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== Introduction ==
Bullous Pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease, affecting dogs, cats, horses and pigs. It is very rare. The disease causes subepidermal vesicular dermatitis. The target autoantigen is a protein located in the basement membrane, hence immune attack leads to seperation of the epidermis and dermis.
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Vesicles and bullae appear on the skin but these quickly rupture to leave large erosions on the skin surface. Typical areas lesions are seen are around mucocutaneous junctions especially in the axillae and groin, but may also affect solely the mucous membrane in certain areas such as the oral cavity.
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== Signalment ==
Dogs, cats, horses and pigs can be affected by this disease, but it s rare in all these species. There are no breed predilections. Females are thought to be more likely to have autoimmune disease than males. Autoimmune disease usually arises at around 1- 3 years of age.
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== Clinical Signs ==
Vesicles and bullae on the areas mentioned above are indicative of a subepidermal vesicular dermatitis. In severe cases the animal may be depressed, lethargic and pyrexic.
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== Diagnosis ==
History and clinical signs may place this disease on the differential list. Other differentials include other ulcerative autoimmune diseases such as [[Pemphigus|Pemphigus vulgaris]] and systemic lupus erythrematosus.
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A biopsy of the lesion would demonstrate the presence of the disease. Immunopathology would reveal linear Ig deposition at the basement membrane.
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== Treatment ==
High dose of systemic glucocorticoids is required for treatment of this disease.
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== Prognosis ==
Guarded.
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== References ==
Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition), Elsevier Science
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Bond, R. (2008) Veterinary Dermatology Study Guide, Royal Veterinary College
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Foster, A, and Foll, C. (2003) BSAVA small animal dermatology (second edition), British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition), Merial
[[Category:Integumentary System - Autoimmune Reactions]]
[[Category:Integumentary System - Autoimmune Reactions]]
[[Category:Antibody Mediated Autoimmune Diseases]]
[[Category:Antibody Mediated Autoimmune Diseases]]
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