Canine discoid lupus erythematosus: case report

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases are considered to be rare in dogs and cats. Among them, the most commonly diagnosed are pemphigus foliaceus and discoid or cutaneous lupus. The discoid lupus erythematosus is considered by some authors as a benign variation of systemic lupus erythematosus with clinical manifestations restricted to the tegument. The etiology remains unclear, but several factors seem to influence to determine the beginning and among them we can mention genetic predisposition, hormonal involvement, immunological and ultraviolet radiation. The most common clinical signs are depigmentation, erythema and scaling of the nose and may expand to more rarely ear, periocular, mucocutaneous junctions and external auditory canal. The diagnosis is based on history, physical examination and histopathology the cutaneous tissue affected. Treatment consists of topical and/or systemic corticosteroids and application of sunscreen on depigmented areas. This paper describes a case of discoid lupus erythematosus in a german sheepdog, 4 years old, history of injury in the nose, bilateral and recurrent otitis  unresponsive to treatment with ear solution based on enrofloxacin. On physical examination head waggle, erythema and pain on palpation of the external auditory canal were noted. Based on the findings of the clinical examination was possible suspect autoimmune disease, confirmed by histopathological examination. The treatment was based on topical steroids and elimination of perpetuating factors of recurrent otitis, the patient in question had complete remission of injuries.