Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Skin disease like pemphigus foliaceus triggered by flea treatment
By Bizikova, Petra et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2014·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Fipronil-amitraz-S-methoprene-triggered pemphigus foliaceus in 21 dogs: clinical, histological and immunological characteristics.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 21 dogs developed skin problems after using a new topical flea and tick treatment containing fipronil, amitraz, and S-methoprene. Many of these dogs, mostly middle-aged and large, showed pustular lesions either at the application site or on other parts of their bodies. Some dogs also experienced systemic signs, indicating a more serious reaction. Testing revealed that the skin lesions were linked to an autoimmune response, similar to a condition called pemphigus foliaceus. It's important for pet owners to be aware of this potential reaction and consult their veterinarian if their dog shows unusual skin issues after using this product.
People also search for: dog skin problems after flea treatment · pemphigus foliaceus in dogs · fipronil side effects in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A recently launched topical ectoparasiticide containing fipronil, amitraz and S-methoprene has been associated with the development of an acantholytic pustular dermatitis similar to that of Promeris-triggered pemphigus foliaceus (PF). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to describe the clinical, histological and immunological features of this PF-like cutaneous adverse drug reaction. ANIMALS: Twenty-one dogs with a probable or definitive diagnosis of PF-like cutaneous adverse drug reaction were identified between May 2012 and February 2013. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Histology, direct and indirect immunofluorescence were employed to address the study objectives. RESULTS: Most dogs were middle-aged or older (median, 9 years) and of large size (median, 23 kg). In six dogs (29%), the PF-like lesions remained confined to the site of application, while 15 dogs (71%) exhibited lesions at distant sites. One or two applications of the ectoparasiticide were sufficient to trigger PF-like lesions in seven (33%) and six (29%) dogs, respectively. Systemic signs were reported in nine dogs (43%), all with lesions extending to sites distant from application areas. Tissue-bound antikeratinocyte IgG was detected in the lesional epidermis of eight of 19 (42%) cases by direct immunofluorescence, while serum antikeratinocyte IgG was detected in 10 of 14 (71%) cases by indirect immunofluorescence. Autoantibodies were found to target canine desmocollin-1 in 11 of 14 dogs (79%), but not canine desmoglein-1, by indirect immunofluorescence on transfected cells. These immunological findings were similar in cases with localized and distant disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This new topical ectoparasiticide containing fipronil, amitraz and S-methoprene is capable of triggering the development of an acantholytic pustular dermatosis that is a clinical, histological and immunological close match for Promeris-triggered PF and naturally occurring autoimmune PF in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24666660/