diagnose KCS

This study delves into the significant challenges and advancements in diagnosing Dry Eye Disease (DED) in veterinary medicine, highlighting the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods like the tear film break-up time (TFBUT) test, which suffers from subjectivity and the destabilizing effects of fluorescein dye on the precorneal tear film (PTF). In contrast, noninvasive break-up time (NIBUT) tests, utilizing advanced corneal topography techniques, offer a more objective and repeatable alternative for diagnosing DED, though their use in veterinary medicine remains limited. 

The integration of deep learning, particularly the use of the YOLO algorithm for object detection, represents a novel approach to enhancing the objectivity and reliability of DED diagnostics. By analyzing video images of the corneal surface without invasive dyes or solutions, a deep learning model can assess the stability of the tear film, distinguishing between normal and abnormal conditions with high precision and recall. This method, leveraging the capabilities of modern computational technology and artificial intelligence, offers a promising avenue for improving the diagnosis and understanding of DED in animals. 

Moreover, the study underscores the need for further research to establish standardized reference values for normal tear film stability in veterinary patients, which is essential for the broader adoption of NIBUT and deep learning models in clinical practice. By combining noninvasive diagnostic techniques with the analytical power of deep learning, veterinary ophthalmology can advance towards more accurate, objective, and efficient diagnostics for DED, ultimately enhancing the quality of care for affected animals. 

Kim, J.Y., Han, M.G., Chun, J.H. et al. Developing a diagnosis model for dry eye disease in dogs using object detection. Sci Rep 12, 21351 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-25867-y 

Bottom line — This protocol would remove a lot of subjectivity.

Just putting things in perspective …