Pemphigus erythematosus is an auto-immune related skin disorder. Four types of pemphigus disorders exist: pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus erythematosus and pemphigus vegetans. Of all skin disorders, pemphigus erythematosus is the second most common and one of the least severe, characterized by skin eruptions or scabs around the head only. Pemphigus erythematosus is an inherited disorder common the many breeds of dogs, specifically collies.
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Cause
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In auto-immune diseases, the body's natural immune defenses attack and damage normal body tissues. When pemphigus erythematosus occurs, immune cells attack the upper layer of the epidermis called the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the visible upper-layer of the skin. Caused by an inherited disorder, immune reactions only occur on the head, usually around the mouth, nose, ears and eyes.
Symptoms
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Dogs with pemphigus erythematosus can live for long periods without symptoms of the disease. When the auto-immune reaction occurs, scaling skin, sores, pustules or scabs appear on the head or face. Blisters may also develop but remain unseen under fur, so careful examination is necessary. Dogs may exhibit excessive itching or fever and a decreased appetite. Skin lesions are usually highly visible, but benign.
Diagnosis
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A licensed veterinarian can diagnose pemphigus erythematosus with a skin biopsy. Using local anesthetic or a general sedative, a "punch biopsy" instrument removes a small, circular section of skin from the affected area. A qualified pathologist studies the skin sample, and can diagnose the disorder by the microscopic characteristics of the skin. Pemphigus erythematosus is the mild form of pemphigus foliaceus, but the symptoms exhibited by affected dogs are common to many more severe diseases, including lupus and skin cancers.
Treatment
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Immuno-suppressive drugs treat pemphigus erythematosus by reducing and eliminating the excessive immune reaction. Veterinarians primarily prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to control the skin eruptions. If corticosteroids along do not treat the condition, additional immune suppressive medications, usually azathioprine, can control the disease. Antibiotic injections help prevent secondary skin infections at eruption sites, and veterinarians usually administer antibiotics alongside steroid treatments. Side effects of the treatment include decreased appetite, allergic reactions, lethargy and excessive urination.
Prevention and Control
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Since pemphigus erythematosus is genetic, no preventative measures exist. Dogs with pemphigus disorders begin to exhibit symptoms at about 4 years old, and eruptions can be successfully controlled with the application of corticosteroids and immune-suppressive drugs. When the skin lesions resolve and new lesions do not form, the dog is considered in remission. However, remission time is variable, and after the initial emergence of symptoms, relapses are common and highly likely. Even with skin eruptions, pemphigus erythematosus is not deadly and does not affect body tissues outside the skin.
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