Immunoperoxidase staining for the detection of autoantibodies in canine autoimmune skin disease; comparison to immunofluorescence results.

Skin sections from 22 dogs with autoimmune skin disease were stained with anti-canine IgG, IgM and IgA using an immunobridge immunoperoxidase method. Eight cases of lupus erythematosus, three cases of pemphigus vulgaris, and 11 cases of pemphigus foliaceus were included. Results of previously performed, direct immunofluorescence tests for the detection of canine immunoglobulin on skin were available on 17/22 cases. The immunoperoxidase method yielded an overall positive result in 59% (5/8 lupus erythematosus, 2/3 pemphigus vulgaris and 6/11 pemphigus foliaceus) versus an overall positive result of 47% for direct immunofluorescence (3/5 lupus erythematosus, 2/2 pemphigus vulgaris and 2/10 pemphigus foliaceus). The immunobridge immunoperoxidase method compared favorably to direct immunofluorescence testing of canine skin for autoantibody in cases of lupus erythematosis and pemphigus vulgaris, and was superior in cases of pemphigus foliaceus. This method should prove useful as an aid in the diagnosis of canine autoimmune skin disease.