Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dermatomyositis causing skin and muscle problems in Working Kelpies
By Röthig, A et al.·Published in Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere·2015·Dr. Anja Rö·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Dermatomyositis in a family of Working Kelpies.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A family of eight Working Kelpies showed signs of dermatomyositis, which included hair loss, skin crusts and ulcers, changes in their noses and lips, and issues with their nails and chewing muscles. The diagnosis was confirmed through skin biopsies in three of the dogs. Various treatments were tried, including steroids and other immunomodulating drugs, but results varied among the dogs. While some showed improvement, the condition is known to be immune-mediated and may have a genetic link in this breed.
People also search for: Working Kelpie skin problems · dog hair loss treatment · dermatomyositis in dogs · immune-mediated skin disease in dogs
Abstract
Eight members of a family of Working Kelpies were presented with signs compatible with dermatomyositis. Alopecia, crusts, ulcerations of the skin, depigmentation of nasal planum and lips, onychodystrophy and atrophy of the masticatory muscles were present with varying degree. Histopathology of the skin, but not from muscles was performed in three dogs and confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Different immunomodulating drugs (steroids, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, pentoxifylline, doxycyline/niacinamid, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E) were used with variable success. Dermatomyositis is an immune-mediated disease and a genetic predisposition is known in humans and certain canine breeds, mainly Shetland Sheepdogs and Collies, but also for the Beauceron. The responsible genes have not been identified so far. It is assumed that the Working Kelpie derives from the Collie which could explain a hereditary predisposition in the Kelpie.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26105578/