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

Treatment: Discoid lupus can be successfully managed with oral and/or
topical corticosteroids. Oral vitamin E in a dose of 400 IU given every 12
hours, two hours before or after meals, is reported to be beneficial. Apply topical
sunscreens during periods of exposure to sunlight (see Collie Nose, page
224). Sunblock may help as a preventative measure, as well. Ultraviolet
injury severely aggravates this problem.
TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS
Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a rare, ulcerative skin disease that appears to be
triggered by various drugs, internal cancers, infections, and unknown factors.
Blebs, ulcers, and erosions develop suddenly and progress rapidly. The mouth
and foot pads are frequently involved.
This is an extremely painful skin disease. The dog is severely depressed and
refuses to eat. The death rate approaches 30 percent.
Treatment: Treatment involves stopping all suspect medications and correcting
any underlying cause. Corticosteroids, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics
are required during the acute phase of illness to support the circulation.
Recovery takes two to three weeks.
ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME
THE SKIN AND COAT • 167
Ulceration of the skin of
the nose, with open sores
and crusts, is typical of
discoid lupus erythematosus.
Erythema multiforme is an acute eruption of the skin and mucous membranes.
The characteristic skin lesion is a round or oval targetlike skin eruption with
a red rim and central blanching. There is an association with drugs, infections,
tumors, and connective tissue diseases. Erythema multiforme tends to
be less severe than toxic epidermal necrolysis.