Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy in Review: Lessons Learned From 31 Cases

Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) is a complex disease that exclusively affects the claws of dogs and represents a therapeutic challenge. Biopsy sampling of the third phalanx for histopathological evaluation has historically been the recommended diagnostic test, yet clinical diagnosis is currently encouraged. Numerous treatment protocols of varying success have been proposed for dogs with this condition.

The goals of this study are to report clinical findings, treatment protocols and outcomes of dogs with SLO, to propose a rationale for the clinical diagnosis and to discuss therapies for SLO.

Thirty-one dogs examined at a veterinary hospital from May 2004 to April 2024.

Retrospective analysis of medical records from dogs diagnosed with SLO.

The average age of dogs at disease onset and diagnosis was 7 years old. Nineteen breeds were represented. Thirty dogs were clinically diagnosed with SLO, mostly presenting with onychodystrophy and onychomadesis, and in one a biopsy sample was collected. Different therapeutic combinations including tetracyclines alone or with niacinamide, pentoxifylline, essential fatty acids (EFAs), vitamin E, biotin and ciclosporin were used for the initial and/or maintenance treatment of SLO.

The distinctive presentation of SLO supports its clinical diagnosis. Medical treatment seems to support a favourable long-term outcome, despite the wide variation in protocols and doses. EFAs were commonly used as initial and maintenance therapy, and tetracyclines could often be excluded from the treatment protocol, thus complying with good antimicrobial stewardship practice.