Use of Oclacitinib in the treatment of pemphigus foliaceus in a dog: case report

Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune bullous dermatosis caused by the action of antibodies against epidermal cells and is considered as the most frequent pemphigus complex disease that affects pets. It is characterized by the presence of intraepidermal pustules that may evolve into erosion, scaling, crusts, and alopecia, affecting the periocular area, nasal planum, ventral area, abdomen, and paw pads. The diagnosis is made by observing the animal's history, anamnesis, clinical signs, and laboratory tests such as cytological examination and is confirmed by histopathology. The recommended treatment is systemic immunosuppressive therapy, such as prednisone or prednisolone. This study reports the treatment of a male German Spitz canine with oral oclacitinib who was diagnosed with pemphigus foliaceus that was unresponsive to oral corticosteroids. Oclacitinib was effective in treating pemphigus foliaceus and may be a new therapeutic option for this dermatopathy.