Many dogs have skin problems, but among those pemphigus foliaceus is perhaps the most serious. This skin disease can be fatal if not treated. The dog's body begins to see a part of its own skin as foreign and makes antibodies to destroy it. The dog's skin forms pustules, rupturing blisters, and damages the dog's face, ears, feet and eventually the pet's entire body. Additional symptoms of pemphigus foliaceus include fever and the dog refusing to eat.
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Risk
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Middle aged and older dogs are more likely to develop pemphigus foliaceus. While it is seen in other breeds, akitas, Doberman pinschers, chows, dachshunds, Newfoundlands and bearded collies are predisposed to the affliction.
Diagnosis
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Following a physical examination and the taking of the pet's medical history, the veterinarian will likely do a skin scraping to rule out demodectic mange. The veterinarian will confirm that the dog has pemphigus foliaceus by doing a skin biopsy. This is most often done using an intact pustule that has formed on the skin. The veterinarian may also puncture an intact pustule and look at the contents under a microscope. The testing is necessary to rule out any other possible causes of the dog's skin condition. Specialized immune testing may also be prescribed.
Immunosuppressive Drugs
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Because pemphigus foliaceus is caused by an immune disorder, the first step in treatment will likely be immunosuppressive drugs. Corticosteroids, usually prednisone, are prescribed at high doses for the initial treatment. While the corticosteroids will act quickly to suppress the immune system, they cannot be used long-term in great dosages because of potential serious side effects. The goal of the corticosteroids is to bring the disease into remission so that other immunosuppressive drugs, such as azathioprine, can be used successfully. Despite the success of other drugs, the dog may need to continue using low doses or prednisone to keep the disease in remission.
Other Treatment
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Antibiotics may be prescribed if any of the lesions created by the disease have become infected with bacteria. Topical steroids may be prescribed if the disease is diagnosed before it has progressed. Topical steroids usually offer only temporary relief, however. A treatment process called chrysotherapy has proved successful in treating some dogs with pemphigus foliaceus. The treatment involves the injection of gold salts.
Prognosis
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In many instances, with treatment, pemphigus foliaceus can be brought under control. As the disease goes into remission, medications are gradually withdrawn as the skin clears and the dog becomes stable. It may be many months before your pet's treatment brings the disease under control. Some dogs require lifetime therapy to keep the symptoms of pemphigus foliaceus at bay.
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