Pemphigus in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Author: Peter Berry
Date Of Creation: 20 February 2021
Update Date: 3 November 2024
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Pemphigus Foliaceus – Recent update on Pathogenesis Diagnostic and Treatment
Video: Pemphigus Foliaceus – Recent update on Pathogenesis Diagnostic and Treatment

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At skin diseases are some of the most dreaded diseases for dog owners. Not only do they deteriorate an animal's physical appearance, they can also significantly reduce its quality of life, dangerously compromising its health. It is known that the general management of skin diseases is quite complicated because many skin lesions are similar and this tends to confuse people. In many cases, the development of the disease makes early identification difficult and, when the tutor notices, it is a little more difficult for the veterinarian to carry out a quick and efficient resolution.

In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will talk about a very popular skin disease in veterinary medicine called "pemphigus". Get to know all the information about the pemphigus in dogs, its symptoms and treatments.


What is pemphigus in dogs?

The pemphigus complex is a c.autoimmune integumentary condition (Type II hypersensitivity), characterized by the appearance of certain lesions that are usually very varied. Lesions can range from vesiculobolous/pustular (blisters and pustules) to erosive/ulcerative (ulcers).

It is an uncommon disease, but widely studied due to its pathology. As it is an autoimmune disease, the histological tests performed to confirm the disease show antibodies which, in this case, lose their function and attack healthy body cells and tissues . Therefore, if the affected antibodies are found in deeper layers of the skin, the disease will manifest itself more seriously. It should be noted that, on occasion, the gingival tissue may also be affected.


The symptom most associated with pemphigus is acantholysis, which is defined as the separation and breakdown of skin cells due to deposits of antibodies present.

Types of Pemphigus in Dogs

According to the lesions that occur, pemphigus in dogs can be classified as follows:

  • Pemphigus foliaceus: In this type of pemphigus, antibodies are deposited in the outermost layers of the skin, so you'll notice mostly superficial lesions. It is the most common type of pemphigus in dogs.
  • erythematous pemphigus: In this case, the injuries are usually combined. Superficial lesions such as pemphigus foliaceus are seen, but ulcers are usually deeper in certain areas.
  • pemphigus vulgaris: This type of pemphigus has deeper and much more serious ulcers. It is usually more painful and very characteristic.
  • vegetative pemphigus: is the rarest form of pemphigus and has been reported to only affect puppies. It is quite similar to pemphigus vulgaris, but the lesions are less severe.

Signs and Symptoms of Pemphigus in Dogs

The signs that we can see on the skin can also be differentiated according to many factors. Of course, they are influenced by the type of pemphigus in question, but the patient's immune status plays a key role in skin deterioration. The animal's age, breed and nutritional status are very important factors in the perception of disease development. the signs and symptoms of pemphigus in dogs according to their types are as follows:


Symptoms of pemphigus foliaceus in dogs

Typically, with this type of pemphigus, the dog's ears, foot pads, and head are usually affected, although generalized lesions are usually seen as well. The symptoms are:

  • Scales, superficial ulcers, pustules, reddening of the skin.
  • Abnormal footpad growth.
  • Fluid-filled bags or cysts on the skin.
  • Pain, fever, malaise, walking with a limp due to deterioration of the pillows.

In the image, there is a case of pemphigus foliaceus.

Symptoms of pemphigus erythematosus in dogs

In addition to all lesions of pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus can be distinguished by the loss of color in the lips. Likewise, generalized deterioration does not usually occur in this type of pemphigus, with the head and ear areas being the most affected.

Symptoms of pemphigus vulgaris in dogs

As we mentioned earlier, this type of pemphigus is the most serious of all. The ulcers usually extend practically all over the dog's skin and gain more depth, which is why it is accompanied by clear symptoms of depression in the patient, in addition to the following:

  • Fever.
  • Depression.
  • Anorexia.
  • Inappetence (especially if the animal has lesions in the mouth).
  • Secondary bacterial infections.
  • Excessive itching.

Symptoms of Pemphigus Vegetans in Dogs

This type of canine pemphigus has few or no symptoms of general disease. Lesions are usually suppurating and do not affect the mouth in most cases.

Is pemphigus in dogs contagious?

No, as it is an autoimmune disease, pemphigus in dogs it's not contagious. At this point, it's important to remember that it's a skin disease that occurs because certain antibodies stop working and attack healthy cells and tissues. Therefore, there is no possibility of contagion.

Diagnosis of pemphigus in dogs

Diagnosis of this skin disease is based on correct history and laboratory tests, since the lesions produced on the skin can have many causes. The location of the lesions can correctly guide the veterinarian who may have the diagnosis of pemphigus in mind, but the final decision depends on the laboratory. THE skin biopsy is indicated, as well as the use of Wood's lamp, an instrument used to rule out conditions associated with fungus in the dog. Even when only the skin is being affected, the veterinarian can have more information about your patient by performing a complete blood test.

There are two very important tests in the diagnosis of diseases of immunological origin, and they are used when pemphigus is included in the presumptive diagnosis.These tests (direct immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry) make it possible to know with certainty if there are deposits of immunoglobulins affecting the tissue, which greatly helps the veterinarian in reaching his final diagnosis.

How to cure pemphigus in dogs? - Treatment

Even today, there is much controversy in the treatment of pemphigus in dogs, however, there is no doubt that immunosuppressive therapies are the safest and most widely used by veterinarians. There are several pharmacological strategies to fight immune-mediated diseases and glucocorticoids gained more prominence in this area, being the drugs of choice to treat pemphigus in dogs.

In addition to establishing an immunosuppressive therapy, it should be taken into account whether the lesions do not present secondary infections, which should be treated with antibiotics according to the case. It has been reported that some patients with pemphigus may need lifelong supportive care. Likewise, it will be the specialist who will determine how to heal the wounds produced by the disease on the skin.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.