Subcorneal Pustular Dermatosis Successfully Treated with Acitretin in a Dog

Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD) is a rare pustular skin disorder of dogs. Dapsone is treatment of choice, but ineffective in some cases. Therapeutic alternatives are limited and less effective. In humans, successful results with oral retinoid have been reported. To describe successful treatment of a dog that developed SPD with acitretin as an alternative drug of dapsone. A 7-year-old male neutered miniature schnauzer was presented with generalized pustules and crusts. SPD was diagnosed based on physical, cytological, and histopathological examination with direct immunofluorescence test. In this report, we describe a case of canine SPD treated initially by dapsone with poor response that improved with acitretin. Acitretin could be considered as an alternative drug in canine SPD.