Successful management of feline pemphigus foliaceus with pentoxifylline and topical hydrocortisone aceponate

Abstract

Abstract The treatment regimen for feline pemphigus foliaceus (PF), an autoimmune disease caused by auto‐antibodies against proteins of the desmosome junction, usually includes high doses of oral or parenteral immunosuppressive drugs, typically glucocorticoids. This case adds to a growing body of evidence that topical hydrocortisone aceponate is effective for the treatment of feline PF, and demonstrates the practical use of a non‐invasive diagnostic method for histopathology when owners refuse a biopsy to support a clinical diagnosis of PF. Finally, this case highlights an international trend of owner‐initiated treatment of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) using unlicensed, unregistered drugs.