Probable Drug-Triggered Pemphigus Foliaceus in a Dog Following Administration of Afoxolaner (NexGard)
June 2019
in “
Veterinary record case reports
”
TLDR A dog developed a skin condition called pemphigus foliaceus after taking NexGard, but got better with treatment.
A 9-year-old castrated male miniature dachshund developed chronic pustular dermatitis, lethargy, fever, and weight loss following the administration of afoxolaner (NexGard). The dog's condition worsened with each of the five subsequent doses. Physical examination revealed multifocal alopecia, diffuse crusting, and peripheral lymphadenomegaly. Cytology showed non-degenerate neutrophils and acantholytic keratinocytes without bacterial or fungal organisms. Histopathology confirmed subcorneal acantholytic pustular dermatosis, leading to a diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus. Treatment with immunosuppressive prednisone and cyclosporine led to remission, though low doses were required for long-term maintenance.
