Pemphigus foliaceus in dogs.

Abstract

Canine Penphigus Foliaceus (CPF) is an autoimmune skin disease considered of rare occurrence (however being the most common among the autoimmune diseases), that it composes a compound with other 3 variants. With this study it was aimed at to present the clinical aspects, histopatology, as well as to look for means to diagnose and to drive to an appropriate therapy. The definitive etiology of CPF is not known, turning that study just a step before to total complexity of the theme. The main physiopathologic characteristic is the acanthocites formation, forming pathological rifts. The challenge in the diagnosis of the disease, is the range of other similar pathologies. The formation of areas composed of alopecia, crusts, bubbles, scales, vesicles and depigmentation characterize the disease. The accomplishment of biopsies, with skin fragments affected, for the accomplishment of exams histopatologic, of immunofluorescent and imunohistochemical with characteristic discoveries, as the imunoglobulins presence in the space intercelular, they confirm the clinical diagnosis. The treatment is made through corticosteroids, immunossupressives drugs and when there is association with piogenic infections the use of antibiotics is also indicated. The prognostic will vary depending on the answer the initial therapy that each animal develops.