Abstract

Discoid lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin in dogs. 6-year-old male German Shepherd weighing 38 kg 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. Concurrent 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. © The Author(s) 2023