General Considerations

1. The autoimmune subepidermal blistering diseases (AISBDs) are rare skin disorders characterized by an autoantibody response against different components of the basement membrane zone.
2. This group of diseases has in common the development of chronic blistering, erosive and ulcerative lesions with no acantholysis.
3. They usually affect mucosae and/or mucocutaneous junctions.
4. Mucous membrane pemphigoid is the most common AISBD in dogs but we will also discuss epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and bullous pemphigoid.
5. The exact diagnosis of AISBDs is difficult and not readily attainable in clinical practice.
6. There is limited understanding on the treatment and prognosis of these diseases.