Lupus In Dogs: Causes And Symptoms
When we hear that lupus in dogs corresponds to an autoimmune disease, we may find the last term confusing. In this case, we must remember that the canine body (like the human body) has an immune system that protects it from foreign invaders that can cause disease and infection.
In the case of the appearance of an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body itself, causing the dog a serious pathology. This happens when immune cells cannot distinguish between normal healthy cells in the body and foreign cells. As a result, they try to destroy normal tissues.
Possible causes of autoimmune diseases
At present, the causes for this error are not yet known, although there are theories about the influence of genetic, dietary factors or environmental pollutants. In fact, UV exposure is believed to be a predisposing cause or trigger of autoimmune skin diseases in some dogs.
What is known is that autoimmune diseases can affect a single system or multiple body systems. Thus, they can affect the skin, connective tissues, nerves, muscles, the endocrine system (the system that controls hormones and other chemicals), red blood cells or the digestive system.
Autoimmune diseases constitute a whole spectrum of conditions, the mark of which is inflammation or the accumulation of antibodies. Lupus is just one of many autoimmune diseases that includes multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other connective tissue disorders such as arthritis.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
The classic example of an autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus. Lupus is often called the great mimic, because it can mimic almost any other disease state. For this reason, you should consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The signs of SLE can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic, generally increasing and decreasing. In its chronic onset, lupus in dogs presents with alternating periods of remission and relapse.
Fluctuating fevers that do not respond to antibiotics is one of the classic clinical signs of SLE. Leg stiffness or changeable lameness is also frequently reported.
Other clinical signs may include blood abnormalities such as hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets) and / or leukopenia (low white blood cell count) or a dermatitis. SLE is considered a more common cause of autoimmune skin disease in dogs and rare in cats. Dogs or cats with SLE should not be vaccinated.
Discoid lupus erythematosus
Discoid lupus erythematosus (LED) is another autoimmune skin disease seen in dogs and rarely in cats. Another common name for this condition is ” collie nose, ” although it can appear in many breeds. LED is most commonly seen in Collies , Shetland Sheepdogs, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and Brittany Spaniels.
Exposure to sunlight (UV radiation) is believed to be a potential cause or trigger. In most cases, affected dogs lose pigmentation around the nose, although the skin around the lips, eyes, ears, and genitals can also be affected.
This LED disease can transform the surface of the nose from its normal “cobblestone” texture to a smooth, flat and shiny appearance. Ulcerated sores can also occur.
Some dogs find the disease irritating, while others seem unaffected by it. It is believed that LED may be a less severe variant of lupus erythematosus, since it does not become systemic. It is considered a relatively benign autoimmune skin disease.
Lupoid onychodystrophy
If your dog continually has paw and claw problems, he may have a condition known as lupoid onychomodystrophy. This is an immune-mediated condition that affects the canine’s nails and paws. It is considered a type of lupus, therefore, it cannot be transmitted to other animals or humans.
While there is no cure, there is treatment. In some cases, symptoms disappear with proper supplementation with little or no relapse. Other cases are more of a chronic problem and will need lifelong treatments.
Symptoms of lupoid onychodystrophy can include progressive nail shedding over several weeks or even months. There is also constant pain associated with this problem.
There may be swelling of the nail fold, inflammation at the base of the nails, pain, lameness, and bleeding from the affected fingers. In most cases, more than one claw or foot is affected.
Breeds predisposed to lupus
Some dogs are at higher risk of developing SLE. The disease tends to appear more frequently in middle-aged females. The most affected breeds include Afghan Hounds, Beagles , German Shepherds, Irish Setters , English Sheepdogs, Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Collies .
Early recognition of lupus in dogs is extremely important. If left untreated, complications from autoimmune disease can be serious. Entire body involvement is common. These features can make diagnosis and treatment very challenging and complicated.
