Lupus can affect dogs too

[Guest guest]

Lupus can affect dogs too

Dr.

The Pet Doctor

Oct. 23, 2004 12:00 AM

QUESTION: My dog was diagnosed with lupus. I thought that was only a disease

of people.

ANSWER: I'm going to assume that you mean systemic lupus erythematosus, as

this is typically the autoimmune disease called " lupus. " There's another

autoimmune disease, discoid lupus erythematosus, that also is found in dogs

and humans, but this is often referred to as " collie nose " or " nasal solar

dermatitis. "

Autoimmune diseases are frustrating to diagnose and treat. The word

" autoimmune " refers to the fact that the immune system creates antibodies

that attack other parts of the body. Usually, the immune system detects

foreign organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, and creates antibodies to

attack them. With autoimmune diseases, these antibodies attack normal parts

of the body. Some autoimmune diseases attack structural components such as

the collagen that is distributed throughout your body. In the case of SLE,

there is a specific antibody that attacks the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

that is found in the nucleus of almost every cell in your body. This means

that SLE can cause lesions almost anywhere and its attacks on different

organs can be devastating.

advertisement

Frequently, the owner first notices that her dog has skin lesions, such as

small blisters or ulcers around the nose, mouth and paws. The dog may

already have had fevers and felt a bit sluggish, but often this is

overlooked by the owner. Lymph nodes are often enlarged, and additional

lesions may be detected on careful examination. A dog may get inflammation

of the subcutaneous fat and may react as if he was hurt from a simple pat on

the back. Some dogs may appear anemic if the antibodies are destroying red

blood cells and others may have kidney failure if the antibodies are

attacking the kidneys.

Unfortunately, it can be frustrating to diagnose SLE as it can mimic many

other diseases and have signs that range from mild to life-threatening.

There's a test that detects the antinuclear antibodies produced by the

defective immune system. This test by itself is not diagnostic, but when

combined with other laboratory tests and the clinical signs and history of

the patient leads to a diagnosis.

Treatment of SLE requires shutting down this abnormal immune response,

usually by using drugs such as corticosteroids. Unfortunately, this also

shuts down some of the good immune responses that protect the dog against

infections. These drugs do not cure the disease but make it less

destructive. Once diagnosed with SLE, a dog needs careful monitoring and

quick treatment for the rest of its life.

is director of conservation, science and sanctuary at the Phoenix

Zoo. Write to him at doctorkevin@....

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/1023petdoc10

23.html