CHAPTER 31 LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS 469
Exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ECLE)
Dogs: reported as young adult at onset.
Breed affected: German short-haired pointer.
Characterized by large patches of adherent scales and alopecia beginning on head and
dorsum but progressing to become generalized.
Systemic symptoms may include lymphadenopathy, joint pain, pyrexia.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Young adult dogs; rare in cats.
Predominant breeds affected: collie, German shepherd, Siberian husky, Shetland
sheepdog, Alaskan malamute, chow chow, and their crosses.
Multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of autoantibodies
and circulating antigen-antibody complexes.
Clinical signs are dependent on target organ systems and may be quite severe; vas-
culitis is often a predominant clinical feature.
May wax and wane.
Systemic symptoms often include lethargy, anorexia, shifting leg lameness, fever,
ulcerative dermatosis.
CLINICAL FEATURES
DLE
Depigmentation of planum nasale and/or lip margins (Figures 31.1, 31.2).
Loss of cobblestone appearance of the planum nasale.
Depigmentation presents prior to crusting (Figure 31.3).
Progresses to erosions and ulcerations (Figure 31.4).
Tissue loss and scarring can occur (Figure 31.5).
May involve pinnae and periocular region.
GDLE
Erythematous macules, patches, and plaques.
Progresses to erosions and ulcerations (Figure 31.6).
Initial lesions on neck, thorax, dorsum (Figure 31.7).
Progresses to involve ventrum and proximal limbs.
May involve mucocutaneous junctions.
Lesions often develop central scarring and peripheral dyspigmentation.
MCLE
Symmetric, well-demarcated lesions of erosion and ulceration.
Genital/perigenital and anal/perianal areas most frequently affected.