The skin diseases are among the most feared diseases by tutor’s dogs. Not only do they deteriorate the physical appearance of the animal, but they can also significantly decrease its quality of life, compromising its health in a dangerous way. It is known that the general management of skin diseases is quite complicated, this is because many skin lesions are similar and this tends to confuse people. In many cases, the development of the disease makes it difficult to identify it early, and when the guardian becomes aware of it, it becomes a little more difficult for the veterinarian to carry out a quick and efficient resolution.
In this article we will talk about a very popular skin disease in veterinary medicine that bears the name “pemphigus”. Learn all the information about pemphigus in dogs, its symptoms and treatment.
What is pemphigus in dogs?
Pemphigus complex is an autoimmune integumentary condition (type II hypersensitivity), characterized by the appearance of certain lesions that are usually very varied. Lesions can range from vesicular / pustular (blisters and pustules) to erosive / ulcerative (ulcers).
It is a rare disease, but it is widely studied due to its pathogenesis. Being an autoimmune disease, in tissue tests carried out to confirm the pathology, antibodies may be seen, which in this case lose their function and attack healthy cells and tissues of the body. Therefore, if the affected antibodies are in deeper layers of the skin, the disease will manifest itself in a more serious way. It should be noted that, on some occasions, the gum tissue can also be affected.
The sign most associated with pemphigus is acantholysis, which is defined as the separation and rupture of skin cells due to the deposits of antibodies present in their possession.
Types of pemphigus in dogs
According to the lesions it produces, pemphigus in dogs can be classified as follows:
- Pemphigus foliaceus: in this type of pemphigus, antibodies are deposited in the outermost layers of the skin, so we will see superficial lesions, mostly. It is the most common type of pemphigus in canines.
- Erythematous pemphigus: in this case, the lesions are usually combined. Superficial lesions such as pemphigus foliaceus are noted, but in certain parts the ulcers tend to be deeper.
- Pemphigus vulgaris: This type of pemphigus causes deeper and much more serious ulcers. It is usually more painful and very characteristic.
- Vegetating pemphigus: It is the rarest form of pemphigus and has been described that it only affects the dog. It is quite similar to pemphigus vulgaris, but the lesions are less severe.
Signs and symptoms of pemphigus in dogs
The signs that we can see at the skin level can also be differentiated according to many factors. The type of pemphigus present, of course, influences, but the patient’s immune status plays a fundamental role in the deterioration of their skin. The age, breed and nutritional status of the animal are very important factors when it comes to perceiving the development of the disease. The signs and symptoms of pemphigus in dogs according to their types are the following:
Symptoms of pemphigus foliaceus in dogs
Normally, with this type of pemphigus in dogs the ears, pads and head are affected, although generalized lesions are also usually seen. The signs are:
- Scales, superficial ulcers, pustules, redness of the skin.
- Abnormal growth of the footpad.
- Fluid-filled sacs or cysts on the skin
- Pain, fever, general malaise, claudication due to deterioration of the pads.
The image shows a case of pemphigus foliaceus.
Symptoms of Erythematous Pemphigus in Dogs
In addition to all the lesions of pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus can be differentiated by loss of color on the lips. Likewise, generalized deterioration generally does not occur in this type of pemphigus, affecting the head and ears area more.
Symptoms of pemphigus vulgaris in dogs
As we mentioned earlier, this type of pemphigus is the most serious of all. Ulcers tend to spread practically throughout the dog’s skin and gain more depth, which is why it is accompanied by clear symptoms of depression in the patient, in addition to the following:
- Fever
- Depression
- Anorexy
- Loss of appetite (especially if the animal has lesions in the mouth).
- Secondary bacterial infections.
- Excessive itching
Symptoms of vegetative pemphigus in dogs
This type of canine pemphigus has few or no symptoms of general disease. The lesions are usually suppurating and do not affect the mouth in most cases.
Is pemphigus in dogs contagious?
No, as it is an autoimmune disease, pemphigus in dogs is not contagious. At this point, it is important to remember that it is a skin disease that occurs because certain antibodies stop performing their function to attack healthy cells and tissues. Therefore, there is no possibility of contagion.
Diagnosis of pemphigus in dogs
The diagnosis of this skin disease is based on a correct anamnesis and laboratory tests, since the lesions produced on the skin can have many causes. The location of the lesions can guide the veterinarian correctly and may have pemphigus within the presumptive diagnoses, but the final decision goes through the laboratory. A skin biopsy is indicated, as is the use of Wood’s lamp, an artifact used to rule out conditions associated with fungi in the dog. Even when only the affected skin is seen, the veterinarian may have more information about her patient by performing a complete hematology.
There are two very important tests when diagnosing diseases of immunological origin and that are used when pemphigus enters the presumptive diagnosis. These tests (direct immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry) allow us to know for sure if there are immunoglobulin deposits affecting the tissue, which would considerably help the veterinarian to reach his definitive diagnosis.
How to cure pemphigus in dogs? – Treatment
Until now, there is much controversy in the treatment of pemphigus in dogs, however, there is no doubt that immunosuppressive therapies are the safest route used by veterinarians. There are several pharmacological strategies to combat immune-mediated diseases and glucocorticoids are the ones that have gained the most fame in this field, these being the drugs for pemphigus in dogs of choice.
In addition to establishing unimpressive therapy, it must be taken into account if the lesions do not cause secondary infections, which should be treated with antibiotics as appropriate. It has been reported that some patients with pemphigus may need lifelong supportive treat
