Pemphigus foliaceus in Dogs

Breeds documented
8
Published sources
3

Overview

The immune system can mistakenly damage the connections that hold surface skin cells together. In pemphigus foliaceus, this leads to fragile pus-filled blisters that often become crusts and raw patches. Changes commonly affect the face, ears, body and paw pads, often on both sides. Itching is common, and dogs with widespread disease may eat less, lose weight or seem unwell.

Signs to watch for

  • Crusts, scales or raw patches on the face, ears or body
  • Pus-filled spots that break down quickly
  • Similar skin changes on both sides of the body
  • Swollen or cracked paw pads
  • Itching, reduced appetite or weight loss

One case series reported an average onset at about four years of age.

When to get help Book a vet visit promptly for spreading crusts, fragile blisters or changes to the paw pads.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets examine skin samples under a microscope to look for detached skin cells and signs of infection. These findings are helpful, but bacterial and fungal infections can produce similar changes. Confirmation usually requires a biopsy, a small sample of affected skin, examined by a specialist in skin disease.

Breeds with documented risk

8 breeds

By breed size
  • 2 Small
  • 4 Medium
  • 1 Large
  • 1 Giant

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. europepmc.org
  3. Bearded Collie: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov