Ciclosporin-induced psoriasiform-lichenoid dermatosis, footpad hyperkeratosis and gingival hyperplasia in a West Highland white terrier dog

Abstract

A 6-year-old, male neutered, West Highland white terrier presented with gingival hyperplasia and footpad hyperkeratosis 5 months after starting 5 mg/kg ciclosporin once daily. Following cessation of this therapy, the footpad lesions were resolved, while the gingival hyperplasia remained. Two weeks following the re-introduction of ciclosporin, multiple raised, focal crusted papules and plaques along the dorsum, flanks and lateral aspect of all limbs were evident. The dog also developed footpad hyperkeratosis. Punch biopsies of the skin from these lesions confirmed psoriasiform-lichenoid dermatosis. Cessation of the ciclosporin therapy allowed resolution of the nodules within 4 weeks. Haematological and biochemical analyses to assess for systemic disease and to investigate liver function were normal. Gingival hyperplasia was still present 4 weeks after stopping therapy. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a dog presented with multiple rare ciclosporin-induced adverse effects: psoriasiform-lichenoid dermatosis, footpad hyperkeratosis and gingival hyperplasia.