.svg)
Autoimmune skin disease
Stubborn sores, crusts, or ulcers that just won’t heal?
When sores, crusts, or ulcers won’t heal despite treatment, the immune system itself may be the cause. A specialist can identify these conditions and bring them under control.
Signs you might notice
Crusts and sores
Crusting, scabs, or ulcers, often on the nose, face, ears, or paw pads
Loss of pigment
Fading of color on the nose or lips
Non-healing lesions
Blisters or raw areas that don’t respond to routine treatment
Feeling unwell
Sometimes low energy or discomfort alongside the skin changes
What's really going on
In an autoimmune skin disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the pet’s own skin — conditions such as pemphigus foliaceus, lupus, and related diseases.
Early on these can look just like an ordinary infection, which is why they’re often treated for weeks before the real cause is found.
A skin biopsy read by a dermatopathologist is usually needed to make the diagnosis and guide treatment.
How a specialist helps
A veterinary dermatologist recognizes the pattern, takes biopsies for a definitive diagnosis, and builds a treatment plan that calms the overactive immune response while protecting your pet from side effects.
They manage any secondary infection and monitor closely to find the lowest effective long-term dose.
What to expect at your visit
- A dermatology exam and review of the pattern of lesions
- Skin biopsies sent for dermatopathology
- A tailored immune-modulating treatment plan
- Regular monitoring to keep the disease controlled with as little medication as possible
Common questions
Get help for your pet
Request a visit with our team and we'll take it from here.