Canine discoid lupus erythematosus

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is an uncommon autoimmune disease of the basal cell layer of the skin. It occurs in humans [ [http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/discoid_lupus_eryt.html American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, "Discoid Lupus Erythematosus"] .] and cats, more frequently occurring in dogs. It does not progress to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in dogs. SLE can also have skin symptoms, but it appears that the two are either separate diseases or DLE is a mild form of SLE.cite book|author=Ettinger, Stephen J.;Feldman, Edward C.|title=Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine|edition=4th ed.|publisher=W.B. Saunders Company|year=1995|id=ISBN 0-7216-6795-3] DLE in dogs differs from SLE in humans in that plasma cells predominate histologically instead of T lymphocytes.cite book|last=Griffin|first=Craig E.|coauthors=Miller, William H.; Scott, Danny W.|year=2001|title=Small Animal Dermatology|edition=6th ed.|publisher=W.B. Saunders Company|id=ISBN 0-7216-7618-9] Because worsening of symptoms occurs with increased ultraviolet light exposure, sun exposure most likely plays a role in DLE, although certain breeds (see below) are predisposed, so there is probably also a genetic cause. [cite web | last = Mueller | first = Ralf S. | title = Immune-mediated skin diseases | work = Proceedings of the 50° Congresso Nazionale Multisala SCIVAC | date = 2005 | url = http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/scivac/2005/Mueller1_en.pdf?LA=1 | format = PDF | accessdate = 2007-03-13 ] After pemphigus foliaceus, DLE is the second most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs.cite web | last = Osborn | first = S. | title = Autoimmune Diseases in the Dog | work = Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference | date = 2006 | url = http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/NAVC/2006/SAE/128.asp?LA=1 | accessdate = 2007-03-13 ]

Probably the best-known human sufferer of the condition is the singer Seal, who contracted it as a child and has distinctive scars on his upper cheeks.

ymptoms

ation and lead to tissue destruction. DLE is often worse in summer due to increased sun exposure.

Diagnosis

DLE is easily confused with solar dermatitis, pemphigus, ringworm, and other types of dermatitis. Biopsy is required to make the distinction. Histopathologically, there is inflammation at the dermoepidermal junction and degeneration of the basal cell layer. Unlike in SLE, an anti-nuclear antibody test is usually negative.

Treatment

Avoiding sun exposure and the use of sunscreens (not containing zinc oxide, which is toxic to dogs) is important. Topical therapy includes corticosteroid use. Oral vitamin E or omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also used. More refractory cases may require the use of oral niacinamide and tetracycline, corticosteroids, azathioprine, or chlorambucil. [cite journal |author=Griffies J, Mendelsohn C, Rosenkrantz W, Muse R, Boord M, Griffin C |title=Topical 0.1% tacrolimus for the treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus and pemphigus erythematosus in dogs |journal=J Am Anim Hosp Assoc |volume=40 |issue=1 |pages=29–41 |year=2004 |pmid=14736903] Treatment is often lifelong, but there is a good prognosis for longterm remission.

Commonly affected dog breeds

*Collie
*German Shepherd Dog
*Shetland Sheepdog
*Siberian Husky
*Brittany Spaniel
*German Shorthaired Pointer

ee also

*Lupus erythematosus

References