Canine Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

As with degenerative joint disease, inflammatory joint disease can be classified into two groups: disorders caused by an infection and those that are non infectious, usually immune-mediated inflammation. The noninfectious group can be divided into erosive disorders (rheumatoid arthritis) and nonerosive (systemic lupus erythematosus). All of these conditions cause pain, but the erosive disorders also deform the joints.

Although there are many clinical similarities between human SLE and canine SLE, there are several differences.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) most commonly affects the joints muscles, skin, and kidneys. In SLE, the immune system inappropriately produces antibodies against the DNA material inside the cells. Manifestations of this disease are dependent upon the location of the cells affected, and diagnosis of SLE is often difficult.

Reported abnormalities in the dog include fever of unknown origin, polyarthritis, kidney disease (glomerulonephritis), anemia, and skin disease. Skin signs associated with SLE include alopecia, redness, crusting, scaling, depigmentation, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, ulcers on the mucous membranes, ulcers of the pawpads, and seborrhea. Partial symmetry is usually an important diagnostic clue. A possible role of a genetic factor in the development of SLE has been suggested for the Spitz, Shetland sheepdog, German Shepherd dog, beagles, collies and Poodle. Purebred cats in general, Siamese, Persian and Himalayan cats specifically are more often affected by this disease than other cat breeds.

A blood test is available to detect the antibodies directed against the DNA (anti-nuclear antibodies: ANA test), but this test often produces false readings. Environmental, infectious, hormonal, and drug reactions had all been identified as possible causes. Corticosteroid and cytotoxic drug therapy is the treatment of choice, and treatment specific for other body systems affected occur concurrently.

As in humans, canine SLE is a chronic disease with alternating acute periods and relapses. Remission of this uncommon disease can be achievable, but often for only short periods of time. Recent studies show that pet dogs with human SLE contact are at a higher risk of developing SLE. There is an indication that a common environmental factor or zoonotic agent may be involved in the development of human and canine SLE.

References
1. Pet dogs owned by lupus patients are at a higher risk of developing lupus.Chiou SH, Lan JL, Lin SL, Chen DY, Tsai NY, Kuan CY, Lin TY, Lin FJ, Lee WM, Chang TJ. Graduate Institute of Veterinary Microbiology, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
2. Canine Orthopedics by Robert L. Rooks, DVM and Connie Jankowski
3. Handbook of Vertebrate Immunology Paul-Pierre Pastoret, Philip Griebel, Hervé Bazin, André Govaerts
4. Skin Diseases of the Dog and Cat by Peter J. Ihrke, Emily J. Walder, Verena K. Affolter