🐾 Vet-Approved 2025 Guide: Pemphigus Foliaceus in Dogs and Cats—Signs, Diagnosis & Long-Term Care 🐶🐱🧬

By Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune skin disease that affects both dogs and cats. Though uncommon, it can cause significant discomfort and distress for pets and their families. PF causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the skin, resulting in painful sores, crusts, and pustules. With proper treatment and monitoring, most pets can live comfortably with this condition 🩺🐾

🔬 What Is Pemphigus Foliaceus?

PF is a non-contagious autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system targets the outer layers of the skin. This leads to:

• 🟡 Pustules (bumps filled with pus)
• 🧴 Crusts and scabs
• 🩹 Open sores, especially after pustules rupture

These skin lesions most often appear on the face, ears, paws, and back. In cats, the area around the claws is also commonly affected. Pets may develop fever, lethargy, and lameness if paws are painful or infected 🐾🔥

📋 Who Can Get PF?

PF is uncommon, but it can affect any breed or species—including dogs, cats, horses, goats, and humans. No breed is immune, and it’s not contagious between animals or humans 🐕🐱🐴

🔍 How Is PF Diagnosed?

PF mimics other skin diseases, so your veterinarian will need to perform diagnostic testing to confirm it:

🧪 Skin Cytology

• 🔬 Examines cells from skin lesions under a microscope
• 🦠 Checks for bacteria, yeast, and inflammatory cells

🔬 Skin Biopsy

• 🩺 Minor surgical procedure
• 🧠 Sample is examined by a veterinary pathologist to confirm autoimmune disease

Because PF shares symptoms with bacterial infections, ringworm, and other conditions, diagnosis is essential before starting immune-suppressive treatment.

💊 How Is PF Treated?

PF is managed by suppressing the immune system and reducing skin inflammation. Your vet may prescribe:

• 💉 Corticosteroids (like prednisone) to control inflammation
• 💊 Additional immune-suppressive drugs such as cyclosporine or azathioprine
• 🧼 Topical or oral antibiotics if secondary skin infections are present

These medications help reduce lesions, improve comfort, and prevent new outbreaks. Your vet will adjust dosages based on your pet’s response and side effects 🩺📉

🕰️ How Long Will Treatment Last?

• ⏳ Most pets require long-term or lifelong treatment
• 📆 Some pets can taper down medications if symptoms stabilize
• 🩺 Regular rechecks and blood monitoring are essential to balance efficacy and safety

🏥 What Can I Expect at Home?

• 🧽 Clean crusts gently, as directed by your vet
• 📸 Monitor for new lesions or worsening symptoms
• 🚨 Notify your vet if fever, lameness, or widespread sores occur
• 🐾 Protect sensitive paws from rough surfaces and excessive licking

📲 Managing PF Together

If your pet has been diagnosed with pemphigus foliaceus, you don’t have to manage it alone. For expert help with treatment planning, medication monitoring, or recheck prep, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱

🐶🐱 With the right care, many pets with PF can enjoy life itch-free and pain-free 💊💚