Autoimmune skin conditions including pemphigus foliaceus and discoid lupus erythematosus cause chronic welfare impacts in affected dogs and require careful long-term management.
Autoimmune skin conditions cause significant pain from ulceration, secondary infection, and pruritis. Chronic corticosteroid therapy introduces its own welfare risks including Cushingoid side effects, increased infection susceptibility, and polydipsia. Regular monitoring of haematology and biochemistry allows early detection of treatment side effects. Topical therapies can reduce systemic drug requirements. Quality-of-life assessment guides the balance between disease control and treatment-induced welfare impacts.