Abstract

The purpose of this report was to describe a uniform, spontaneous, non-inflammatory alopecia of Norwegian Lundehunds. A total population of 300-400 dogs exists in Scandinavia. In 13 cases (2 of which were siblings) spontaneous, multi-focal to patchy, non-inflammatory, non-scarring alopecia, not attributable to ectoparasites or skin infection was recorded. Histopathology (6/13) revealed an isthmus-oriented, mural folliculitis with predominantly lymphocytes, resmbling pseudopelade, although mural mucinosis was also a consistent feature. Gender distribution was equal and age of onset was 9 months to 7y (mean 2y 4m, median 1y 8m). Alopecia with non-inflammatory skin developed on face, limbs or trunk. In contrary to human pseudopelade, scarring was not a feature. General health was excellent, pruritus absent to moderate. Follow-up varied between 4 months and 10.5 years (mean 2y 4m, median 1y 2m). In nine dogs not treated, no improvement (5), spontaneous remission with relapse during heat (2) and partial remission (2) was observed. Oral prednisolone resulted in one failure and one complete remission with subsequent recurrence after withdrawal and oral cycklosporin in two complete remissions. Concurrent disease (intestinal lymphangiectasy) was recorded in one dog 6y after diagnosis. The occurrence of skin lesions with a uniform phenotype and histopathology in one breed suggests a common pathogenesis. Immunohistochemistry studies and search for possible auto-antibodies are warranted. A heretability of this immune-mediated disease is suspected

Published in

Conference

North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum

SLU Authors

• Bergvall, Kerstin

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Veterinary Science
Animal and Dairy Science


Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/17986