title: Focal metatarsal sinus tracts in a Weimaraner successfully managed with ciclosporin.
abstract: Focal metatarsal sinus tracts ('fistulation') are, to the authors knowledge, reported for the first time in a Weimaraner. The six-year-old, entire male had a five-month history of two symmetrical, well-demarcated sinuses on the plantar aspect of each metatarsus. The area surrounding each pair of sinuses was slightly fluctuant and a serosanguineous discharge could be expressed. Cytological examination of the discharge was characteristic of pyogranulomatous inflammation. Bacterial culture showed the material to be sterile. Examination of a skin biopsy revealed a severe inflammatory reaction involving the dermal collagen, with an infiltrate of neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells and multi-nucleated giant cells, with some micro-pustule formation. Treatment with ciclosporin induced total remission. Reduction of the dose of ciclosporin resulted in recurrence of the physical signs with further remission on re-introduction of the original dosage. This is the first report of the use of ciclosporin to control this condition.
authors.affiliation: University of Edinburgh, Dermatology Unit, Division of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Obwolo
authors.forename: A H M
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: van den Broek
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Thoday
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones; D015434:Panniculitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine