Pemphigus Foliaceus

Before	After
Before	After

This 10-year-old Cocker Spaniel had a one month history of severe crusting that started on the ears, nose, foot-pads, and then rapidly spread to the rest of the body.  Minimal response had been seen to antibiotics.  Microscopic evaluation of cells on the skin surface suggested pemphigus foliaceus rather than a bacterial infection which may mimic pemphigus.  The diagnosis was confirmed with a skin biopsy.  Pemphigus is an immune-mediated disease in which the body makes antibodies against its own skin.  In many dogs, allergies or drugs may trigger this abnormal reaction by the immune system.  Treatment with both Prednisone and Imuran, to suppress the abnormal immune reaction, gave the best response in this dog with the least side-effects.  After the disease was controlled, the drugs were gradually tapered and eventually discontinued.