Pemphigus-like immune-mediated dermatosis in a Korean native black-bone fowl

A 3-yr-old female Korean native black-bone fowl weighing 1 kg presented with refractory dermatosis characterized by hyperkeratosis and alopecia on the head, neck, and scapular region. Antibiotic therapy before referral had not reduced the severity of lesions. Histopathologic findings revealed hyperkeratosis, acantholysis, heterophil infiltration, and ballooning degeneration in the epidermis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed immunoglobulin G deposits in the intercellular spaces of the intermediate layer of the epidermis. Based on these observations, this case was diagnosed as a pemphigus-like immune-mediated dermatosis. The administration of prednisolone eliminated the lesions, and the feathers grew back partially.