Immune-based non-erosive inflammatory joint disease of the dog. 1. Canine systemic lupus erythematosus |
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| Authors: | DAVID BENNETT |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool Small Animal Hospital, Crown Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L7 7EX |
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| Abstract: | The features of 13 dogs with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are described. Canine SLE is a multisystemic disease characterized by autoimmunity and immune complex hypersensitivity. The presence of antinuclear antibody in the blood is an important diagnostic feature. All 13 cases had a non-erosive symmetrical polyarthritis. Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia was seen in five cases, thrombocytopenia in three, skin lesions in four; neurological involvement in one; and gastrointestinal signs in one. Treatment was with cytotoxic drugs(cyclophosphamide initially) and prednisolone. |
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