Ischaemic dermatopathy associated with multiple vaccinations in a miniature poodle

A 10-year-old, spayed, female miniature poodle presented with hyperpigmented alopecia. Two months prior, it had received two polyvalent vaccines 2 weeks apart. Erythematous alopecia at the injection sites was initially observed. These rapidly expanded to the ventral neck and thoracic regions after further rabies vaccination. A skin biopsy was performed at three alopecia sites for histopathological analysis. Dermal vasculopathy and marked ischaemic atrophy, including patchy vacuolation of epidermal basal cells, dermal oedema and atrophic hair follicles, were noted in histopathology on three sections. Further, severe granulomatous panniculitis was observed at the injection site. Therefore, the dog was diagnosed with ischaemic dermatopathy, potentially associated with multiple vaccinations. Cyclosporine (10 mg/kg once daily) was administered for 6 weeks, and partial hair regrowth was observed. Given the possibility of vaccine-induced ischaemic dermatopathy, multiple vaccinations within a short period should be approached cautiously, particularly in miniature poodles, which are predisposed to this condition.