Cutaneous lupus erythematosus in dogs: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Since the first description of discoid lupus erythematosus (LE) in two dogs in 1979, the spectrum of canine cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) variants has expanded markedly.In this review, we first propose an adaptation of the Gilliam-Sontheimer classification of CLE for dogs. We then review the signalment, clinical signs, laboratory and histopathology and treatment outcome of the currently recognized variants of canine CLE, which are vesicular CLE, exfoliative CLE, mucocutaneous LE and facial or generalized discoid LE. We end with a short description of the rare cutaneous manifestations of systemic LE in dogs.Canine CLE variants are heterogeneous, some of them mirror their human counterparts while others appear—thus far—unique to the dog. As most CLE subtypes seem to have a good prognosis after diagnosis, veterinarians are encouraged to become familiar with the spectrum of often-characteristic and unique clinical signs that would permit an early diagnosis and the rapid implementation of an effective treatment.

Treatment of exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus in a German shorthaired pointer dog with mycophenolate mofetil

“…Our dog's skin lesions closely resembled those uniquely described in canine ECLE; the most prominent skin lesions were scaling, alopecia and follicular casts affecting the muzzle, pinnae, dorsal and lateral trunk, sternum, ventral abdomen and limbs. Furthermore, the dog exhibited irregular and polycyclic patches and plaques with hyperpigmentation, erythema and adherent scaling on ventral abdomen and limbs.…”

“…However, the erosions and prominent scarring observed in canine GDLE, were not a clinical feature in the current case. Our case, like many GSHPs with ECLE, showed signs of stiff gait, lameness and arched back, suggestive of arthralgia.…”

“…Analysis of all reported ECLE cases with a reported therapeutic modality and long‐term outcome revealed that half of ECLE dogs are eventually euthanized for their lack of response to therapy . In this dog, the remission of skin lesions and associated molecular pathological findings followed the implementation of photoprotection and oral MMF therapy without any additional systemic glucocorticoids.…”

“…Exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ECLE) is a variant form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) that predominantly affects German shorthaired pointers . At present, little is known about the aetiology and pathogenesis of cutaneous lesion development in this canine disease .…”

“…Exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ECLE) is a variant form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) that predominantly affects German shorthaired pointers. [1][2][3][4] At present, little is known about the aetiology and pathogenesis of cutaneous lesion development in this canine disease. 4 Furthermore, treatment for ECLE can be minimally successful, 2,4 mandating a continual need for more effective and safer therapeutics that target some of the key inflammatory pathways involved in the CLE disease pathogenesis.…”