Lupus In Dogs

[Mosh]

My friend has just been told her dog has Lupus and its the skin variety :S
obviously her dog is very poorly at the moment and we were just wondering if anyone had any experience with Lupus and how the doggy was after?
her dog is a greyhound and 7 years old.
Thanks you
Hannah x

 

[ihatework]

Poor doggy

I have no experience in dogs but have a little knowledge for humans.

I would guess the most likely course of action would be long term corticosteroid treatment, prednisone is normally prescribed.

Apart from this there is little alternative treatment. In humans possibly cyclosporin A, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, thalidomide. Also research into anti-iL6 monoclonal antibodies.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Our lancashire heeler had SLE which is a form of Lupus. She was really ill when she was about 2, her skin was burning hot and her mouth and throat swelled up so she couldn't eat. She was treated with prednisolone, we had a few flare ups when we tried to reduce her dose but were able to take her off the steroids eventually. She lived until she was nearly 15, and although she always had quite a few bald bits, and a few minor flare ups she was generally a very happy little dog.

 

[star]

yes, steroids is the usual treatment. we can also try ciclosporin as an addition or alternative. they do normally respond ok to treatment.

 

[haycroft]

my aunt is a sufferer with lupus i think its when the immune system goes down..but havent heard it in dogs