title: Successful treatment of a novel generalized variant of canine discoid lupus erythematosus with oral hydroxychloroquine.
abstract: Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a common canine autoimmune disease that usually manifests as a localized ulcerative and scarring nasal dermatitis. We report herein a generalized variant of canine DLE successfully treated with the antimalarial immunomodulator hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). A 9-year-old hairless Chinese crested dog was presented with annular and polycyclic hyperpigmented and scaly skin lesions with central erosions, hypopigmentation and/or scarring on the trunk, neck and lateral extremities. Associated systemic signs were not seen. The clinical diagnosis of generalized DLE was supported by the demonstration of lymphocyte-rich interface dermatitis with epidermal atrophy and dermo-epidermal deposition of immunoglobulins and activated complement. As for human DLE, treatment was initiated with HCQ at 5 mg/kg once daily along with 2 weeks of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment and restriction of sun exposure. Over the following year, complete remission was maintained with HCQ at 5 mg/kg orally once daily with the exception of three relapses; two occurred during treatment induction and the third arose when the frequency of HCQ administration was reduced to every other day. Disease flares were controlled with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment alternating with 0.1% prednicarbate cream once daily for 5-10 days. Altogether, adverse drug events were not seen with this regimen. In summary, clinically, histologically and immunologically, this dog's disease mirrored the generalized discoid variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus of humans. The apparent benefit of HCQ, its safety and low cost warrant future investigations of its use for treatment of canine cutaneous lupus variants.
authors: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
authors: Ursula
authors: U
authors: Oberkirchner
authors: Keith E
authors: KE
authors: Linder
authors: Thierry
authors: T
authors: Olivry
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008179:Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine