The Basic Facts about Lupus in Dogs
Lupus in dogs is seen as a rare occurrence of an autoimmune problem while there is also the possibility that the disease gets under diagnosed in canines. This is because lupus is not always caught in the early stages.
There is lack of adequate information to understand the exact cause of lupus in dogs. Vets believe that it may be a genetically inherited condition. There are two types of lupus that can be found in dogs and the symptoms vary considerably. Let us consider each of the forms of lupus.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) affects several systems of the dog and it is an autoimmune disease manifested through the formation of antibodies against several normal body cells or tissue. It has been described by vets as a case of the dog’s body attacking itself from the inside. German Shepherds are thought to be particularly vulnerable to this form of lupus and other susceptible breeds are Old English sheepdogs, Beagles, Afghan hounds, Shetland sheepdogs, Irish setters, poodles and collies. The average age of an affected dog is said to be 6 years although it can occur anytime during a dog’s life span. The indications of SLE can be found in problems in the kidney, liver, musculoskeletal system or even the skin. These symptoms sometimes seem to develop overnight while at other times their onset is gradual. There is a certain cyclical nature to the way the indications appear and disappear in some dogs.
Lameness with a shifting leg is said to be the most noticeable and common indication of SLE. This means that the lameness seems to shift from front leg to a back leg with some periods of gap in between. This is most likely because of pain in the joints caused by swelling in the region. This type of lupus in dogs is also seen through indications such as extreme lethargy, skin trouble, hair loss, ulcers in the mouth, discolored gums and anorexia. Dogs with lupus may have increased urine output and they may also have a tendency to be continuously thirsty.
Given the multitude of ways in which this lupus in dogs manifests itself, SLE is not easy to diagnose. There is no single test with which to diagnose this illness and it takes a vet who analyses the symptoms comprehensively to arrive at a proper assessment. Given that some canine infections and cancer can also be the cause of these symptoms, it may take some ruling out before SLE can be diagnosed.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is the other form of lupus in dogs and it is relatively more contained in that it seems to mostly affect the skin on the face of the dog. The front of the nose, lips, the region around the eyes, the mouth and the ears are most susceptible to the problem. Very rarely there are signs in the lower limbs or genitalia. DLE is found fairly frequently in dogs among the many skin diseases and it is referred to by names such as ‘collie nose’ and ‘nasal solar dermatitis.’ Among the breeds that are most likely to get this form of lupus are collies, Siberian huskies, German shepherds, Shetland sheepdogs, chow chows and Alaskan malamutes. Hybrids of these breeds also seem susceptible to DLE.
The change in color of the hairless part of the nose is usually the first indication of DLE. The skin starts looking paler and then it acquires smoothness unlike its normal more textured appearance. The area where the hairy and hairless areas meet is prone to flakiness and even some crusting. Sunlight exposure seems to worsen the condition which can go as far as skin ulcers and erosion. There is inconsistency in terms of pain and itchiness in that some dogs show signs of both while others do not.
A dog owner who sees signs of either form of lupus should promptly take their dog to a veterinarian. Lupus in dogs may not be fully curable but they can be managed in such a way as to let the dog live a relatively normal life.