Companion Animals

Pemphigus Foliaceus in Horses: Welfare and Immunosuppressive Management

Managing the most common autoimmune skin disease of horses to protect welfare.

Key Facts

Pemphigus foliaceus causes crusting and scaling most severely on the face and legs
Immune-mediated attack on epidermal cell connections causes blistering and erosion
Diagnosis requires skin biopsy — clinical diagnosis is insufficient
Long-term immunosuppression is required — welfare monitoring throughout is essential

Welfare Considerations

Pemphigus causes chronic skin pain, secondary infection, and welfare compromise. Immunosuppressive treatment (corticosteroids, often with dexamethasone) is effective but carries its own welfare risks including laminitis induction. Welfare-focused management uses the lowest effective immunosuppressive dose, monitors regularly for side effects, and adapts treatment to the individual horse.

What You Can Do

Seek biopsy confirmation before committing to long-term immunosuppressive therapy
Monitor for laminitis signs during corticosteroid treatment — particularly diet and digital pulses
Work with a specialist equine dermatologist for complex or steroid-resistant cases