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

166 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
BULLOUS PEMPHIGOID
This is an uncommon autoimmune skin disease in which blisters, bullae, and
ulcerative erosions are found on the skin of the trunk, groin, armpits, and
abdomen. Collies and Doberman Pinschers appear to be predisposed. This
disease also affects the foot pads, and 80 percent of cases ultimately involve
the mouth.
Treatment: Treatment is similar to that for pemphigus foliaceus (page
164). The outlook for improvement is poor.
LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS COMPLEX
Lupus erythematosus is an immune-mediated disease in which the antigenantibody
complex lodges in the small vessels of many organs, including the
skin. The exact stimulus for the antigen-antibody reaction is unknown. Two
types of lupus occur in dogs.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
This is a complex disease affecting several body parts, including the skin, kidneys,
heart, and joints. The first indication may be a stilted gait or lameness
that wanders from joint to joint. Eventually, the lungs, nervous system, lymph
nodes, and spleen may be involved.
Skin involvement is especially evident about the face and over the nose
and muzzle, but may be found elsewhere. An erosive dermatitis, characterized
by vesicles and pustules, develops in these areas, and is followed by crusting,
oozing, and hair loss. The mucous membranes of the mouth are often
involved. The foot pads can become thickened and ulcerated and may eventually
shed. Anemia and bleeding problems may develop. Secondary pyoderma
is a major cause of death.
The diagnosis is difficult, but is aided by a skin biopsy and an antinuclear
antibody (ANA) test. This test is positive in 90 percent of cases.
Treatment: Treatment depends on what organs are involved. Most cases
require chemotherapy. Secondary pyoderma must be treated aggressively. The
outlook for long-term control is guarded.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
This is the second most common autoimmune skin disease, after pemphigus
foliaceus. It is considered to be a milder form of systemic lupus and is limited
to the face. Depigmentation of the nose is usually followed by the appearance
of open sores and crusts. Collies, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies,
Shetland Sheepdogs, Brittanys, and German Shorthaired Pointers are most
often affected. The typical appearance and location of discoid lupus, and the
absence of other sites of skin involvement, make the diagnosis almost certain.