Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

THE SKIN AND COAT • 165
This Akita has pemphigus
foliaceus, showing extensive
face involvement.
yellow crusts. The crusts adhere to the underlying skin and hair. Areas of
depigmentation occur as the disease progresses.
Pemphigus foliaceus can involve the feet, causing thickening and cracking
of the foot pads, and pain when the dog puts weight on her feet. In some cases
the disease involves only the foot pads. Pemphigus foliaceus should be considered
whenever a dog with a painful limp has thickened or cracked foot pads.
Pemphigus erythematosus is a localized variant of pemphigus foliaceus
with involvement limited to the face, head, and foot pads. Collies and
German Shepherds appear to be at greatest risk. The disease is easily confused
with discoid lupus erythematosus (see page 166).
Pemphigus vulgaris is an uncommon disease in which blisters and ulcers
form at the junction of the skin and the mucous membranes. It involves the
lips, nostrils, and eyelids. It can also attack the nailbeds, with subsequent
shedding of the nails.
Pemphigus vegetans is an extremely rare form of pemphigus vulgaris. It is
characterized by flat-topped pustules in the skin folds of the armpits and
groin. Characteristically, the lesions heal with wartlike growths.
Treatment: There is no cure for any form of pemphigus, but more than 50
percent of dogs with pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus erythematosus can
be kept relatively free of symptoms using corticosteroids alone, or corticosteroids
in combination with immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide,
azathioprine, or chlorambucil. Treatment is life long. Sunscreen
applied to the depigmented skin of the nose helps to prevent ultraviolet
injury (see Collie Nose, page 224).
Pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus vegetans respond less well to treatment.