Stubborn sores, crusts, or ulcers that just won’t heal?

When sores, crusts, or ulcers won’t heal despite treatment, the immune system itself may be the cause. A specialist can identify these conditions and bring them under control.

Signs you might notice

Crusts and sores

Crusting, scabs, or ulcers, often on the nose, face, ears, or paw pads

Loss of pigment

Fading of color on the nose or lips

Non-healing lesions

Blisters or raw areas that don’t respond to routine treatment

Feeling unwell

Sometimes low energy or discomfort alongside the skin changes

What's really going on

In an autoimmune skin disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the pet’s own skin — conditions such as pemphigus foliaceus, lupus, and related diseases.

Early on these can look just like an ordinary infection, which is why they’re often treated for weeks before the real cause is found.

A skin biopsy read by a dermatopathologist is usually needed to make the diagnosis and guide treatment.

How a specialist helps

A veterinary dermatologist recognizes the pattern, takes biopsies for a definitive diagnosis, and builds a treatment plan that calms the overactive immune response while protecting your pet from side effects.

They manage any secondary infection and monitor closely to find the lowest effective long-term dose.

What to expect at your visit

A dermatology exam and review of the pattern of lesions
Skin biopsies sent for dermatopathology
A tailored immune-modulating treatment plan
Regular monitoring to keep the disease controlled with as little medication as possible

Common questions

No — autoimmune skin diseases are not contagious to other pets or people. They come from the immune system, not an infection.

Get help for your pet

Request a visit with our team and we'll take it from here.