Sunlight Can Make Skin Disease Worse
My-Dog.info > Dog Diseases, Bites, Worms & Ticks
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is an autoimmune disease
wherein a dog becomes allergic to its own tissues. This disease
results in crusting, depigmentation, redness, and ulceration of
the nose. Lesions may also appear around the eyes, ears, limbs,
and other areas. DLE can occur at any age, and is seen more often
in such breeds as Collies, German shepherds, Shelties, and
Siberian huskies.
Fortunately, the prognosis for this disease is usually good,
although treatment must usually be continued for life. DLE can
get better or worse on its own, such that there may be times when
no treatment is necessary. In some chronic cases, DLE can develop
into a malignant type of cancer called A squamous cell carcinoma,
although this happens rarely.
Exposure to U-V light (e.g. sunlight) can exacerbate or even
precipitate this condition. This is why it tends to be more
severe in summer or in sunny climates. Depigmentation of the nose
will also make your dog more susceptible to sunburns.
Treatment and correction of DLE involves two steps. First, an
accurate diagnosis must be made, since nasal depigmentation
and/or ulceration can have many causes. This can be done via
blood tests and skin biopsies. Because the nose is a very
sensitive and vascular area, a general anaesthetic is required to
take a proper biopsy.
Secondly, once a diagnosis of DLE has been made, treatment
involves avoiding intense sunlight, various topical and systemic
medications and, in extreme cases, surgical correction. In some
cases, applying a sunscreen to the depigmented areas may prove
helpful. Keeping the patient indoors during the day (between 8
a.m. and 5 p.m.) and allowing generous access outdoors at night
instead can also minimize clinical signs.
Topically, creams or ointments containing Vitamin E or
steroids may also prove helpful.Oral Vitamin E (about 400-800
I.U. twice daily) has proven to be beneficial as well. Severe
cases respond to corticosteroid therapy.
Finally, recent reports have described good success in using
reconstructive surgery to correct the nasal area. The
depigmented, ulcerated areas are excised and replaced (by means
of a surgical skin graft) with normal skin. Your veterinarian can
suggest which treatment options are most effective.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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