Hepatocutaneous syndrome in dogs: literature review

Abstract

Hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS), also known as necrolytic migratory erythema (NEM), metabolic epidermal necrosis (MEN) and superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SDN); It is a rare disease usually related to a liver or pancreatic tumor, liver dysfunction or malabsorption of nutrients due to some gastrointestinal involvement. The characteristic dermatological lesions are hyperkeratotic, erythematous and crusted in the region of the foot pads, nasal plane, periorbital and perianal region, mucocutaneous junctions and pressure points. The diagnosis is made through a multimodal approach that includes serum biochemical analysis, measurement of amino acids, liver changes on ultrasound and histopathology, contributing to a more assertive diagnosis. The differential diagnosis should be made for other dermatopathies, such as demodicosis, dermatophytosis, bacterial folliculitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, systemic lupus erythematosus, pemphigus foliaceus and contact dermatitis. The treatment is palliative, using parenteral administration of amino acids, supplementation with zinc, fatty acids, omega-3, as well as analgesics and antibiotics if there is a secondary infection, in order to improve the quality of life and increase the patient’s survival.