Bullous pemphigoid refractory to recommended dosage of prednisolone in a dog

Bullous pemphigoid in a dog was diagnosed on the basis of clinical, histopathologic, and immunologic criteria. There were widespread ulcerative lesions of the skin. Numerous ulcerative lesions and occasional bullous lesions were on the oral mucous membranes. Histopathologic changes included dermal-epidermal separation, with subepidermal production of bullae. Direct immunofluorescent staining of the skin revealed depositions of immunoglobulin G and of the 3rd component of the complement system. Indirect immunofluorescent staining of donor skin sections pretreated with patient's serum revealed antibasement membrane antibody in the patient's serum. Most of the data in the serum immune profile were within normal ranges. Prednisolone therapy did not effect remission at the dosage of 4.4 mg/kg/day, but led to the beginning of remission within 7 days at a dosage of 6.6 mg/kg/day. The dosage was gradually reduced to 1.1 mg/kg, at 30 days, after which the drug was given on alternate days at that dosage. The healing was complete within 35 days, without any remissions when the dog was last examined (ie, over 6 months).