The Causes and Symptoms of Lupus in Dogs
Lupus can affect your dog’s daily life and make it difficult to do the simplest of activities. This disease comes in two forms, and one is much more serious than the other. Learn here what the causes and symptoms are.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system sees its own cells, tissues, and organs as dangerous and attacks them with antibodies. There are two forms of lupus that can affect dogs — systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). While SLE is a much more serious form of the disease, it is important to be aware of both and what to look out for as far as symptoms. Read on to learn about the causes and symptoms of lupus in dogs.
Causes of Lupus in Dogs
The word “lupus” is Latin for wolf, and the disease was given the name in the 19th century when it was thought to be caused by a wolf’s bite due to the wolf-like facial rash that appeared on humans with the disease. We know today that this is not the case, but beyond that understanding the definitive causes of the disease still remain unknown.
Some experts believe that there is a genetic component and the condition may be inherited. Others suggest that certain factors can contribute to the disease, including exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight), stress, reaction to medication, and viral infections.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a relatively rare and potentially fatal form of the disease in which the immune system produces antibodies to attack cells, tissues, and organs that it sees as dangerous. This causes inflammation and damage to skin, blood, nervous system, joints, and major organs, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. This form of the disease is most common in middle-aged female dogs, and commonly affected breeds include the Beagle, German Shepherd, Old English Sheepdog, Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, Rough Collie, Irish Setter, and Afghan Hound.
Symptoms of Lupus in Dogs
The symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) include:
– Arthritis in several joints
– Muscle pain
– Stiffness
– Shifting lameness in the legs
– Lethargy
– Loss of appetite
– Skin sores
– Fever
– Anemia
– Hair loss
– Swollen lymph nodes
– Enlarged liver and kidney
– Mouth ulcers
– Seizures
– Dementia
– Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
– Reduced platelet and white blood cell count
Most dogs with SLE are first taken to the veterinarian because they are exhibiting lameness or skin problems.
The symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) include:
– Loss of nose pigment
– Scaling and cracking nose skin
– Redness
– Sores or ulceration
The symptoms of DLE can be symptoms of other conditions as well, including ringworm of the nose, nasal lymphoma, and staph infection. Your veterinarian will accurately diagnose the condition through a biopsy of the nose tissue.
Treatment For Lupus In Dogs
Treatment for lupus in dogs also depends on the type of lupus, though neither form is curable. This is why treatment focuses on managing symptoms and continues for the rest of affected dogs’ lives. DLE is fairly easy to treat, and your vet will focus on healing and controlling any sores, lesions, or ulcers that may appear. Topical steroids are often use to suppress the immune system response and reduce inflammation. Prednisone or other oral steroids might be given until the condition is under control. Antibiotics and supplements, including Vitamins B and E and Omega-3 fatty acids, may also be given. Exposure to ultraviolet light, including sunlight, should be limited as this worsens the condition.
SLE treatments will vary depending on the organs that are affected. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response that is causing damage. NSAIDs, immunosuppressive drugs, or steroids like Prednisone will probably be used. Chemotherapy can further suppress negative immune system activity and reduce pain. Antibiotics will be prescribed if there is a secondary infection that needs to be treated. As with DLE, exposure to sunlight must be limited. This treatment must be continued for the rest of the dog’s life.