Lupus in dogs is a complex autoimmune disease that requires a multifaceted approach to management. It's important for owners to understand the condition, its various forms, and the available treatment options to provide the best possible care for their canine companions.
Understanding Canine Lupus
Lupus in dogs is an autoimmune disease where the dog’s immune system, which is meant to protect the body from foreign invaders, mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. This leads to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and potentially organ dysfunction. The exact cause of lupus in dogs remains unknown; however, genetics, environmental factors, and stress are believed to play a role. Stress is reported to worsen the symptoms of lupus in dogs and may increase the risk of lupus occurrence in the first place. Any breed and age can develop lupus. However, it tends to develop more in middle-aged dogs of certain breeds, which suggests a genetic factor.
There are two main forms of lupus in dogs:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): This is the more severe form, affecting multiple organs and systems in the body simultaneously. Systemic lupus in dogs often attacks different organs at the same time.
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE): This form primarily affects the skin, particularly around the nose, face, and ears. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus affects the dog’s nasal planum. Unlike SLE, DLE does not typically involve systemic inflammation or organ damage.
Symptoms of Lupus in Dogs
Dog lupus triggers a very broad spectrum of clinical signs, which can make diagnosis challenging.
Common signs of SLE include:
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- Sporadic fever
- Shifting lameness
- Skin lesions
- Kidney problems
- Blood abnormalities
Dogs with Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) typically develop skin lesions, ulcers, crusting, and depigmentation particularly around the face, ears, and nose. An early sign is pigment loss in the nose progressing to cracking & ulcerations. DLE can also affect lips, ears and feet. The disease is often worsened by the sun.
Diagnosis of Canine Lupus
Making a canine lupus diagnosis is challenging. The vet considers the dog’s history and clinical presentation and orders different tests. Your vet will take notice of any symptoms your pup may have been experiencing during a physical exam.
Diagnostic tests may include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Biochemistry profile
- Urinalysis
- Coombs test
- ANA (antinuclear antibody test)
- Lupus erythematosus (LE) cell test
- Immunofluorescence testing
- Skin biopsy (for DLE)
Conventional Treatment Options
Managing a dog with lupus is expensive. Dogs with SLE are hard to manage, and the prognosis is guarded.
Conventional treatments typically involve:
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- Immunosuppressive drugs: Steroids, at high doses, are the drug that’s prescribed most often and is the most effective. To minimize or avoid these side effects, other immunosuppressive drugs may be used with steroids.
- Topical therapies: Topical therapies are often prescribed to a pup, though this type of treatment is more common in dogs affected with DLE. These ointments are often used with oral medications to decrease the dose of oral steroids a dog needs to take. The dog lupus nose treatment includes topical steroid ointments or systemic medications, such as antibiotics, low doses of steroids, and immune suppressant drugs. Yes, the dog lupus nose protector is helpful. It is perfect for dogs that do not tolerate sunscreen.
- Antibiotics: Because many dogs with lupus also suffer from secondary skin infections, antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Holistic Management and Dietary Considerations
A holistic approach to managing lupus in dogs involves considering your pet's overall health and well-being as well as their environment. While holistic methods should not replace conventional veterinary care, they can complement traditional treatments and improve the dog's quality of life. The most health-friendly approach to managing an autoimmune disease will keep your dog away from anything chemical.
Diet
Diet For Dogs With Lupus - Feeding a low carbohydrate, hypoallergenic protein diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. The best diet for canine lupus is raw meat, which is less inflammatory than commercial dog food formulas. A raw diet can be beneficial for dogs with Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE). Raw diets may include meats, organs, and bones that have not been cooked or processed. Eating raw meats can provide more complete nutrition as they are higher in healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals than cooked foods. Additionally, unprocessed foods contain fewer additives and preservatives which can help reduce inflammation for DLE affected dogs.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: You can incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your dog's diet by adding fish oil, baked fish or canned sardines (packed in water) into their meals.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants are the most valuable component in any immune disease-tailored diet. Antioxidants in vegetables such as okra, leafy greens, asparagus and squash contain prebiotic fibers that can support a healthy immune system.
- Avoid High Glycemic Foods: Avoid high glycemic foods (e.g.
Stress Reduction
Stress can exacerbate symptoms of autoimmune diseases like lupus. Providing a calm and stable environment for the dog, minimizing stressors, and incorporating relaxation techniques such as massage or acupuncture can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
Skin Care
Lupus can make a dog’s skin extremely sensitive, particularly around the face, ears, and nose, where lesions often appear. Sun exposure can worsen symptoms, so it's important to limit time outdoors during peak sunlight and use pet-safe sunscreens to protect sensitive areas. Walk your dog in the early morning or late evening and use a pet-approved sunscreen on the bridge of the nose and non-haired skin. When bathing your dog, use mild, hypoallergenic shampoos and avoid irritating chemicals that could worsen the skin condition.
Exercise
Engage your dog in regular exercise to maintain muscle tone and joint health. Avoid overexertion as that can cause stress.
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Regular Veterinary Visits
Dogs with lupus require extra attention and care to prevent infections and worsening of symptoms. Be sure to schedule regular vet visits as getting ahead of any potential complications can yield the best results.
Supplements
Certain supplements may benefit dogs with lupus by supporting immune function and reducing inflammation.
