Treatment for Pemphigus in Dogs
"The auto-immune disease pemphigus in dogs has four types: Pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus erythematosus and pemphigus vegetans. As a group, they are referred to as pemphigus complex, which includes various subtypes. All types affect your dog’s skin and mucous membranes at various skin depths by causing the skin to literally fall apart by eroding the the mechanism that keeps skin cells attached. As this breaks down by the body's immune system response, scaling skin, scabbing, lesions and at times, pus filled sores start to form. "
Pemphigus in dogs is most difficult to deal with since it is an
autoimmune disease. It means your dog’s immune system is declaring war
on itself. It does this by attacking healthy cells found in the skin.
This is a very difficult and painful disease to treat and often takes
months of therapy. Some dogs don’t make it.
The four categories of pemphigus in dogs:
- Pemphigus foliaceus: usually affects the top layer of your dog’s skin on the nose bridge, eyes, groin, ears and footpads. It is a common canine immune mediated disease and the most common type of pemphigus in dogs.
- Pemphigus vulgaris: affects the mouth, nose, prepuce, anus, vaginal area
- Pemphigus erythematosus: attacks the skin on the face and on the ears
- Pemphigus vegetans: warty growths that may ulcerate. It is very rare.
Typically, the type of pemphigus is diagnosed by what layer of
the skin it affects. The most common form is Pemphigus foliaceus, which
tends to surface in Dachshunds, Bearded Collies, Dobermans, Schipperke,
Finish Spitz, Rotties, Chows and Newfoundland dogs.
The second most common manifestation of this disease comes in the form
of Pemphigus erythematosus, and is generally considered to be a milder
form or Pemphigus foliaceus. This type affects German Shepherds,
Collies and Shetland sheepdogs.
The most severe type of this disease is Pemphigus vulgaris, and it
produces very severe ulceration of your dog’s skin in areas like the
vagina, nose, anus, prepuce and around the mouth, as well as other
parts of the body. This is extremely painful and in this type, there is
a higher risk of secondary complications. While Pemphigus vegetans
“may” be a slightly less severe form of Pemphigus vulgaris, it looks
different, which is what ultimately distinguishes it from vulgaris.
Vegetans usually presents in the form of wart like growths that have a
tendency to ulcerate.
Unfortunately, there are several “other” diseases that look like
Pemphigus and it’s difficult to always get an accurate diagnosis. Drug
reactions that cause skin eruptions are the most common mimic of
Pemphigus, but there is also skin cancers, discoid lupus and systemic
lupus erythematosus to consider while conducting a differential
diagnosis to eliminate possible causes.
There is also a condition called canine bullous pemphigold
which is seen in Doberman Pinschers and a few other breeds. Here the
body forms blisters that have a thick cover. Ulcers also form in the
mouth, toenail beds and foot pads.
Pemphigus in Dogs Symptoms
This disease often affects dogs about 4 years old or older, but this isn’t to say that it can’t happen in younger dogs as well. Most often, Pemphigus will show up on the feet or head and generally starts out as pustules. It eventually progresses into severe crusting. The nose is usually involved and it may get discolored (caused by loss of pigmentation) and your dog will have a persistent and severe itch, not only in the nose, but in all the affected areas of their skin.
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| Pemphigus Foliaceus in the Early Stages on Bridge of Dog Nose | Same Dog with Pemphigus Foliaceus after 3 weeks |
Their footpads and/or nails may also show signs of infection, which may result in an inability to walk if not treated fast. Along with the unbearable itch, your dog may run a high fever and stop eating. So, when you see the pustules, act immediately to get vet care.
If you detect any odd changes in your dog’s skin, don’t wait to talk to a vet. This disease is excruciatingly painful and often fatal if not treated promptly.
Pemphigus in Dogs Diagnosis
The first thing your vet will do is conduct a physical exam. They will be looking for blisters or eruptions in various areas on your dog. In order to tell what subtype of Pemphigus is causing your dog’s blistering; the vet will do a biopsy. Knowing the subtype is critical to deciding on a treatment regime and in determining a prognosis. Typically, unless your vet is highly experienced at dealing with skin lesions, the biopsy may be done by a dermatopathologist.
The vet will also be differentiating what they see from other possible diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, and while doing that, may also conduct immunohistochemical or direct immunofluorescent testing. They are looking for the desmoglein (a component of the dog’s skin) distribution. In some cases of Pemphigus, there is altered distribution, often a signpost of the disease. Blood tests for anti-plakin antibodies and desmoglein may also be used to assist in diagnosis.
Pemphigus in Dogs Treatment
The goal of dog pemphigus treatment is to stop the bodies destructive immune skin response. Treatment involves slowing down the immune system, while at the same time, protecting against infection that could form while the immune system is not functioning at full strength.
The only treatment that produces results for this condition involves being put on oral corticosteroids, along with other medications that suppress the immune system. All of these medications do have side effects that you will want to discuss with your vet. Ask questions to fully understand what you are dealing with and how to administer the medication properly.
Once you get the symptoms under control, a veterinarian will switch to the lowest dose needed to control the disease or to a different medication. This is done because these drugs have serious side effects. For example: dogs may drink excessively, urinate frequently and excessively, have a voracious appetite, and gain weight. They will pant a lot and will experience incontinence and possibly issues walking due to a significant weight gain. Controlling this disease is like walking a very fine line; you will need to be balanced in all that you do for your dog. Treatment is life long. Approximately 50% of dogs with pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus erythematosus can be kept symptom free. Other forms of the disease are more difficult to treat.
Dog that Recovered from Canine Pemphigus Foliaceus Symptoms after 4 months
Source: Maristavet
Tip: Keep your dog out of the sun or use canine sun blocks (SPF 15 and above) such as Veterinarian's Best, as it makes the symptoms worse, particularly on depigmented areas of the nose. Apply as directed by manufacturer.
One study showed that Pemphigus foliaceus can have a high mortality rate from owner requested euthanasia (putting a dog to sleep), resulting from the high cost and potential side effects of treatment.
Prescription Medications for Canine Pemphigus
Below is a list of various drugs used for pemphigus in dogs. Please note that there are some natural remedies you may use, and they will be listed following the drugs.
- Steroids
- Prednisone
- Prednisolone
- Dexamethasone – steroid
- Immunosupressants
- Azathioprine (Imuran )
- Tacrolimus (Fujimycin)
- Chlorambucil (Leukeran)
- Topical corticosteroids
- Antibiotics for secondary infections
- Anti-bacterial baths – ask your vet about these
- Cyclosporine – being tested for use in dogs, still under consideration
- Metronidazole – being tested for use in dogs, still under consideration
Natural Remedies for Pemphigus in Dogs:
These types of products are used to help the body help itself through formulations that support the natural healing of the skin during recovery and to maintain skin and coat condition after recovery from pemphigus in dogs.
- Skin and Coat Tonic to help the body restore skin condition
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Reiki or Meridian touch therapy
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References for Pemphigus in Dogs
Skin Diseases of Dogs and Cats
Dr. Steven A. Melman
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