The skin diseases are one of the pathologies most feared by dog guardians. Not only do they deteriorate the physical appearance of the animal, but they can also significantly reduce its quality of life, compromising its he alth 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 realizes it, it becomes a little more difficult for the veterinarian to carry out a quick and efficient resolution.
In this article on our site we will talk about a fairly popular skin pathology in veterinary medicine called "pemphigus". Know 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 vesiculobullous/pustular (blisters and pustules) to erosive/ulcerative (ulcers).
This is a rare disease, but it has been widely studied due to its pathogenesis. As it is an autoimmune disease, antibodies can be seen in the tissue tests performed to confirm the pathology , which in this case lose their function and attack he althy cells and tissues of the body. Therefore, if the affected antibodies are found 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 to their credit.
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, the antibodies are deposited in the outermost layers of the skin, so we will see superficial injuries, mostly. It is the most frequent type of pemphigus in canines.
- Pemphigus erythematosus: in this case, the lesions are usually combined. Superficial lesions like those of pemphigus foliaceus are noted, but in certain places the ulcers tend to be deeper.
- Pemphigus vulgaris: This type of pemphigus causes deeper and much more severe ulcers. It is usually more painful and very characteristic.
- Pemphigus vegetans: This is the rarest form of pemphigus and has been reported to only affect dogs. 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. Of course, the type of pemphigus present 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 perceiving the development of the disease. The signs and symptoms of pemphigus in dogs according to their types are as follows:
Symptoms of pemphigus foliaceus in dogs
Normally, with this type of pemphigus in dogs, ears, pads and head are affected, although lesions are also commonly seen widespread. The signs are:
- Scale, superficial ulcers, pustules, redness of the skin.
- Abnormal footpad growth.
- Fluid-filled sacs or cysts on the skin.
- Pain, fever, malaise, claudication due to deterioration of the pads.
The image shows a case of pemphigus foliaceus.
Symptoms of pemphigus erythematosus in dogs
In addition to all the lesions of pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus can be differentiated by loss of lip colorLikewise, generalized deterioration does not generally occur in this type of pemphigus, affecting more the area of the head and ears.
Symptoms of pemphigus vulgaris in dogs
As we mentioned before, this type of pemphigus is the most serious of all The ulcers usually extend practically all over 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 pemphigus vegetans in dogs
This type of canine pemphigus has little or no systemic disease symptoms. The lesions are usually oozing 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 of a skin pathology that occurs because certain antibodies stop performing their function to attack he althy 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 correctly guide the veterinarian and may have pemphigus within the presumptive diagnoses, but the final decision passes through the laboratory. The skin biopsy is indicated, as well as the use of Wood's lamp, a device used to rule out conditions associated with fungus in dogs. Even when only the affected skin is seen, the vet may be able to learn more about your 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 a 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 They are the safest route and used by veterinarians. There are several pharmacological strategies to combat immune-mediated diseases and the glucocorticoids are the ones that have gained the most fame in this field, these being the drugs of choice for pemphigus in dogs.
In addition to starting immunosuppressive therapy, it should be taken into account if the lesions do not present with secondary infections, which should be treated with antibioticsdepending on the case. It has been reported that some patients with pemphigus may require lifelong supportive treatment. Likewise, it will be the specialist who will determine how to heal the wounds produced on the skin by the disease.
