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Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy in Review: Lessons Learned From 31 Cases
Jessica R Calesso1,2, Clarissa P Souza2, Stephanie R Bruner2
1Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Veterinary Dermatology
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) in dogs is best diagnosed clinically. Medical treatments, particularly essential fatty acids (EFAs), show promise for favorable long-term outcomes in managing this challenging claw disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Canine Pathology
Background:
- Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) is a challenging canine claw disease.
- Clinical diagnosis is now preferred over histopathology for SLO.
- Various treatments exist with inconsistent success rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document clinical signs, treatments, and outcomes for dogs with SLO.
- To provide a basis for clinical SLO diagnosis.
- To discuss effective therapeutic strategies for SLO.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 31 dogs diagnosed with SLO between 2004 and 2024.
- Review of medical records detailing clinical presentation and treatment protocols.
- Focus on dogs diagnosed clinically, with one case involving biopsy.
Main Results:
- The average age of onset and diagnosis for SLO was 7 years.
- Common clinical signs included onychodystrophy and onychomadesis.
- Treatments involved combinations of tetracyclines, niacinamide, pentoxifylline, EFAs, vitamin E, biotin, and ciclosporin.
Conclusions:
- Distinctive clinical signs support a diagnosis of SLO.
- Medical management, especially with EFAs, appears to lead to positive long-term outcomes.
- Tetracyclines can often be omitted, aligning with antimicrobial stewardship principles.
