Canine pyoderma gangrenosum with recurring skin lesions of unknown origin and splenic involvement

Abstract

Background - Reports of canine pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) are uncommon in the veterinary literature. Rarer still are cases describing dogs with both skin lesions and internal organ involvement. Objective - To describe a case of canine PG with skin and internal organ involvement. Animals - A client-owned dog. Methods and materials - Complete blood count, serum chemistry, C-reactive protein and SNAP cPL tests, and abdominal ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration of the spleen were performed. Results - The dog was treated with oral prednisolone and ciclosporin. After three months of therapy, ultrasonography revealed normalization of the spleen and resolution of skin lesions. Conclusion and clinical importance - Dogs with skin lesions compatible with PG should be screened carefully for internal organ involvement. Ciclosporin may be a useful treatment for the immediate and long-term management of canine PG.