Has anyone owned a horse with Pemphigus? How was it to manage? (trigger not known, but possibly vaccinations)
Our barn had a case, young QH stallion. Our vet consulted with Dr. Pusteria at UC Davis.
Do a search of the forum; there are many threads on PF.
Sending you big jingles, you will need them. Best of luck.
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The most recent one I found was 10 years old. I was hoping there was perhaps new treatments. The horse never had a fever. Might be having liver issues now. Not my horse, but is a horse I care about (but not for) owned by someone I care about - he was possibly coming back to my barn, but he isn’t doing well…not sure if he would be safe to ship even when symptoms subside.
Get a biopsy ASAP. Not just skin scrapings (they won’t be accurate if the horse has been bathed). Unfortunately, not much has changed in ten years (steroids). it is an absolutely horrible condition and can go downhill fast. Please get a diagnosis if it is suspected.
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Where is it appearing? I had a horse with it on all 4 hooves.
Started with hives all over, but then moved to his sheath, arm pits and face. I guess i flared up again yesterday even with steroids, so they have upped the dose. I guess he is very miserable. I feel very bad for my friend. He is a very sweet horse. Useful and kind. Not that old. I think she is starting to process that he might not pull through, and I feel bad I can’t be there for her more.
A biopsy was done - The results indicate he likely has pemphigus foliacus. I don’t know why it is only “likely”.
The vet report seems optimistic because of his age.
Just heard he is brighter today on the higher dose. I hope they can figure out the trigger.
Jingles for your friend. She is very lucky to have your support. It is such an ugly condition that there may be barn gawkers, or rumors of contagion. Things like this only hit the sweet ones, it seems.
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Planning to ship horse to me in June. Working on hauling. Vet thinks climate here better than climate there. Shipping might be more than we expect though.
