There are several related immune mediated skin disorders called pemphigus complex. Pemphigus foliaceus is the most common of these diseases in the dog. It is seen more often in Akitas, chow chows, dachsund, bearded collies, Doberman pinscher, schipperke, Finnish spitz and Newfoundland dogs. Pemphigus erythematosus is second most common and may just be a milder form of pemphigus foliaceus. It is seen more commonly in collies, Shetland sheepdogs and German shepherds.
Cats are also susceptible to phemphigus disorders.
These diseases look exactly alike except that pemphigus erythematosus usually only affects the head and feet. Early in pemphigus foliaceus the disease may be confined to the head and feet, making it hard to distinquish from pemphigus erythematosus. Later it spreads to more of the body. Careful examination of the skin may reveal the presence of blisters, which are very indicative of these diseases. The blisters rupture quickly and may not be seen.