title: Cutaneous nocardiosis in two dogs receiving ciclosporin therapy for the management of canine atopic dermatitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ciclosporin is a calcineurin inhibitor that is currently registered for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. The most common adverse effects include mild, transient gastrointestinal disturbances. Single case reports of opportunistic infections due to Nocardia spp., Neospora spp. and papillomaviruses have also been reported.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of systemic immunosuppression and subsequent infection with Nocardia spp. in dogs receiving ciclosporin.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cutaneous nocardiosis in two dogs receiving ciclosporin therapy for management of canine atopic dermatitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Histopathology, PCR for Nocardia spp. and computed tomography.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One dog developed disseminated nocardiosis due to Nocardia brasiliensis and a second dog developed localized cutaneous nocardiosis due to a novel Nocardia species subsequent to ciclosporin administration at the recommended dose rate for the management of canine atopic dermatitis. The second case was receiving a combination of ciclosporin and ketoconazole, and serum trough ciclosporin levels were elevated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of systemic immunosuppression and subsequent infection with Nocardia spp. in dogs receiving ciclosporin. Measurement of serum ciclosporin levels may be useful in identifying those individuals which are at risk of opportunistic infections.
authors.affiliation: Animal Dermatology Clinic-Perth, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Murdoch Veterinary Hospital, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia. m.siak@murdoch.edu.au
authors.forename: Meng K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Siak
authors.forename: Amanda K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Burrows
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009617:Nocardia Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine