Pemphigus Foliaceus In A Dog Following Ingestion Of Echinacea Purpurea Plants

This report describes a case of pemphigus foliaceus (PF), an autoimmune skin disease diagnosed in a 5-year old female American Pit Bull Terrier dog, several days after ingesting Echinacea purpurea plants. In human alternative medicine, Echinacea purpurea is used to enhance the immune system. The dog showed oozing pustules, crusts, papules, alopecia and fever. Pemphigus foliaceus was confirmed by histopathology. Treatment for over a 1-year period consisted of prednisone, mycophenolate-mofetil, antibiotics and medical shampoos. After one year of remission, all treatments were tapered and eventually stopped. The dog has been in remission for over five years.