Le pemphigus foliacé chez le chien : étude rétrospective de 44 cas (1983-2003)

This retrospective study describes the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of 44 cases of canine pemphigus foliaceous. No predisposition associated with breed, sex or age was noted. The principal reasons for presentation were pruritus (36%), and the presence of pustules (20%) or crusts (14%). The initial localisation of the lesions was variable but the pads tended to be affected early and more frequently (18%). At the time of diagnosis, no generalised signs were observed in half of the cases; lesions most often affected the face and limbs even though generalisation was observed in a few months in 66% of cases. Crusts (78%), pustules (74%) and keratoseborrhoeic lesions (61%) were most often observed. Cytological examination enabled the demonstration of acantholysis in 73% of cases. The treatment most commonly required was systemic prednisolone (88%) and/or azathioprine (72%); combination of these two drugs did not significantly increase the duration of survival. Complete remission was observed in 68% and partial remission in 19% of cases. Treatment to prevent recurrence proved necessary in 93% of cases; alternate day corticosteroid therapy was most often used. The level of survival at 6 months was 79% and failed to 44% after 2 years.