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Suspected polymyxin B‐induced pemphigus vulgaris in a dog
Author(s) -
Rybníček Jan,
Hill Peter B.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
veterinary dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.744
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1365-3164
pISSN - 0959-4493
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2007.00589.x
Subject(s) - medicine , polymyxin b , pemphigus vulgaris , azathioprine , acantholysis , prednisone , dermatology , antibiotics , polymyxin , surgery , disease , immunology , autoantibody , microbiology and biotechnology , antibody , biology
A case of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), putatively induced by topical application of polymyxin B ear drops, is described. A 3‐year‐old, female Tosa Inu, presented with acute onset swelling, blistering and ulceration of the pinnae, nostrils, lips and oral mucous membranes. The dog was depressed, febrile and anorexic. For 7 days prior to the onset of the acute ulcerative disease, polymyxin B ear drops had been applied to both ears to treat an ear infection. Skin and mucosal biopsies showed suprabasilar cleft formation and acantholysis, indicative of PV. The polymyxin B ear drops were discontinued and the dog was treated with intravenous fluids, systemic and topical antibacterial therapy, and immunosuppressive therapy comprising prednisone and azathioprine. Complete remission was noted after 2 weeks, and the immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued one month later. No clinical signs of PV recurred over a 1 year follow‐up period. As PV does not usually resolve spontaneously, or enter long‐term remission, it was considered that the condition was most likely drug induced due to the aural application of polymyxin B.