Collielife Health Information

DISCOID CUTANEOUS LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

(Collie Nose)

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs rarely in dogs, although it is probably underdiagnosed. The symptoms vary widely and can be missed until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Two types occur in dogs: discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

A Collie affected by a nose condition

The dog pictured was initially thought to have “collie nose” and responded well to prednisolone, which she received for two years. She was initially given one 5mg tablet twice daily. After several weeks, this was reduced to a maintenance dose of half a tablet twice weekly.

While receiving medication, she did not have a season. She was later changed to a raw diet and all medication was stopped. The problem cleared completely and did not return, and she had a season four months after treatment ended.

Veterinary advice later suggested that this may not have been true “collie nose” (discoid lupus erythematosus), but was more likely to have been associated with an allergy or food sensitivity.

It is worth remembering that other skin conditions can cause changes to the nose which may resemble collie nose. Although changing to a raw diet cannot be considered a treatment for true collie nose, in this particular case the condition resolved following the dietary change. Where a dog has similar symptoms, it may therefore be worthwhile discussing possible allergies or dietary factors with your vet rather than assuming that the problem is necessarily collie nose.

 

Collie nose problems may result from more than one cause. Discoid lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to the nasal tissue. A lack of pigment may also make the nose more vulnerable to damage from sunlight.

What Is Discoid Lupus Erythematosus?

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a skin condition that typically causes loss of colour on the hairless part of the nose. A black nose may fade to grey or pink. This discolouration can be accompanied by ulcers and bleeding, and the surrounding skin may also be affected.

Lack of Pigment

Some dogs with less pigment around the nose may experience blistering after exposure to sunlight. Collies and related breeds can develop a weeping, crusty dermatitis if they spend too much time in the sun.

Treatment involves protecting the affected area and reducing exposure to direct sunlight. Similar nose problems can occur in Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs and Beagles.

Symptoms of Discoid Lupus

Discoid cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a comparatively mild variant of systemic lupus that primarily affects facial skin. The most common site is the hairless surface of the nose, known as the nasal planum.

Other affected areas can include the lips, mouth, skin around the eyes, ear flaps and, more rarely, the genitalia or feet. Dogs with DLE are usually otherwise healthy.

Symptoms may include:

  • Loss of pigment on the bridge or surface of the nose.
  • Redness, particularly around the nose, face and lips.
  • Scaling or flaking of the skin.
  • Skin erosions or sores.
  • Ulceration and bleeding.
  • Crusting of the affected skin.
  • Scarring.
  • Pain around the affected areas.
  • Itching, which may or may not be present.
  • Scratching at the affected areas.
  • Secondary bacterial skin infections.

In addition to losing pigment, the normally pebbled surface of the nose may become smoother and shinier. Flaking and crusting where the haired and hairless areas meet are also common. Some cases of DLE eventually go into remission.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a much more serious condition. It is a multi-system, immune-mediated disease in which the body produces antibodies against its own cells and tissues.

Symptoms can include:

  • Shifting leg lameness.
  • Arthritis or painful, swollen joints.
  • A stiff or stilted gait.
  • Lethargy and depression.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Anaemia or other bleeding problems.
  • Skin redness, loss of pigment, sores or blisters.
  • Secondary bacterial infections.
  • Pain and muscle wasting.
  • Fever of unknown origin.
  • Oral ulceration.
  • Pale gums and other mucous membranes.
  • Hair loss.
  • Thickened or ulcerated foot pads.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes, liver or spleen.
  • Increased thirst and urination.
  • Neurological abnormalities.

Signs of SLE can occur within the musculoskeletal system, skin, kidneys, liver, heart, lungs or other organs. Symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually and may come and go over time.

A dog may limp on one leg and then return to normal, only to develop lameness in another leg weeks or months later. This shifting lameness may be caused by swollen, painful joints.

Breeds That May Be Predisposed

Breeds reported to be predisposed to discoid lupus include Collies, German Shepherd Dogs, Siberian Huskies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Brittany Spaniels, German Shorthaired Pointers, Alaskan Malamutes and Chow Chows. Crossbreeds involving these breeds may also be affected.

The average age of dogs diagnosed with systemic lupus is approximately six years, although dogs of any age can be affected. German Shepherd Dogs are overrepresented. Other predisposed breeds include Shetland Sheepdogs, Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Afghan Hounds, Beagles, Irish Setters and Poodles.

Treatment of Discoid Lupus

Discoid lupus cannot usually be cured, but it is generally more manageable than systemic lupus. Treatment aims to control and resolve facial skin lesions, particularly those on the hairless areas of the muzzle.

Treatment may include oral or topical antibiotics, prescribed lotions or ointments, vitamin E, fatty acid supplements and oral or topical corticosteroids.

Affected dogs should be kept out of strong sunlight as much as possible because ultraviolet light can worsen the symptoms. Your veterinary surgeon may recommend a suitable waterproof, high-SPF sunscreen for exposed areas.

Dogs with DLE should be checked regularly by a veterinary surgeon to assess their progress and monitor the success of treatment.

Treatment of Systemic Lupus

Systemic lupus is also incurable. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, relieve pain and lameness, and prevent progressive kidney or other organ failure where possible.

Dogs with severe, acute SLE may need to be hospitalised until their condition has stabilised. Treatment can include corticosteroids to suppress the abnormal immune reaction and other prescribed medication to reduce inflammation.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids are not normally given together because this increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration. Secondary bacterial infections may also require treatment with appropriate antibiotics.

Some dogs require long-term immunosuppressive treatment. This can cause side effects including bone marrow suppression, increased susceptibility to infection and weight gain.

Regular examinations, urine tests and blood tests may be required to monitor the condition and the effects of long-term medication.

Diet and Sun Protection

Some owners report that changing their dog’s diet has helped improve skin problems. However, dietary changes should be discussed with your veterinary surgeon, particularly if your dog is receiving prescribed medication.

During the summer, a suitable animal sunscreen such as FiltaBac may help protect exposed areas. Ask your veterinary surgeon which product is suitable and how often it should be applied.

Any concerns about vaccinations should be discussed with your veterinary surgeon. Do not stop prescribed treatment or alter your dog’s vaccination programme without veterinary advice.

Sources

Veterinary Centers of America
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
UC Davis
Washington State University
PetMD
VetInfo
VetNutrition
Tufts University Veterinary Nutrition
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
NOAH Compendium
Dogs Naturally
Dr Conor Brady

This information is not intended to replace veterinary care. Always follow the advice provided by your veterinary surgeon.