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Canine LupusCanine Systemic LupusSystemic Lupus Erythmatosus (aka canine systemic lupus, or simply canine lupus) is a rather rare autoimmune disease specific to dogs. Dogs with lupus have unusual antibodies in their blood that target different proteins in their own bodies. These antibodies circulate throughout the dog's body and systemically affect multiple organs (e.g. skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, nervous system, blood), causing such ailments as arthritis and joint pain, kidney disease, anemia, and skin disease. Symptoms of Canine Systemic Lupus Canine systemic lupus causes a wide variety of symptoms depending on which part (or parts) of the body is under attack. Usually a dog with lupus has periods of flare-up and then remission. Some of the common symptoms that can be found in dogs with canine lupus include:
Canine Discoid Lupus
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus, aka Canine discoid lupus, is also an autoimmune disease that is more common than canine systemic lupus. Unlike canine systemic lupus,
discoid lupus affects mainly the nose and face.
For reason unknown, discoid lupus seems to be more common among dogs of certain breeds. Specifically, the German Shepherd, Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Siberian Husky,
and German Shorthaired Pointer breeds are among those that are most vulnerable to this disease.
Symptoms of Canine Discoid Lupus
If you notice a loss of pigment around your dog's nose, it means your dog may be suffering from the onset of canine discoid lupus. The surface of the nose may change
from its typical "cobblestoned" appearance to a smooth surface. This progresses into destruction of the tissue, and in more advanced cases, you can see ulcerations and
crusts or scabs. You may also find red, scaling areas of inflammation on your dog's face. There may also be lesions on the ears and thickening of the footpads.
Exposure to ultraviolet light tends to worsen the condition, so discoid lupus is more common and severe in the summer.
Diagnosis of Canine Discoid Lupus
Canine discoid lupus is diagnosed through examination of biopsy samples.
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Conventional Treatment for Canine LupusConventional treatment for canine systemic lupus generally includes relatively high doses of steroids in combination with chemotherapy. Regarding discoid lupus, conventional treatment involves life-long use of lower doses of steroids plus vitamin E and fatty acid supplements. Since exposure to UV light worsens the skin lesions in both conditions (systemic and discoid lupus), veterinarians also advise the topical use of sunscreen on affected dogs, who should also be sheltered from peak sunlight hours. TopNatural Remedies for Canine LupusHolistic veterinarians believe that long term use of steroids can only wreck further havoc to the immune system, leading to more physical problems down the road. Instead, holistic veterinarians prefer using natural remedies and supplements to moderate and calm the immune system so that it will eventually function normally again. To alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by the various symptoms of canine lupus, natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathic remedies, and natural supplements can be used. Calming the Immune System Plant sterols and sterolins are very effective and useful natural supplements for autoimmune disease in dogs such as canine lupus. Plant sterols and sterolins are natural substances found in all fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. These plant nutrients have many unique health benefits and can modulate and calm an overactive immune system. Antioxidants are also frequently helpful in treating autoimmune disorders as they assist the immune system in eliminating free radicals and reducing oxidative stress without directly stimulating an immune response. Antioxidants used to counter the effects of some autoimmune diseases include alpha lipoic acid, acetyl-l-carnitine, carnosine, coenzyme Q10, systemic enzymes, and rhodiola.
References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). TOP OF Canine Lupus |
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