These may include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin E
- Plant sterols
- Probiotics
Immune Harmony - The plant sterols in Immune Harmony aid in sustaining immune balance by providing support to weakened immune systems (such as those battling chronic viruses, infections, or cancer) and by moderating hyperactive immune responses, common in autoimmune disorders like lupus. Plant sterols have been shown to modulate the immune response by influencing the production and activity of certain immune cells and cytokines. Inflammation is a key feature of lupus, contributing to tissue damage and symptoms such as joint pain and skin lesions. Lupus can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications in dogs, including heart disease and hypertension. Some plant sterols possess antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Plant sterols may also support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper immune function and may help modulate the immune response in dogs with lupus.
Alternative Therapies
- Biopuncture: A 6 year old male, neutered Vizsla was treated for immune-mediated skin disease affecting his nose, Discoid Lupus causing destruction of part of the nostril was confirmed via histopathology. Response was achieved with changing to a bioregulatory home-prepared diet consisting of 100% vegetarian diet for 3 months, then, gradually adding in organic meats. The diet did not consist of any grains. Biopuncture was also used, injecting specific homeotherapeutics into acupuncture points, with autosanguis; using the patient’s own blood. In addition, oral homeopathics were given daily as well as a clean-sourced blue-green algae supplement. Remission occurred after 3 treatments, in 1 month intervals, and has not relapsed. A biopuncture and autosanguis treatment was performed at the first visit using Traumeel (a) containing Aconitum napellus (b), Arnica montana (c), and Belladonna (d). To begin the procedure, 1.5mL of Traumeel was drawn into a sterile 3mL syringe, and 1mL of that Traumeel was administered intravenously using a 3mL syringe with 23-gauge needle into the cephalic vein. One mL of blood was then drawn back into the syringe. The plunger was pulled back to allow 2 mL of air into the syringe. The Mix was then succussed 39 times and injected subcutaneously using a 27-gauge needle along the bladder meridian on BL23, BL21, BL27, BL28 and SP6. The same syringe and needle was used to draw up 1.5 ml of Nux Vomica-homaccord (e) which was succussed 30 times with the aforementioned method, and the injections were repeated in the aforementioned acupuncture points.
- Homeopathy: A homeopathic medicine was prepared with 1 ml of Traumeel, 1mL of Apis (f), 1mL Chelidonium-homaccord (g), 1mL of Neurexan (h) 1 ml of Nux Vomica-homaccord, 1mL of Apis (i), 1mL of Ubicoenzyme (j) and sent home with the owner to be given to the patient (15 gtt PO q 8 hr). The goal of this specific treatment was to immune-modulate the digestive tract. Also, the owner was advised to add in a probiotic; HMF Powder (k) at 1 scoop by mouth twice daily. The treatment protocol involved the owner continuing to give the oral homeopathic preparation (15 gtt PO q 8 hr).
Plant-Based Diet and Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies the body’s own tissues as foreign and attacks them. This leads to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and compromised function in various organs and systems. A plant-based diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidative compounds can help manage chronic inflammation, support immune regulation, and reduce the progression of autoimmune damage. A plant-based diet rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory foods, nutrients, and herbs is key to managing these diseases.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants are critical in reducing oxidative damage caused by autoimmune diseases. This antioxidant helps protect immune cells from oxidative damage and is crucial for reducing inflammation in autoimmune thyroiditis and lupus.
- Selenium: Selenium helps modulate immune function and reduces oxidative stress, particularly important for dogs with autoimmune thyroiditis.
- Zinc: Zinc supports immune cell function and is essential for wound healing and tissue repair, particularly for dogs with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
- Bacillus Velezensis: Bacillus velezensis is known for its immunomodulatory properties, helping to balance the gut microbiome and reduce systemic inflammation.
- MOS and Beta-Glucans: MOS and beta-glucans enhance immune function by supporting beneficial bacteria and modulating immune responses.
- Gingerol: Gingerol, the active component in ginger, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.
- Silymarin: Silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, supports liver function and detoxification.
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha contains withanolides that help modulate stress responses and regulate immune function.
- Polysaccharides and Triterpenes: Polysaccharides and triterpenes in reishi mushrooms reduce chronic inflammation and enhance immune function.
- Ursolic Acid: Ursolic acid in holy basil helps reduce oxidative stress and regulate immune responses.
A plant-based diet rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory compounds is vital for managing autoimmune diseases in dogs, particularly those affecting the joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Herbs and adaptogens like turmeric, ginger, boswellia, and ashwagandha provide additional anti-inflammatory support and stress management, while avoiding pro-inflammatory and toxic foods is essential for preventing flare-ups.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can help to manage Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) in dogs. Proper nutrition with a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps to keep the skin healthy and avoid secondary infections. Regular exercise is also important for increasing circulation and improving immunity. Sunlight exposure should be limited to prevent further damage from ultraviolet radiation. To limit sunlight exposure for managing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) in dogs, the animal should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Areas with shade should be used on hot days and sunscreen can also be used to protect sensitive areas of the skin. Owners can also take their pet indoors during midday when the sun is strongest.
Prognosis
How long will a dog with lupus live?Dogs with lupus have a variable life expectancy. Dogs with DLE typically have a good prognosis. Lupus-both DLE and SLE-can be managed by an attentive pet parent.
Once your dog is improved and symptoms have resolved, your vet may then recommend reducing the immunosuppressive drugs. Consistent and proper follow-up care with your vet is very important to lower the risk of relapse.