NOTE Internal Medicine Topical 0.03 % Tacrolimus for Treatment of Pemphigus Erythematosus in a Korea

ABSTRACT. Topical 0.03 % tacrolimus was used for treatment of a Korea Jindo dog diagnosed with pemphigus erythematosus. The dog was slowly improved following application of tacrolimus but did not achieve complete remission until end of this study. No adverse effects on clinical or laboratory parameters were noted during the topical tacrolimus therapy period. KEY WORDS: canine, pemphigus erythematosus, topical 0.03 % tacrolimus. J. Vet. Med. Sci. 70(4): 415–417, 2008 Pemphigus erythematosus is thought to represent a more benign form of pemphigus foliaceous or possibly a cross-over syndrome between pemphigus and lupus erythemato-sus and is characterized by erythematous, pustular dermatitis of the face and ears and texture of the nasal planum that frequently progresses to erosion or ulceration. Typical skin lesions include oozing crusts, depigmentation, scales, alopecia and erosion. Lesions may be exacerbated by sun exposure and may have a waxing and waning course [5, 9]. Tacrolimus (formerly known as FK506) is a 23