According Chapter 13 of the current Veterinary Dermatology text; Pemphigus Foliaceus is the most common autoimmune skin disease of dogs and cats(Ihrke et al., 1985b; Griffin,1987) This autoimmune skin disease is seen in Akitas more often than any other breed. Autoimmune; meaning when the body produces autoantibodies (antibodies against self) that begin to attack the bodies own cells.  In Pemphigus the antibodies attempt to reject the animals own skin attacking the keratinocytes or their cellular components.

Clinical signs usually begin as superficial pustules that rapidly rupture, dry and form a yellow-brown crust. When the crust is removed it leaves a moist, erosive ulcerated surface. This symptoms tend to come and go with acute flare-ups being common. Most often the lesions begin on the face at the bridge of the nose and surrounding tissue but the area around the eyes and the ears are also often affected. Less frequently affected are the foot pads and genitals. When the pads are affected, the dog exhibits lameness, pustules are usually absent and the pads appear cracked.  Pemphigus may become generalized but can remain localized for up to 3 yrs. if treated early.  Remission is possible in some cases.

Pemphigus foliaceus affects both males and females.   65% of affected dogs develop the disease by age 5 yrs and usually begin developing signs around age 4 yrs.  Other breeds at higher risk are Doberman Pinschers, Newfoundlands, Bearded Collies, Schipperkes, Finnish Spitzes, Dachshunds and Chow Chow.

Although the initial stimulus for autoantibody formation is not known, drugs, ultraviolet light and insect spread virus are implicated. There appears to be a higher incidence of pemphigus foliaceus in dogs with allergic skin disease.   It is not certain as to whether allergies are the predisposing factor or the chronic drug therapy used to control them.