Successful treatment of juvenile pemphigus foliaceus in a Nigerian Dwarf goat

Abstract

CASE DESCRIPTION-A 2-month-old female Nigerian Dwarf goat was evaluated for a generalized crusting dermatitis; signs of depression; and fever of 1 month's duration. CLINICAL FINDINGS-Histologic evaluation of skin biopsy specimens revealed subcorneal pustules and rafts of acantholytic cells. No etiologic agents were detected in the biopsy material, and bacterial culture of skin biopsy specimens yielded no growth of pathological organisms. A diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus was made. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-Remission was achieved with a combination of SC administration of dexamethasone and IM administration of gold sodium thiomalate. The goat remained free of clinical signs for at least 26 months after discontinuation of all medications. No clinically apparent adverse effects of treatment were evident. CLINICAL RELEVANCE-This report represents the first description of successful treatment of juvenile pemphigus foliaceus in a goat by use of a novel protocol involving dexamethasone and gold sodium thiomalate.