Autoimmune Skin Disease in Dogs

Autoimmune skin disorders among dogs cause a variety of symptoms. There are many types of issues caused by this disorder, all of which require veterinary treatment in order to resolve. Unfortunately, many dogs with autoimmune skin disorders have poor prognoses.

  1. Facts

    • The Natural Pet Care website states autoimmune skin disorders manifest themselves in many ways in dogs, depending upon which organ is affected. There are a few types of autoimmune skin disorders, including pemphigus and erythema, each with their own variations.

    Causes

    • Dr. Kathleen Hutton of the Dog Owner's Guide states autoimmune skin disorders are caused by poorly functioning immune systems that start to reject body tissue. The immune systems thinks its own tissue is foreign and tries to remove it from the body. While there are many theories as to what would cause a defective immune system, there are no definitive answers. Some vets believe that vaccines can cause the immune system problems, while others blame environmental factors and genetics.

    Types

    • According to Hutton, the frequency of dogs acquiring autoimmune skin disorders is uncommon to rare. Even so, there are many varieties of autoimmune skin disorders. The pemphigus variations include pemphigus erythematosus, pemphigus vegetans, pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. Erythema types include systemic lupus erythematosus and erythema multiforme. Other autoimmune skin disorders are nodular panniculitis and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

    Symptoms

    • Autoimmune skin disorders cause a variety of symptoms. For instance, the Merck Veterinary Manual states that symptoms of pemphigus vulgarus include crusty blisters on the anus, mouth and oral cavities. The Natural Pet Health website suggests that symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus are fever, weakness, fatigue and skin lesions on the arm, neck or face. Toxic epidermal necrolysis causes blister and ulcers on the dog's skin, mucous membranes and footpads.

    Treatment

    • The Merck Veterinary Manual states that autoimmune disorders are commonly treated with glucocorticoids. In addition, added medications may be helpful to specific conditions. For instance, azathioprine and gold salts may be beneficial to dogs with pemphigus vulgaris, while cyclophosphamide can help with pemphigus foliaceus.