Bulldog pemphigus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly targets the dog’s healthy cells, unable to differentiate between its tissues and foreign invaders. The exact cause of this malfunction remains unclear (idiopathic), but it may result from changes in the tissue cells’ receptors, leading to this erroneous identification and subsequent attack
Autoimmune disease in bulldogs and French bulldogs manifests as an unregulated inflammatory response, where the dog’s immune system wrongly assaults its own body.
An example of bulldog autoimmune disease:
- Pemphigus: This is the most common autoimmune skin disease in these breeds, causing blistering, crusting, and hair loss.
- Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA): This attacks red blood cells, leading to anemia, weakness, and pale gums.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This chronic condition affects the digestive tract, causing inflammation, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS): This condition, also known as dry eye, occurs when the tear glands don’t produce enough tears, leading to discomfort, inflammation, and potential vision problems.
- Lockjaw Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MM): This autoimmune disease affects the muscles responsible for chewing, causing jaw stiffness, pain, and difficulty eating.
Pemphigus in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs / IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Your bulldog puppy’s immune system plays a vital role in their health, consisting of cells that roam their body to protect against, reject, and combat external threats like viruses and bacteria.
In a French bulldog puppy, the immune system’s antibodies are designed to recognize the puppy’s cells, tissues, and organs as “self” (or friendly), and therefore do not attack them. Every cell has a unique identification marker known as a “receptor” (think of it as a “fingerprint”) that needs to perfectly align with the corresponding receptor on the immune cell.
Imagine it as a key fitting into a lock; if they don’t match, the immune system perceives those cells as foreign invaders and proceeds to attack and eliminate the
Wellcome to our “Prevention over RX” community
Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease in bulldogs that targets the skin. Pemphigus foliaceus specifically impacts the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. This layer functions as a protective barrier, shielding your dog from the adverse conditions of its environment.
It’s important to note that there are several variants of pemphigus, some of which are more severe and pose greater challenges in treatment.
Bulldog Autoimmune Disease: CAUSE
- Genetics: Some breeds are predisposed to autoimmune diseases, and bulldogs and French bulldogs may have a genetic component.
- Environmental factors: Triggers like infections, viruses, medications, or stress may play a role.
- Other factors: The exact mechanisms of these diseases are still not fully understood.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES:
Autoimmune disease in bulldogs and French bulldogs can affect many body systems, each with matching symptoms. Examples are:
- GI tract: IBD
- Central nervous system (CNS)
- Joints: Polyarthritis
- Blood cells: autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Skin: Pemphigus
- Eyes: KCS
Pemphigus foliaceous affects the top layer of skin, called the epidermis. The epidermis is a barrier to defend against the harsh environment surrounding your dog.
Other types of pemphigus 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
Before initiating potentially harmful immune suppressant drug treatment, pemphigus should be confirmed by cytology and biopsies.
Autoimmune disease in bulldogs / TREATMENT:
The treatment combines systemic and topical therapies.
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 & ANTIFUNGAL:
To help treat secondary infections.
BULLDOG TOPICAL THERAPEUTICS:
Topical therapeutics can help control
- bacterial infection
- yeast infections
- remove dead scales
- support skin hydration
- repair skin barrier
- reduce inflammation
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
- V4B Bully Aloe Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner
BULLDOG THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS:
- help control itch
- repair skin barrier
- boost immune system
- reduce inflammation
- support the skin and gut microbiome
Bulldog Pemphigus Therapeutic Supplements
- V4B Bully Immune Support & Anti-Oxidants
- V4B Bully StressLess and Calm
- V4B Bully Prebiotics & Probiotics with Digestive Enzymes
- Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can help restore the natural balance of the gut microbiome, improving gut health and function. Look for strains that are specifically beneficial for dogs.
- Prebiotics: These are dietary fibers that feed the good bacteria in the gut. Including prebiotic-rich foods or supplements in your dog’s diet can help support a healthy microbiome.
- Digestive Enzymes: These can help improve nutrient absorption and reduce the strain on the digestive system, potentially easing the symptoms of gut dysbiosis
- V4B Bully Fish Oil Omega EFA
- V4B Bully Skin & Coat Dermatvet
Bully Therapeutics should be combined with prescription rx
Pemphigus in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs / PROGNOSIS:
Pemphigus foliaceus in bulldogs is generally a long-term skin disorder characterized by periods of improvement and flare-ups. It may also recur following a period of remission.
In severe instances, the condition may not respond adequately to treatment, or the dog may experience significant adverse reactions to the medications. In such cases, compassionate euthanasia should be considered an option.
Pemphigus / Tips & Warnings:
Below are a few pemphigus tips and warnings courtesy of Dr. Kraemer
BULLDOG PEMPHIGUS TESTING TIP:
There is no specific blood test for the diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceous in bulldogs, cytology or a biopsy are 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:
Bulldog allergic itch dermatitis usually starts with an itch.
Itching induced by pemphigus starts later, after the appearance of lesions.
PEMPHIGUS NON-CONTAGIOUS TIP:
Bulldog pemphigus is not contagious to you, your family, or other household pets.
PEMPHIGUS STEROID WARNING:
Bulldogs and French bulldogs suffering from pemphigus typically receive immune suppressant drugs like steroids and antibiotics, which can have harmful effects, especially with prolonged usage.
Liver Steroid Hepatopathy:
There’s a risk of your bulldog developing steroid hepatopathy due to the immunosuppressant steroid medication (pred). This condition can harm the liver.
Gut Dysbiosis & Leaky Gut:
Extended use of steroids and antibiotics can disrupt the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to conditions like leaky gut and systemic toxicity. Add supplement with prebiotics, probiotics, and GI enzymes to support gut health
Immune Suppression:
Immune suppressant medications and chronic diseases can weaken your bulldog’s immune system over time. Supplementing with immune boosters may help support their weakened immune system.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE GENETIC WARNING
Genetic and environmental factors are suspected to lead to the development of bulldog pemphigus.
BULDDOG PEMPHIGUS INFECTION WARNING
A bulldog with pemphigus is at risk of developing secondary skin infections due to the use of immune suppressant drugs and self-trauma from itching. To determine the most effective antibiotic therapy, it’s advisable to conduct a bacterial culture and sensitivity test of the skin.
This test can help identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine which antibiotics will be most successful in treating it.
PEMPHIGUS SUN EXPOSURE WARNING
Exposure to the sun exacerbates pemphigus in bulldogs; thus, it can get worse in the summertime.
DRUG INTERACTION WARNING
Various drugs can exacerbate pemphigus. If your bulldog was receiving any medications before the onset of the disease or if its condition worsened while on medication, it’s crucial to inform your veterinarian of these details. This information can aid in identifying potential drug triggers and adjusting treatment accordingly for optimal management of the condition.
Recommended by Owners Approved by Bulldogs
