Page 1233 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition

ulceration, necrosis, and bacterial infection. Affected animals
VetBooks.ir develop IgA and IgG autoantibodies against the anchoring fibrils of

the lower basement membrane (lamina densa). These
autoantibodies are specific for type VII collagen and distinctly

different from those responsible for bullous pemphigoid.
Glucocorticoid therapy may be of benefit, although secondary
bacterial infection can cause complications. Another subset of
canine subepidermal blistering diseases results from the production

of IgG autoantibodies to the basement membrane component,
laminin-332. The skin blistering and ulceration in these cases is
associated with microscopic subepidermal vesiculation.

Relapsing Polychondritis

Autoimmunity against type II cartilage has been described in
humans and in cats. The animals present with bilateral curling of
the ears and ocular changes. The cartilage is infiltrated with plasma

cells and lymphocytes. A similar proliferative and necrotizing otitis
+
in kittens is associated with CD3 T cells found in close
approximation to apoptotic keratinocytes, suggesting that some
form of T cell–mediated cytotoxicity is occurring. Application of
topical tacrolimus cream led to resolution of the lesions within a

few weeks.

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