Thierry Olivry1,2, Michael A Rossi3, Frane Banovic1,2, Keith E Linder2,4. 1. Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA. 2. Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA. 3. VRCC Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital, 3550 South Jason Street, Englewood, CO 80110, USA. 4. Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of dogs with chronic juxtamucosal erosive lesions and histopathology typical of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is unclear. HYPOTHESIS/ OBJECTIVES: We report herein 21 dogs with mucocutaneous erosive lesions and lupus-specific histopathology that we propose to be affected with mucocutaneous lupus erythematosus (MCLE), another variant of chronic CLE. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were the presence of the following: (i) a >2 month history of chronic or recurrent skin lesions; (ii) erosions or ulcers predominating at mucosae or mucocutaneous junctions; (iii) microscopic lesions of CLE (i.e. a lymphocyte-rich interface dermatitis with basal keratinocyte damage); and (iv) a lack of complete remission following antimicrobials. Clinical questionnaires and skin biopsies were reviewed. Direct immunofluorescence and antinuclear antibody serology were performed whenever possible. RESULTS: More than half of the 21 dogs were German shepherds or their crosses. The disease affected mostly dogs in their mid-adulthood and there was an over-representation of females. Erosions and ulcers predominated at genital/perigenital and anal/perianal areas, with a lower frequency of involvement of periocular, perioral and perinasal regions. In these dogs, there were no clinical signs suggestive of an associated systemic lupus erythematosus. Microscopic lesions were specific for CLE, but they were patchy and often infected with bacteria. The most common immunological finding was focal IgG deposition at the basement membrane zone. Lesions responded to varying interventions, but oral glucocorticoids led to a shorter time to complete remission. Relapses were common upon treatment tapering. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These observations support MCLE being another variant of canine CLE.
BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of dogs with chronic juxtamucosal erosive lesions and histopathology typical of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is unclear. HYPOTHESIS/ OBJECTIVES: We report herein 21 dogs with mucocutaneous erosive lesions and lupus-specific histopathology that we propose to be affected with mucocutaneous lupus erythematosus (MCLE), another variant of chronic CLE. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were the presence of the following: (i) a >2 month history of chronic or recurrent skin lesions; (ii) erosions or ulcers predominating at mucosae or mucocutaneous junctions; (iii) microscopic lesions of CLE (i.e. a lymphocyte-rich interface dermatitis with basal keratinocyte damage); and (iv) a lack of complete remission following antimicrobials. Clinical questionnaires and skin biopsies were reviewed. Direct immunofluorescence and antinuclear antibody serology were performed whenever possible. RESULTS: More than half of the 21 dogs were German shepherds or their crosses. The disease affected mostly dogs in their mid-adulthood and there was an over-representation of females. Erosions and ulcers predominated at genital/perigenital and anal/perianal areas, with a lower frequency of involvement of periocular, perioral and perinasal regions. In these dogs, there were no clinical signs suggestive of an associated systemic lupus erythematosus. Microscopic lesions were specific for CLE, but they were patchy and often infected with bacteria. The most common immunological finding was focal IgG deposition at the basement membrane zone. Lesions responded to varying interventions, but oral glucocorticoids led to a shorter time to complete remission. Relapses were common upon treatment tapering. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These observations support MCLE being another variant of canine CLE.
Authors: Alice A Amudzi; Cesar Piedra-Mora; Diana Junyue Ma; Neil B Wong; Clement N David; Nicholas A Robinson; Ramón M Almela; Jillian M Richmond Journal: Front Vet Sci Date: 2022-02-24