Vesicular cutaneous lupus erythematosus in a Border Collie in New Zealand

Abstract

A 3-year-old Border Collie was initially presented for a small ulcerative lesion on the left axilla. The lesion failed to respond to conservative treatment with antibiotics, and the dog was re-presented one week later with ulcerative lesions involving the inguinal and axillary areas bilaterally. Histology of a biopsy of these lesions revealed a lymphocytic ulcerative interface dermatitis. Apoptosis and degeneration of basaloid cells was evident, with clefting along the dermo–epidermal junction. Vesicular cutaneous lupus erythematosus was diagnosed. The dog was treated with prednisone and azathioprine, resulting in complete remission of signs. However, recurrence occurred when drugs were tapered, necessitating ongoing treatment. Vesicular cutaneous lupus erythematosus has been described in North America in Rough-coated Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. However, in Australasia, it is most commonly observed in Border Collies.