• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.340-343
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• 2009

A 3-year-old, intact female Poong-san dog was presented with a 4-month history of erosive, erythematous dermatitis unresponsive to systemic antibiotics and glucocorticoids. Crust, erosion, and alopecia were noted on the ear pinnae, bridge of nose, and forelimb. Cytological evaluation of intact pustules showed isolated free-floating rounded acantholytic keratinocytes admixed with non-degenerated neutrophils and eosinophils. Results of histopathologic examination revealed the intra-epidermal pustules with predominant neutrophils, less eosinophils, and isolated and clustered acantholytic cells. A diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus (PF) was made based on the history, clinical, cytological and histopathological results. The skin lesions had improved after systemic cyclosporine therapy. This case report demonstrates that cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive agent, can be used in the management of PF in dogs.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.61-65
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• 2013

An American Cocker Spaniel (3-year-old, intact female, 6.0 kg) was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Chungnam National University for evaluation of pustules and crusts in the periocular region, dorsal and ventral region of the trunk, and digits. Complete blood count (CBC) revealed leukocytosis with mature neutrophilia, and a serum biochemistry profile revealed hypoalbuminemia. Tape strip tests identified numerous neutrophils and acatholytic cells. Histopathology identified intraepithelial pustules with neutrophils and acantholytic keratinocytes. Definitive diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus (PF) was made by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) test with goat anti-canine IgG antibody. The human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was administered at a rate of 15 ml/h over 6 hours for 4 days. After that, the dog was maintained on prednisolone (2.2 mg/kg, PO, SID) and azathioprine (2.0 m/kg, PO, SID). An infusion of IVIG (0.5 g/kg) was repeated 3 days after 4 weeks. After 10 weeks, the dog showed the remarkable regression of lesions.