title: Successful treatment of pemphigus foliaceus in a Berrichon du Cher ram with methylprednisolone acetate.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pemphigus foliaceus is a severe, autoimmune blistering skin disease, which is described in humans and some animal species. In small ruminants pemphigus foliaceus has rarely been described and, to the best of the authors' knowledge, little information is available about successful treatment in sheep.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This case report describes a Berrichon du Cher ram with the presumed diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus.
  
  
  METHODS
  The ram was treated with methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg in one subcuticular injection at four week intervals over a one year period, with regular observation of clinical parameters. Four months after treatment was initiated the haematological parameters showed lymphopenia and leukopenia; some enzyme activities were substantially increased.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ram's dermatological condition improved to the point of complete healing of the affected skin. The ram was discharged in good condition. No adverse effects, except an elevation of some enzymes associated with liver function, were observed. At postmortem examination moderate fatty liver syndrome was the only abnormality found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case report demonstrated that long term therapy with methylprednisolone acetate in a sheep with pemphigus foliaceus did not have a negative effect on clinical parameters. Nevertheless, due to the extended statutory withdrawal period resulting from the regular administration of glucocorticoids, such a therapeutic option must be critically assessed in food producing animals.
authors.affiliation: University Clinic for Ruminants of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Bianca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lambacher
authors.affiliation: University Clinic for Ruminants of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schoiswohl
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Rene
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brunthaler
authors.affiliation: University Clinic for Ruminants of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wittek
authors.affiliation: University Clinic for Ruminants of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Reinhild
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krametter-Frötscher
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule / Q000662:veterinary; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077555:Methylprednisolone Acetate; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000077555:Methylprednisolone Acetate; D008775:Methylprednisolone