This rare condition is an autoimmune
disorder, meaning an abnormal immune response to a normal component of the
body - in this case a protein in the skin. This results in blisters and ulcers
in the skin and/or mouth. The disease is often severe, depending on how
widespread are the affected areas.
This condition is very similar to bullous pemphigoid in people.
How is bullous pemphigoid inherited?
Inheritance is unknown.
What breeds are affected by bullous pemphigoid?
Collies (and possibly Doberman pinschers) are predisposed to develop this
rare condition.
For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode
of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out,
or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus
among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners,
that the condition is significant in this breed.
What does bullous pemphigoid mean to your dog & you?
The blisters that occur with this condition are very short-lived, so you
and your veterinarian are more likely to see ulcers. These lesions are found
in the mouth and skin, particularly in the underarm and groin area.
There may also be ulcerated areas around the nails or footpads. Your dog's
skin may be itchy or painful, and it is common to develop a secondary bacterial
infection (pyoderma). Dogs that are severely affected may lose their appetites,
run a fever, or become depressed.
How is bullous pemphigoid diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will diagnose this condition based on physical examination
of your dog, the history you provide, a skin biopsy, and immune testing.
Other autoimmune or ulcerative skin disorders must be ruled out.
For the veterinarian: Cases with severe, widespread lesions are
clinically indistinguishable from pemphigus vulgaris. Intact vesicles or
bullae are suggestive of bullous pemphigoid.
How is bullous pemphigoid treated?
Mild cases can be treated with steroid creams or relatively low doses
of glucocorticoids by mouth. More severe cases usually require a combination
of medications, including high doses of glucocorticoids, to suppress the
inappropriate immune response. These drugs usually must be given for
prolonged periods, possibly for life. Your veterinarian will discuss
with you potentially serious side effects of which you should be aware.
Because exposure to ultraviolet light can make the condition worse, it
is wise to keep your dog out of direct sunlight from 10:00 to 3:00.
Breeding advice
Although the inheritance of this condition is unknown, it is preferable
not to breed affected dogs.
FOR MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
Resources
Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H., Griffin, C.E. 1995. Immunologic Skin Diseases.
In Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology. pp. 500-518. W.B. Saunders
Co., Toronto.
Copyright © 1998 Canine Inherited Disorders Database. All rights
reserved.Revised: July 23, 2001.
This database is a joint initiative of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare
Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island,
and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.reprinted with kind permission
from:-
Alice
Crook, DVM,Coordinator, Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Atlantic Veterinary
College,University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Ave.Charlottetown,
PEI C1A 4P3
The above information is simply informational.
It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist
you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian
for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
