Lupus erythematosus is a canine immune mediated disease


Lupus erythematosus is definitely an immune-mediated disease in that the antigenantibody complex lodges in the small vessels of numerous organs, such as the skin. The precise stimulus for that antigen-antibody reaction is unknown. Two kinds of lupus occur in dogs.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This can be a complex disease affecting several areas of the body, such as the skin, kidneys, heart, and joints. The first indication can be a stilted gait or lameness that wanders from joint to joint. Eventually, the lungs, nervous system, lymph nodes, and spleen might be involved.

Skin involvement is particularly evident concerning the face and also over the nose and muzzle, but might be found elsewhere. An erosive dermatitis, seen as a vesicles and pustules, develops in these areas, and it is then crusting, oozing, and hair loss. The mucous membranes of the mouth in many cases are involved. The foot pads may become thickened and ulcerated and could eventually shed. Anemia and bleeding problems may develop. Secondary pyoderma is really a major reason for death.

Diagnosing is tough, but is aided with a skin biopsy as well as an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. This test is positive in 90 % of cases.

Treatment: Treatment depends upon what organs are participating. Many instances require chemotherapy. Secondary pyoderma should be treated aggressively. The outlook for long-term control is guarded.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

This is actually the second most typical autoimmune skin condition, after pemphigus foliaceus. It's regarded as a milder type of systemic lupus and it is restricted to the face. Depigmentation of the nose is generally followed by the appearance of open sores and crusts.

Collies, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Brittanys, and German Shorthaired Pointers are generally affected. The normal appearance and placement of discoid lupus, and also the lack of other sites of skin involvement, make diagnosing almost certain.

Treatment: Discoid lupus could be successfully managed with oral and/or topical corticosteroids. Oral e vitamin in a dose of 400 IU given every 12 hours, 2 hours before or after meals, is considered to be beneficial. Apply topical sunscreens in times of contact with sunlight. Sunblock may help like a preventative measure, as well. Ultraviolet injury severely aggravates this issue.

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This article was sent to us by: Diana Meyer at 05132011

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