Discoid lupus erythematosus in dog: case report

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to report a case of canine discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). A five-year-old Akita dog with a history of severe itching and crusted lesions in the periocular, nasal and limb regions was treated at a specialized clinical service. Serological tests for erlichiosis, babesiosis and canine leishmaniasis were negative, and the blood-biochemical tests were within normal limits for the species. Interface dermatitis and lichenoid were observed in biopsy fragments, while scaling and inflammatory cells were present in skin cytology. This data contributes to a DLE diagnosis. It is worth mentioning the absence of adeno, hepato and splenomegalies and alterations in the locomotor and renal systems at ultrasound and clinical examinations. The disease was responsive to the use of topical mometasone and systemic prednisolone, pentoxifylline and vitamin E supplementation, which provided clinical improvement after seven days of treatment.