Page 1232 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition

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FIG. 37.8 The structures of the skin showing the major features
that can act as autoantigens.

Linear Immunoglobulin A Dermatosis

Another group of skin diseases is characterized by the deposition of
IgA in the lamina lucida of the skin basement membrane. One such
disease, called dermatitis herpetiformis, has been recorded in a

Beagle, whereas a linear IgA dermatosis has been recorded in
Dachshunds. Both diseases present with pruritic pustular and
papular lesions, resembling pyoderma, with eosinophil-filled
subepidermal bullae. The target autoantigen has been identified as
a processed extracellular form of collagen XVII. The drug dapsone

has been recommended as the specific treatment for these diseases.

Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita

A generalized skin disease characterized by severe subepidermal
blistering and ulcerative lesions has been identified in dogs,

especially young Great Danes. The bullae originate from
erythematous areas on the skin and rapidly progress to ulcers. Dogs
develop generalized urticaria, oral ulceration, and eventually
cutaneous sloughing. A localized variant of the disease has been

observed in German Shorthaired Pointers. The dermis and
epidermis separate, and neutrophils accumulate within the
superficial dermis. The neutrophil infiltration may eventually result
in microabscess formation. Secondary changes include deep

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