The possible role of prednisolone in "zinc-responsive dermatosis" in the Siberian Husky

Two young male Siberian Husky dogs were presented for a severe crusting dermatitis involving the periocular, perioral, pinnal, pedal and elbow areas. At presentation the dogs had been receiving 10 mg/kg of zinc sulfate once daily or twice daily for 21 and 25 days for a suspected zinc-responsive dermatosis. In bath cases biopsies were performed and were supportive of this diagnosis. Resolution occurred on zinc supplementation combined with low dose corticosteroids but relapsed when corticosteroids were withdrawn in one case and in the other did not respond to corticosteroids alone. Serum zinc levels were followed in one case and at presentation were in the range previously reported as normal. The serum zinc level increased, in association with resolving signs and reduced again at the time of relapse. The possible therapeutic role of corticosteroids in zinc-responsive dermatosis is discussed.