Auto-immune Skin Disorders
Autoimmune skin disorders can be distressing for both pets and their owners, as they often require on-going care and are slow to improve. Persistent itchiness, lesions and sores can negatively impact your pet’s quality of life significantly. When coat quality is affected, some owners feel self-conscious or worry about how their pet may be perceived in public.
At Holistic Vet Care, our fully qualified vets are here to support both you and your pet every step of the way. Our aim is to support your pet’s whole body — not just the skin — and to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Book your free introductory consult
Not sure if we can help? Book a free 15min introductory consult with one of our holistic vets!
It’s a chance to get to know us, ask questions, and decide if you want to use our services with zero obligation.
Introductory consults can be in person or via Teams. Terms and Conditions apply.
What are autoimmune skin disorders?
Autoimmune skin disorders are conditions in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the skin. This inappropriate immune response often leads to persistent inflammation, tissue damage and lesions such as ulcers, blisters, crusts, or hair loss.
These complex conditions are neither contagious nor caused by poor hygiene. They are often influenced by a combination of genetics, immune dysregulation, environmental triggers, infections, medications, or underlying illness.
Holistic treatment
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular veterinarian, as we do not offer surgical or conventional medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be a valuable part of s supporting overall health, comfort, and immune balance in pets with autoimmune skin disorders, alongside their conventional treatment plans.
With acupuncture and carefully selected Chinese herbal medicine, we aim to support pets with autoimmune skin disorders in the following ways:
- Help support immune regulation.
- Reduce pain and inflammation.
- Help alleviate itchiness.
- Help ease skin lesions, such as pustules and ulcers.
- Help improve skin barrier function.
- Help minimise side-effects from long-term medications.
- Help support long-term disease management.
- Help reduce the frequency and severity of flares.
- Help encourage healthy blood circulation to the skin to aid healing.
Through these approaches, our qualified vets aim to address underlying patterns of disharmony, alleviate clinical signs, and support skin health so your pet can maintain a good quality of life.
Food therapy
Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, food therapy is foundational in addressing underlying “patterns of disharmony” (the way disease presents within the individual).
We aim to support the body’s natural balance with tailored whole-food diets, rather than heavily processed pet foods, which may contribute to inflammation in some pets.
Every pet is unique, however, and our goal is to tailor dietary recommendations to your pet’s individual TCM diagnosis, stage of disease, and overall constitution. Specific guidance can be discussed with one of our qualified vets during your consultation.
Claiming insurance
Many pet insurance providers now offer cover for complementary and holistic therapies, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and laser therapy. However, we recommend checking what is included in your plan as cover varies between policies. Please bear in mind that all consultations, treatments, and herbal prescriptions must be paid for at the time. We will then help you claim back from your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
What can cause autoimmune skin disorders?
Some breeds may be genetically predisposed to autoimmune skin disorders, including German Shepherds, Collies, Chow Chows, and Akitas.
In other cases, these conditions can be caused by triggers such as medications or allergies. However, the cause is often unknown (aka. “idiopathic”).
What are the common types of autoimmune skin disorders in pets, and what are the clinical signs?
- Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF) is the most common type of autoimmune skin disorder. It causes pustules (large pimples), crusts and hair loss on the face, ears and footpads.
- Pemphigus Erythematosus (PE) causes very similar lesions to PF, but typically only affecting the face. Collies and German Shepherds are predisposed.
- Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) is rare and the most severe autoimmune skin disorder. It causes painful blisters that rupture and turn into ulcers. It can affect the eyes, lips, and other areas.
- Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) is an inherited condition where the immune system attacks the sebaceous glands in the skin, resulting in scaling (like dandruff) and hair loss. This condition affects poodles and akitas especially.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that affects multiple systems, including the skin. It causes joint pain, lethargy, and fever.
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is a localised (not systemic) form of lupus, primarily affecting the nose and face. It causes redness, crusts, and loss of pigmentation
How are autoimmune skin disorders typically treated by conventional vets?
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular vet, as we do not offer surgical or medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
When it comes to autoimmune skin disorders, conventional treatment focuses on suppressing the immune system, with long-term or lifelong management required in many cases. This often involves corticosteroids, sometimes at higher doses initially. Other immunosuppressive drugs may also be introduced to allow lower steroid doses.
Must I leave my current vets to seek treatment at Holistic Vet Care?
No – we work alongside your conventional vet. We don’t replace conventional or emergency treatment. Our aim is to support your pet’s whole body and to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.
Many complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments to improve patient welfare and can help improve prognosis. While adverse herbal-drug interactions (HDIs) can occur, they are uncommon when therapies are prescribed appropriately and monitored carefully.
When interactions do occur, the most common scenario is the herb enhancing the effect of the drug – which may allow conventional treatment plans to be adjusted by the prescribing vet.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Can I fully replace conventional treatment with holistic treatment?
No, holistic treatment should not replace conventional diagnosis or medical care.
At Holistic Vet Care, we work alongside your regular veterinarian. Conventional treatment is essential for diagnosing the condition, assessing severity, and managing emergencies or complications. Our role is to support your pet’s comfort, overall health, resilience, healing, and long-term wellbeing.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Do I need a referral from my vets?
Yes – your primary vet signs the “Vet Care Agreement” and sends your pet’s history to us. This ensures your pet receives safe, coordinated care before your first appointment.
How Long Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Take to Show Results?
The rate and degree of improvement depend on your pet and the severity of disease. Some animals show marked improvement in a matter of weeks, whilst others may need months. With TCM, improvement is steady and sustained, so patience is required.
Are There Any Risks with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM is generally safe when prescribed by a qualified person. Certain herbs may have side-effects and may have the ability to interact with conventional medications. Therefore, it is imperative that TCM is only used under professional guidance.
Will acupuncture hurt my pet?
It is unlikely. We find that most patients tolerate acupuncture very well, many end up falling asleep! Some points can be painful on some patients, but we take steps to minimise discomfort in these cases.
Can holistic treatments help older pets?
Absolutely! We see many geriatric patients, and they often demonstrate notable improvements (it may require several treatments before the benefits can be obviously appreciated). Some clients report that their older animals appear brighter, more comfortable, or more engaged again.
How do I know which holistic treatments are suitable for my pet?
Talk to your vet before trialling any new treatments.
Once registered with us, you can also ask our holistic vet.
Can I claim through my insurance?
Most insurance companies will cover/contribute towards our services. However, we always advise checking with your insurance company regarding your individual policy.
Get in touch
Where are we located?
Suite A, Blisworth Marina, Blisworth, Northampton, NN7 3FG.
We are located just outside of Blisworth, between Northampton and Towcester. Our clinic is at the Blisworth Marina, providing a peaceful, relaxing setting, with ample parking.
