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Treatment

Most dogs may be treated on an outpatient basis. However, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), pemphigus vulgaris, and bullous pemphigoid may have advanced to the point of severe illness and will require inpatient intensive care.

Living and Management

Ask your veterinarian if your dog might benefit from periodic bathing with an antimicrobial shampoo to help remove surface debris and control secondary bacterial infections.  Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up appointments for your dog to check bloodwork.  Initially, these follow-up appointments might be as often as every 1-2 weeks.  Later, the visits may be tapered off to once every three to four months depending on how your dog responds to the medication.