Lupus in Dogs
Has your dog been acting more tired than usual? Does it hurt for your dog to walk or move like normal? Does your dog seem as if they are in pain? All of these things could lead to them having lupus. Understanding the disease and how to detect the signs and symptoms of it can help you to manage your dog’s condition and prolong their lifespan.
Types of Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is genetic and affects the entire body. Discoid lupus erythematosus is known as collie nose or DLE and affects a dog’s face. This typically develops over the summer months and direct sunlight makes symptoms worsen. Another type is system lupus erythematosus (SLE), this is a more serious of the two types of lupus as it affects the organs such as the kidneys, liver and the heart. Depending on how severe it is, symptoms can range from lethargy to painful joints. Take extra care to monitor changes in your dog’s health and behavior. To know for sure if lupus is what’s wrong with your pet, get a veterinarian diagnosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Lupus
Tracking symptoms before going to a veterinarian can help them to diagnose your pet properly. There are distinct differences between both types of lupus. When it comes to DLE, common symptoms include: skin sores, cracking skin or loss of pigment, itchiness or extreme redness. These sores can lead to bacterial infection, so have your pet checked out as soon as possible. Signs and symptoms of SLE are loss of appetite, hair loss, swollen lymph nodes, seizures, joint pain, stiffness or lethargy.
Causes of Lupus
Many believe it is inherited, but others think that factors such as medication, viral infections and/or sunlight contribute to the development of lupus in dogs. Since we don’t know entirely what is responsible for the development of Lupus, preventative treatment such as a healthy diet and lifestyle helps keep it at bay or helps to manage the symptoms of it in dogs with lupus.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of lupus can make it hard to diagnose because they are common in many other disease. A diagnosis can be made with a checkup as well as a skin biopsy. Blood tests also can be run to cancel out other types of diseases and to get a lupus diagnosis. An ANA test (antinuclear antibodies) will show whether or not what your dog has is lupus or not.
Treatment
Without treatment, both types of lupus can be fatal. Neither is curable, but management of the disease can lead to decreased or minimal symptoms and pain in your pet. Some possible treatment options include antibiotics (for infections found part sores) and corticosteroids. Also, limiting the dog’s exposure to sunlight is important too. For severe cases, chemotherapy may help treat pain. DLE is the less severe type and the easiest to treat. Topical corticosteroids are used to control skin sores. The goal is to create a comfortable environment for your dog that encourages a healthy lifestyle. A veterinarian can recommend treatment options that have helped other dogs such as CBD oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my dog at risk for developing Lupus?
The likelihood of your dog contracting this disease depends on their breed, their age, their exposure to sunlight and their health.
How do I make sure that my dog is getting enough Vitamin E?
Feed your dog organic foods free of preservatives. Switching your dog’s diet can contribute to better health.
Is Lupus curable?
No, Lupus is not curable. However, treatment is available to keep symptoms at bay and your dog comfortable. The sooner you get a Lupus diagnosis from a vet, the sooner you can begin a treatment plan for your dog.
What do I do after my dog has been diagnosed with Lupus?
Your vet will offer treatment recommendations. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise plan will help them to feel their best.
What should I do if my dog isn’t responding to medication well?
Don’t ever stop using prescribed medication without approved from a vet. If your dog however is having adverse effects, schedule an appointment so that the medicine can be changed or even the dosage of the medication.
Ultimately, caring for your dog when they are suffering from Lupus symptoms seems overwhelming, but by providing them the love and compassion they need, they can live comfortably with this disease.
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