Pyoderma gangrenosum after trauma in a dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Immunodermatology

Background:

• Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, ulcerative neutrophilic dermatosis.
• Canine PG diagnosis relies on clinical and histopathological findings, often requiring a response to immunosuppressive therapy.

Observation:

• A 12-year-old Miniature Pinscher presented with progressive, ulcerative skin lesions.
• Initial suspicion of sterile neutrophilic dermatosis led to prednisolone treatment.
• Significant improvement occurred with prednisolone, supporting a diagnosis of canine PG.

Findings:

• Real-time RT-PCR quantified cytokine mRNA in lesional skin before and after treatment.
• Elevated transcription levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, IL-8, and IL-17A were observed in lesional skin prior to treatment.
• Cytokine mRNA levels decreased significantly following prednisolone therapy.

Implications:

• This case suggests elevated cytokine mRNA levels in canine PG lesions.
• Findings align with observations in human PG patients, highlighting conserved inflammatory pathways.
• Further research into cytokine roles in canine dermatoses is warranted.