Pemphigus is Latin for "Blistering Skin" and is used to describe a group of autoimmune skin diseases involving ulceration and crusting of the skin, as well as the formation of fluid-filled sacs and cysts (vesicles), and pus filled lesions (pustules). Some types of pemphigus can also affect the skin tissue of the gums
An autoimmune disease is a condition in which autoantibodies are produced by immune system but they act against the body's healthy cells and tissues. In effect, the body is attacking itself. The hallmark sign of pemphigus is a condition called acantholysis, where the skin cells separate and break down because of tissue-bound antibody deposits in the space between cells.
Pemphigus disorder can be divided into four types.
1) Pemphigus foliaceus: the autoantibodies are deposited in the outermost layers of the epidermis, and blisters form on otherwise healthy skin.
2) Pemphigus erythematosus: more common and similar to pemphigus foliaceus but less afflictive.
3) Pemphigus vulgaris: It has deeper and more sever ulcers because autoantibodies deposite deep in the skin.
4) Pemphigus vegetans: the rarest form of pemphigus with milder ulcers
Symptoms are common as well as specific in all four forms. They are
Foliaceus
Scales, crust, pustules, shallow ulcers, redness, and itching of the skin
Footpad overgrowth and cracking
Fluid-filled sacs/cysts in the skin (or vesicles)
The head, ears, and footpads are the most commonly affected; this often becomes generalized over the body
Gums and lips may be affected
Swollen lymph nodes, generalized swelling, depression, fever, and lameness (if footpads are involved); however, patients often are in good health otherwise
Variable pain and itchy skin
Secondary bacterial infection is possible because of cracked or ulcerated skin
Erythematosus
Mainly the same as for pemphigus foliaceus
Lesions are usually confined to the head, face, and footpads
Loss of color in lips is more common than with other pemphigus forms
Vulgaris
The most serious of the pemphigus types
More severe than pemphigus foliaceus and erythematosus
Fever
Depression
Anorexia may occur if the animal has mouth ulcers
Ulcers, both shallow and deep, blisters, crusted skin
Affects gums, lips, and skin; may become generalized over the body
The underarm and groin areas are often involved
Itchy skin and pain
Secondary bacterial infections are common
Vegetans
Pustule groups join to form larger patches of oozing lesions
Mouth is not usually affected
Few symptoms of general illness (fever, depression, etc.)
