Autoimmune Disease in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs (Pemphigus Foliaceus)
Autoimmune disease in bulldogs and French bulldogs can happen when your bulldog’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own normal, healthy cells, failing to distinguish self from non-self. We are not sure why this error happens (i.e., is idiopathic), possibly something changed the tissue cells’ own receptors, hence, the misidentification and following hostility.
Think of it as an out-of-control inflammatory response by the bulldog’s own immune system.
Pemphigus Autoimmune Disease in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs IMMUNE SYSTEM
Your bulldog puppy’s immune system is critical to his/her health and is composed of cells that patrol his/her body and defend, reject, and fight foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria.
A French bulldog puppy’s antibodies normally recognize their own cells, tissues, and organs as “self” (friendly) and, thus, will not destroy them. Each cell carries a unique ID code called a “receptor” (fingerprint,” if you will) that must perfectly match the patrolling immune cell’s receptor counterpart.
Think of it as a key and a lock, if there is no match, the immune system will assume that those cells are foreign invaders, and attack and destroy them.
An auto-immune disease in bulldogs that affects the skin is called pemphigus. Pemphigus foliaceous affects the top layer of skin, called the epidermis. The epidermis acts as a barrier to defend against the harsh environment that surrounds your dog.
There are other types of pemphigus that are more aggressive and more difficult to treat.
Pemphigus Autoimmune Disease in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PRESENTATION:
Autoimmune disease in bulldogs and French bulldogs can affect many body systems including the following:
- GI tract: IBD
- Central nervous system (CNS)
- Joints: Polyarthritis
- Blood cells: autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Skin: Pemphigus
- Eyes: KCS
Immune suppressant drugs are the traditional therapy for most immune-mediated diseases, including Pemphigus Foliaceus.
Pemphigus foliaceous affects the top layer of skin, called the epidermis. The epidermis acts as a barrier to defend against the harsh environment that surrounds your dog.
There are other types of pemphigus that are more aggressive and more difficult to treat.
Autoimmune disease in bulldogs and French bulldogs DIAGNOSIS
- CYTOLOGY: abnormal cells consistent with pemphigus can be found on cytology
- BIOPSY: histopathology
- BLOOD & URINE
- SCRAPE: to rule out skin mites
- CULTURE: to help identify harmful bacteria
Warning: Bulldog Pemphigus should be confirmed by cytology and/or biopsies before initiating potentially harmful immune suppressant drugs.
Autoimmune disease in bulldogs and French bulldogs TREATMENT:
BULLDOG PEMPHIGUS / STEROIDS:
Immunosuppressant drugs are the traditional therapy for pemphigus.
Warning: Because of the potential side effects of those medications, doses should be tapered in response to clinical signs.
BULLDOG STEM CELL THERAPY:
In some cases, especially when adverse effects are present, I have replaced the traditional immune suppressant drugs with a new, cutting-edge, regenerative technology named stem cell therapy.
BULLDOG ANTIBIOTIC & FUNGAL:
To help treat secondary infections.
BULLDOG TOPICAL & SUPPLEMENTS THERAPEUTICS:
Topical therapeutics can help control bacterial and yeast infections, remove dead scales, and support skin hydration.
Our therapeutic supplements are essential to help support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and replace the gut good bacteria harmed by the steroids and antibiotics.
Bulldog Pemphigus Topical Therapeutics
- V4B Bully Antibacterial & Anti-Yeast Medicated Shampoos & Gels
- V4B Bully Antibacterial & Anti-Yeast Medicated Wipes & Spray
- V4B Bully Hydrating Itch Control Shampoos & Conditioners
Bulldog Pemphigus Therapeutic Supplements
- V4B Bully Immune Support & Anti Oxidants
- V4B Bully Pre- & Probiotics w Digestive Enzymes
- V4B Bully Fish Oil Omega EFA
Pemphigus in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PROGNOSIS:
Pemphigus foliaceous in bulldogs is typically a chronic skin condition, with a waxing and waning course. It can also come back after remission.
Severe cases might not respond well to treatment or suffer from serious side effects, compassionate euthanasia in those cases should be considered
Autoimmune disease in bulldogs and French bulldogs Tips & Warnings:
BULLDOG PEMPHIGUS TIPS:
Bulldog Pemphigus Testing Tip # 1 :
There is no specific blood test for the diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceous in bulldogs, cytology or a biopsy is required. Regular blood tests, urine analyses, and cultures should be done on bulldogs treated with immune suppressant drugs for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Bulldog Pemphigus vs. Allergy Tip #2 :
Bulldog allergic itch dermatitis usually starts with an itch. In contrast, the itching induced by pemphigus starts later, after the appearance of lesions.
Bulldog Pemphigus Tip #3 CONTAGIOUS:
Bulldog pemphigus is not contagious to you, your family, or other household pets.
BULLDOG PEMPHIGUS WARNINGS:
Bulldog Pemphigus STEROID WARNING:
HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS: Most bulldogs and French bulldogs suffering from pemphigus are placed on immune suppressant drugs like prednisone and anti-biotics, both likely to cause harmful adverse effects with short-term and more so long-term usage.
LIVER STEROID HEPATHOPATHY: Your bulldog’s liver might get affected by the immunosuppressant steroid (prednisone) medication; the condition is called “steroid hepatopathy”. To help protect your pet’s liver, I usually recommend a liver supplement.
GUT DYSBIOSIS & LEAKY GUT: prolonged usage of steroids and antibiotics will harm the good gut bacteria, which can lead to leaky gut and systemic toxicity. Supplementing with prebiotics, probiotics, and GI enzymes is critical.
TAPERING DOSAGE: Because of the potential side effects of the immune suppressant medications, doses should be tapered in coordination with your veterinarian.
IMMUNE INCOMPATIBILITY: due to the immune suppressant and chronic disease, your bulldog’s immune system will weaken, supplementing with bully immune boosters could help
Pemphigus in Bulldogs GENETIC Warning # 2:
Genetic and environmental factors, as well as drug administration, are suspected to lead to the development of bulldog pemphigus.
Bulldog Pemphigus INFECTION Warning # 3:
A bulldog puppy with pemphigus may develop secondary skin infections as a result of the rubbing and self-trauma; thus, a bacterial culture and sensitivity test of the skin are recommended to help select an appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Pemphigus in Bulldogs Warning # 3:
Exposure to the sun exacerbates pemphigus in bulldogs, thus, it can get worse in the summertime.
Bulldog Pemphigus DRUG INTERACTION Warning # 4:
Various drug interactions can flare up pemphigus In bulldogs, thus, they should be stopped and rechallenged for confirmation. If your bulldog was on any drugs prior to the disease presentation or seems to have gotten worse on one of them, make sure to disclose that to your veterinarian.
“An Ounce of PREVENTION is Worth a Pound of CURE”
*This guide was compiled courtesy of Dr. Kraemer, a “MUST READ” manual for any current or future bully owner.
