A case of vesicular cutaneous lupus erythematosus in a Border collie successfully treated with topical tacrolimus and nicotinamide–tetracycline

Abstract

This dog responded well to treatment with topical 0.1% tacrolimus, nicotinamide-tetracycline and sun avoidance. Complete remission was achieved after 2.5 months, and the dog was lesion free during a 1 year follow-up period.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus in dogs: a comprehensive review

“…More recently, the benefit of calcineurin inhibitors, which had been previously reported in two dogs with VCLE [ 24 , 26 ], was confirmed in 11 additional patients [ 28 ]. In all dogs, treatment was initiated with sun avoidance, oral glucocorticoids and oral ciclosporin at a median dosage of 5.5 mg/kg/day.…”

Therapeutic effectiveness of calcineurin inhibitors in canine vesicular cutaneous lupus erythematosus

“…17,18 Because of its well known adverse effects, such as nephrotoxicity and hypertension, ciclosporin is no longer recommended for the treatment of CLE in humans. 19 Because topical tacrolimus ointment in conjunction with oral tetracycline/niacinamide therapy was successfully used to treat VCLE in one dog, 3 we had inferred that the topical CIs tacrolimus and pimecrolimus might be beneficial for treatment in other dogs with VCLE. The adverse effects of topical tacrolimus application in humans are transient and limited to a sensation of burning, erythema or folliculitis-like lesions.…”

“…Vesicular cutaneous lupus erythematosus (VCLE) is a variant of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) that affects predominantly adult rough collies, Shetland sheepdogs (sometimes called Shelties) and Border collies. [1][2][3] The characteristic cutaneous lesions consist of annular, polycyclic and/or serpiginous ulcerations, primarily affecting the axillae, ventral abdomen and groin, with frequent involvement of mucocutaneous junctions and the concave aspects of the pinnae. 1 Microscopic changes in dogs with VCLE include a lymphocyte-rich interface dermatitis with basal keratinocyte apoptosis and vacuolation.…”

Successful Treatment of Mucocutaneous Lupus Erythematosus in a Dog with Prednisolone, Mycophenolate Mofetil and Tacrolimus

“…When compared with other adjunct immunosuppressive agents, MMF exhibits a rapid onset of action and tolerable side effects, based on which it can be suggested as a steroid-sparing agent for treating dogs with autoimmune or immune-mediated skin diseases [ 5 , 7 ]. The topical calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus has been recognized as a relatively effective and safe drug for treating chronic inflammatory skin diseases, including CLE, in human medicine, and its therapeutic use has been reported for DLE and VCLE in dogs [ 9 , 10 ].…”