{"id":1532775,"date":"2025-07-27T09:50:37","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T07:50:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/canine-cutaneous-lupus-erythematosus\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:44:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T10:44:50","slug":"canine-cutaneous-lupus-erythematosus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/dk\/canine-cutaneous-lupus-erythematosus\/","title":{"rendered":"Canine Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]Cutaneous lupus erythematosus<\/strong> (CLE) was first described in dogs in 1979. Isolated cases have also been reported in cats. CLE represents a group of autoimmune diseases with various clinical manifestations, in which the immune system targets the animal\u2019s own skin cells. CLE is divided into two groups: lupus-associated dermatitis and lupus-nonspecific dermatitis. The lupus-associated dermatoses include subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE). Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE) has so far only been described in humans. Diseases in the lupus-associated group typically present with skin lesions only, while laboratory findings are generally unremarkable. Lupus-nonspecific dermatitis, on the other hand, can occur as a cutaneous manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a condition that affects internal organs (see Fig. 2).<\/p>\n

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Lupus-Associated Dermatitis<\/h2>\n

Vesicular Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (VCLE)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vesicular cutaneous lupus erythematosus (VCLE) is classified as a subtype of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) and occurs primarily in
\nCollies and Shelties.<\/p>\n

Clinical Signs<\/u>
\nErythematous, exudative, serpiginous or polycyclic erosions, as well as ulcerative dermatitis, may appear in the axillae, inguinal region, medial thighs, pinnae, oral cavity, and mucocutaneous junctions (see Fig. 1). The disease is not primarily associated with pruritus, although itching may develop secondary to frequent bacterial infections.<\/p>\n

VCLE can follow a relapsing course, with clinical signs often worsening during the summer months. In some cases, spontaneous remission has been reported. The most important differential diagnosis is erythema multiforme, as the clinical presentation can be very similar. Systemic signs are typically absent in dogs with VCLE.<\/p>\n

Diagnosis
\n<\/u>The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms combined with histopathological examination.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/u>
\nAffected patients should be protected from sunlight. Secondary infections must be excluded cytologically. Prednisolone at a dosage of 2 mg\/kg\/day is frequently recommended as an effective monotherapy. If lesions do not sufficiently regress, azathioprine at 2 mg\/kg\/day can be added. Cyclosporine (5\u201310 mg\/kg\/day) may also be used, although its onset of action takes 2\u20134 weeks. Therefore, glucocorticoids are typically combined during the initial weeks of treatment. Additionally, topical application of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment can be used.<\/p>\n

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Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The category of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) includes exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ECLE), mucocutaneous lupus erythematosus (MCLE), and discoid cutaneous lupus erythematosus (DLE). DLE is further subdivided into facial discoid lupus erythematosus (FDLE) and generalized discoid lupus erythematosus (GDLE).<\/p>\n

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Exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ECLE)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus was first described in German Shorthaired Pointers<\/strong> and later in Magyar Vizslas<\/strong>. Due to clinical similarities with sebadenitis<\/strong>, misdiagnosis can occur.<\/p>\n

Clinical symptoms
\n<\/u>The most common clinical signs are scaling, alopecia, and follicular casts (keratin collars around hair shafts). Ulcerations and crusts may also be present. ECLE may occur with or without pruritus. Lesions are frequently located on the muzzle, ears, back, and abdomen. Systemic signs such as joint pain, lameness, fever, and lymphadenopathy
\nhave been observed in some affected dogs. Blood chemistry and urinalysis are generally normal. In isolated cases, thrombocytopenia and mild anemia have been reported.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t