Canine eosinophilic furunculosis / Furunculose eosinofílica canina

ABSTRACT

Background: The eosinophilic furunculosis is an uncommon skin disease that affects young dogs aged between two and five years. Sex predilections are not noted. Most reported cases have been in large breeds with abundant access to the outdoors like public gardens and parks. The exact pathogenesis remains unknown but the pattern of lesions development suggests involvement reaction to insect bites and arthropods. The time between contact with the agent and the appearance of lesions is short, often less than 24 h. The skin lesions appear suddenly in the face, usually on the dorsal muzzle and/ or periocular region, pinnae and lips. More rarely on the trunk, chest and legs and it is characterized by predominantly hemorrhagic ulcers with edema. Pustules, nodules and plaques rapidly fistulate and drain serosanguinous exudates. Pruritus is variable, but may be severe. Severely affected dogs may be febrile, lethargic and anoretic. Peripheral blood eosinophilia is seen in the majority of cases. Clinical differential diagnosis include demodicosis, dermatophytosis, nasal deep bacterial folliculitis and furunculosis, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus and drug reactions. None of these diseases share the fulminant rapid onset of eosinophilic furunculosis. The diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, cytology and skin biopsies. The treatment involves oral steroids until complet

RESUMO

Background: The eosinophilic furunculosis is an uncommon skin disease that affects young dogs aged between two and five years. Sex predilections are not noted. Most reported cases have been in large breeds with abundant access to the outdoors like public gardens and parks. The exact pathogenesis remains unknown but the pattern of lesions development suggests involvement reaction to insect bites and arthropods. The time between contact with the agent and the appearance of lesions is short, often less than 24 h. The skin lesions appear suddenly in the face, usually on the dorsal muzzle and/ or periocular region, pinnae and lips. More rarely on the trunk, chest and legs and it is characterized by predominantly hemorrhagic ulcers with edema. Pustules, nodules and plaques rapidly fistulate and drain serosanguinous exudates. Pruritus is variable, but may be severe. Severely affected dogs may be febrile, lethargic and anoretic. Peripheral blood eosinophilia is seen in the majority of cases. Clinical differential diagnosis include demodicosis, dermatophytosis, nasal deep bacterial folliculitis and furunculosis, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus and drug reactions. None of these diseases share the fulminant rapid onset of eosinophilic furunculosis. The diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, cytology and skin biopsies. The treatment involves oral steroids until complet