Bilaterally Symmetrical Alopecia With Reticulated Hyperpigmentation
October 2012
in “
Veterinary Pathology
”
alopecia hyperpigmentation scaling hyperthermia lymphadenomegaly anemia thrombocytopenia proteinuria antibodies lymphocyte-rich interface dermatitis folliculitis follicular destruction chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus systemic lupus erythematosus autoimmune alopecia hair loss skin darkening skin scaling fever swollen lymph nodes low red blood cells low platelets protein in urine lymphocyte-rich skin inflammation hair follicle inflammation hair follicle destruction chronic skin lupus systemic lupus immune system hair loss
TLDR A Doberman Pinscher had a rare form of autoimmune disease causing hair loss and other severe symptoms.
An adult castrated male Doberman Pinscher exhibited alopecic patches with hyperpigmentation and scaling, later developing systemic symptoms like hyperthermia, lethargy, joint pain, lymphadenomegaly, vomiting, and diarrhea. Laboratory tests showed anemia, thrombocytopenia, proteinuria, and elevated antinuclear antibodies. Skin biopsies revealed lymphocyte-rich interface dermatitis and folliculitis leading to follicular destruction. These findings indicated a unique alopecic variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, progressing to systemic lupus erythematosus, highlighting a rare form of lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune alopecia in dogs.
