Autoimmune Blepharitis
Description of the Disease and Clinical Presentation
Autoimmune diseases arise as a result of disorders in the immune system, which instead of protecting the body, attacks its own cells and tissues. A significant number of autoimmune diseases clinically manifest with changes in the eyelids.
Pemphigus foliaceus is an immunological disease where autoantibodies are directed towards the intracellular matrix of the epidermis. The primary lesion is a superficial pustule, which easily ruptures, so erosions, scales, yellow crusts, alopecia, hypopigmentation, and ulcerations are most often observed on the skin. Changes begin on the nasal ridge, around the eyes, and on the ear flaps; as the disease progresses, the lesions become generalized. This disease mainly occurs in middle-aged animals, and predisposed breeds are Akita, Chow Chow, and Labrador Retrievers.
Lupus erythematosus can be systemic (affecting the skin, kidneys, and joints) or discoid (changes are limited only to the skin). The first changes appear on the nose mirror and then on the eyelids, especially at the transitions from skin to mucosa. Nasal depigmentation is observed, and erosions, erythema, scales and/or crusts, and ulcerations are present on the skin. Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and German Shepherds are most commonly affected.
Uveodermatologic syndrome occurs when autoimmune processes are directed against melanocytes in the uvea and skin. In the clinical picture, there is a loss of pigment on the nose mirror and eyelids, as well as sudden vision loss or, in milder cases, significant vision impairment. The most commonly affected breeds are Akita, Chow Chow, and Siberian Husky.
Autoimmune blepharitis of the medial eye corner in dogs is most often bilateral and occurs in German Shepherds, long-haired Dachshunds, and Poodles.
 
Therapy
A reliable diagnosis is established by biopsy of the affected tissue and pathohistological examination of the sample, as well as the finding of autoantibodies in the blood. The therapy is long-term and involves the use of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs. The dose is determined individually and adjusted according to the clinical picture.
 
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