269. When to suspect pemphigus in dogs and cats Artwork

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269. When to suspect pemphigus in dogs and cats

April 24, 2025 • Ashley Bourgeois, DVM, Dip ACVD • Season 6 • Episode 269

It can be difficult to differentiate pemphigus foliaceus (PF) in certain cases. If there is a lot of infection or inflammation, it can be difficult to tell if the case is autoimmune or allergic. However, there are a few hints between dogs and cats that can give you an indication you are dealing with PF.

In dogs, honey colored adherent crusting, facial lesions, nasal planum involvement and crust paw pads can occur with PF. In cats, purulent debris at the claw folds, crusting/erythema around the nipples and crusting/erythema to the pinna can be hints of PF.

As always, check cytology and look for neutrophilic inflammation without infection and/or acantholytic keratinocytes (prematurely lifted skin cells). Learn more details on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast!

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
01:53 Dogs and Pemphigus
04:29 Oral Mucosa
06:00 Cats and Pemphigus
09:53 Cytology and Pemphigus
12:53 Summary