Dermatomyositis Disease in Dogs

Canine dermatomyositis is an inflammatory vasculopathy from skin and muscles, with cutaneous manifestations involving face, ears, tail and distal ends over bony prominences. The muscles involved include the muscles of the head, leading to difficulty in swallowing, reduction of reflex of vomit. Some animals have muscle changes that lead to the development of an atypical gait. Canine dermatomyositis is classified in familial canine dermatomyositis with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, and the variant form called dermatomyositis-like. Familial canine dermatomyositis is the standard example of generalized ischemic skin disease, which occurs mainly in young dog’s breed Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. The scientific evidences appointed that canine dermatomyositis has genetic basis that involve the emergence of an immune-mediated disease, which can be triggered by environmental factors. Causes of focal or multifocal alopecia, such as demodicosis, bacterial folliculitis, and dermatophytosis, should be included in the differential diagnosis of disease. The genetic basis of canine disease is complex, and news studies revealed three loci associated with disease in canine breed Shetland sheepdog. The diagnosis is based on clinical history, physical examination findings, and skin biopsy of the affected muscle, electromyogram, and laboratory tests. The standard therapy instituted in canine dermatomyositis includes the use of glucocorticoids, pentoxifylline and vitamin E. Unfortunately, the treatment need news options to improve best quality of life in dogs affected.