Canine autoimmune disease happens when a dog’s immune systemdoesn’t know the difference between the dog’s normal tissue andsystems, and outside invaders. As a result, the immune systemoverreacts and begins to attack the dog’s body.
The Canine Immune System
The immune system is made up of many different parts within a dog’sbody, working together to fight infections and eliminate bad proteins.These parts include white blood cells, antibodies, organs, oxygen andnutrients in the blood. The immune system defends against factors thatcan attack a dog’s health. These are carried in a dogs bloodstream, soforeign elements that should not be in the body are fought on the spot.
An autoimmune disease develops when the immune system becomesoveractive and attacks the dog’s body. Although the exact cause ofautoimmune diseases are not known, it is thought they could be causedin part by the overuse of drugs or vaccines, pollutants and chemicals.This disease can affect an organ, part of the dog or his whole body.Some examples of autoimmune disease are inflammatory bowel disease,allergies, Addison’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Canine Autoimmune Disease Symptoms
Autoimmune diseases in dogs can have a range of symptoms, dependingon the part of the body that’s being attacked. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea that may or may not have blood
- A fever
- Loss of appetite
- A lack of energy
- Lesions of the skin
- A change in behavior
In instances when the skin is affected, lesions may appear on adog’s nose, in his mouth or on the anus. The skin may begin to flakeoff. A dog with this disease can also develop a peculiar odor.
In cases of rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, a dog may tire easilyfrom normal activities and have stiff joints. The area around thejoints affected may also feel warm to the touch. Lymph nodes couldbecome enlarged and, if the thyroid is affected, weight gain may benoticed. When the kidneys are affected, a dog will increase his waterconsumption and urine output.
Anemia can be a symptom of an autoimmune disease, as the productionof red blood cells in a dog’s body slows or ceases, while the rate inwhich these cells are destroyed increases. Autoimmune hemolytic anemiacan cause a dog to suddenly collapse, develop a heart murmur and becomejaundiced. Dogs can begin to bruise easily or bleed excessively afteran injury. Their extremities can also become cold and the skin may turnblue, become swollen or develop ulcers.
The prognosis for a dog with an autoimmune disease depends upon whatparts of the body are affected and when the condition was discovered.Noticing symptoms that could indicate a canine autoimmune disease andseeking prompt veterinary care can help begin a tailored therapy early,improve a dog’s quality of life and even extend his life.