Pemphigus Foliaceus in Dogs – Diagnosis and Management

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is one of a group of uncommon auto-immune diseases known as the pemphigus complex. Many studies have been conducted to determine the major antigen(s) for PF in the dog but so far without success. Drugs, allergic skin disease, and environmental factors are believed to be triggers.

Canine PF is a pustular, crusting dermatosis, principal differentials for which include superficial bacterial folliculitis, demodicosis, dermatophytosis and other pemphigus conditions. Diagnosis is based on clinical history and signs, cytology and skin biopsies. The treatment of choice is immune suppression and the prognosis is variable.