Effects of Hydroxychloroquine and Tacrolimus on Discoid Facial Lupus Erythematosus in a Dog

Abstract

Discoid lupus erythematosus is lupus in dogs an autoimmune disease that affects the skin. A 6-year-old, 38 kg, male German Shepherd dog was taken to the Small Animal Hospital at the University in Kyiv, Ukraine with a history of progressive skin lesions. The indications of discoid lupus erythematosus in dogs manifested as red, scaly macules or papules on the skin's surface. These gradually develop into follicular plugging, disc-shaped plaques with adherent scales, and peripheral hyperpigmentation. The oral hydroxychloroquine was used for medication and the prescribed dosage was 5.0 mg per kilogram of the dog's weight, administered once daily. The hydroxychloroquine was gradually reduced and discontinued within a month. Concomitant with the hydroxychloroquine treatment, the application of tacrolimus cream (Protopic® 0.03%) was initiated. The veterinary physician also advised the dog owner to limit sun exposure to avoid any adverse effects. After a four-week period, there was a decrease in pruritus and erythema, and plaques had flattened although the skin still had some patchy hyperpigmentation. Approximately 3-4 weeks later, the veterinarian determined that the dog had achieved clinical remission as all the skin lesions had become completely flattened. The use of deproteinized calf blood extract gel (Solcoseril® Gel for external 4.15 mg/1 g, Legacy led to the complete disappearance of the initial redness and prevented the appearance of new skin lesions. These results can be considered as a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatment methods.