Pênfigo foliáceo em um canino da raça Pit bull: relato de caso

Abstract

The Pemphigus complex in animals is considered rare, but not so much when compared to the occurrence of other autoimmune diseases. Pemphigus Foliáceo in dogs is the most common form of pemphigus disease and is clinically characterized by intraepidermal pustules, starting on the face and ears, cushions, groin and can become multifocal or generalized in six months. As the pustules are very fragile, the lesions usually found are secondary, which can vary from dry crusts to epidermal collars, in addition to nasal depigmentation. The diagnosis is difficult because it presents similar symptoms with other diseases and because its laboratory diagnosis is more accurate with the histopathological examination of intact pustules (biopsy), which are rarely found. The treatment, despite having an individual therapeutic scheme, is based on immunosuppressing the animal in order to decrease the production of antibodies and treat opportunistic diseases. The drugs of choice depend on the clinical presentation, but it is usually prednisoline together with azathioprine as a combined immunosuppressive therapy. Use should be made daily until the disease is inactive and gradually reduce the dose until the effective minimum is reached, preferably on alternate days for remission of signs of the disease. The prognosis of pemphigus varies according to its stage and the treatment established. Pemphigus foliaceus is less severe, but without treatment it can be fatal.