Case Study: Discoid Lupus Erythematous
March 2015
Bruno, an 8 year-old male castrated Shepherd X, presented with mucoid ocular discharge, bilateral erythema, crusting and ulceration of his periocular regions, ulceration and crusting of his lateral nares and crusting and alopecia of his dorsal nasal planum. On physical examination, he also had mild bilateral coxofemoral pain. He had a history of mild crusting of his lateral nares that was left untreated. He was sent home on Cephalexin for 3 weeks and blood work was performed. His blood work came back within normal limits.
After 3 weeks, he was slightly improved, and therefore, he was placed under general anesthesia and multiple punch biopsies were taken from his lesions. The biopsies came back as Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE).
Oral Niacinamide and Doxycycline, as well as topical Betamethasone Cream 0.1% for application once daily to the nasal planum and lateral nares, were all prescribed for 12 weeks. DermaZoo’s oral EPAZoo Omega-3 Fatty Acid with Vitamin E was also prescribed to help reduce the cutaneous inflammation associated with the DLE and to help reduce the inflammation associated with his suspected hind limb arthritis. The owner was also instructed to use sunblock on Bruno’s nasal planum when outdoors in the sun.
Current pictures are displayed. Pictures will be posted after his 12 week re-check occurs.
DLE is an auto-immune skin disease that typically presents as an erosive, ulcerative, and depigmented nasal dermatitis but can also involve other sites, such as the periocular region, pinnal and genital regions. The underlying cause is unknown. DLE appears to be exacerbated by ultraviolet light exposure and is more common in sunnier climates.
Skin biopsy is required to diagnose DLE, and immunomodulatory therapies are used to manage these cases. Some cases respond only to topical or systemic therapy, while some cases require a combination approach. It is recommended to treat until clinical remission then gradually taper to the lowest dose that prevents or minimizes flare-ups.
EPAZoo Omega-3 Liquid
DermaZoo’s EPAZoo Omega-3 Liquid, is a lemon flavored, concentrated source of 360 mg EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and 240 mg DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) fatty acids plus Vitamin E. EPAZoo contains USP Grade fish oil from wild caught fish.
The benefits of Omega-3 supplementation are well documented. Fatty Acids help promote healthy skin and coat, support immunity and aid in decreasing inflammation in the body, such as inflammation in the skin and joints.