Successful Management of Pemphigus vulgaris in dogs with Prednisolone

Abstract

Two dogs were presented to Small Animal Clinics Out-Patient Dermatology Unit (SAC-OPDU) at Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital (MVCTH) with oral ulcers and erosions on gums and palate. The oral lesions and erosions were positive for direct Nikolskiy’s sign and the samples from the lesions were also negative for bacterial and fungal infections.Direct Impression smears from the ulcers and erosions of the two animals were taken and subjected to cytology which showed the presence of acantholytic cells surrounded by neutrophils. Based on the cytology evaluation and distribution of lesion it was confirmed as Pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Both the animals were treated with prednisolone at 0.5 mg/kg body weight for a month along with supplements such as omega fatty acids and vitamins. Improvement was observed in two cases but one dog showed recurrence of lesions after 2 weeks of discontinuation of prednisolone. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry values of the dogs remained within normal limits throughout therapy. since recurrence is common in Pemphigus in dogs, it is concluded that prednisolone is effective in managing Pemphigus vulgaris in dogs and prednisolone can be tapered to the lowest effective dose for prolonged period to avoid recurrence.