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Section: Overview
Pemphigus foliaceus is a severe skin disease that is characterized by pustules and blisters that rupture, causing damage to the skin of the face, ears, feet and eventually the entire skin.This disease results when the animal recognizes a specific component of his own skin (desmoglein I) as foreign and makes antibodies against that component. Desmoglein I is important in attaching skin cells to each other. Lack of this component causes the outer layer of the skin to split apart and fill with fluid and cells leading to a blister or pustule. This abnormality of the immune system is an example of an autoimmune disorder. Middle aged to older dogs are more prone to this disease. It is seen more commonly in akitas, Doberman pinschers, chows, dachshunds, Newfoundlands, bearded collies and schipperkes, but can be seen in other breeds.This disease has a severe health impact on the animal and can be fatal if not treated aggressively.
There are many different types of skin lesions that can occur in the skin of dogs, and each lesion or combination of lesions can be caused by multiple diseases and conditions.
Alopecia is the complete or partial lack of hair in any area of the skin where hair would normally be found. In dogs, it may be caused by self-trauma, hair follicle diseases or the failure of hair to grow...
Discoid lupus erythematosus is considered a benign form of systemic lupus. It is limited to the skin and can affect both people and dogs. In dogs, the face and nose are commonly affected areas, and direct...
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease, which is one characterized by a specific antibody or cell-mediated immune response against the body's own tissues. The disease affects many organs...
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