#Autoimmune disease symptom checklist skin
Here are several types of autoimmune diseases of the skin and the signs you should look out for: They can be difficult to diagnose, and each comes with its own set of symptoms. Autoimmune Skin DiseasesĪutoimmune diseases of the skin in dogs are rare and various. In female dogs, and ovariohysterectomy may be performed to decrease the risk of uterine hemorrhaging. They may remove the spleen, as well.Ī blood or plasma transfusion may also be helpful. A vet will administer corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Treatment for ITP in dogs is similar to treatment for AIHA. Excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery.Here are some of the symptoms you may notice with ITP: Dogs with this condition will not likely experience a collapse or crisis like they may with AIHA, but it can be a serious condition if there’s any bleeding. Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) happens when the immune system attacks thrombocytes, the cells responsible for forming blood clots. Dogs can live a healthy life without a spleen. The spleen is responsible for destroying red blood cells that the body deems damaged or no longer useful. In cases where drugs are not effective, the spleen may be removed. The causes of the disease are unknown, but it appears more frequently in middle-aged female dogs, and certain breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Poodles are more predisposed although, any dog could develop AIHA.Ĭorticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are usually prescribed to keep the condition under control. Discoloration of the eyes, gums, and skin.Pale mucous membranes on the gums and eyes.With AIHA, the red blood cells are destroyed or damaged faster than they can be replaced. Red blood cells are responsible for bringing oxygen from the lungs to all tissue of the body. Autoimmune Hemolytic AnemiaĪutoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) happens when the dog’s immune system attacks the body’s red blood cells. They may also prescribe immunosuppressive drugs or steroids to reduce inflammation. Your vet may change your dog’s diet to be more kidney friendly. Hospitalization is necessary for severe cases until the condition can be managed.Īt home, rest is advised for dogs with joint pain, and exposure to sunlight must be limited. The causes of SLE are unknown, but there is a hereditary component for some dogs, and exposure to ultraviolet light makes the condition worse. Lesions, scars, ulceration, or crusting on the skin.Lameness or pain in one or more joints and muscles.Symptoms depend on where the disease is localized, but can include the following: Usually more than one organ will be affected. SLE can affect the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, blood, and nervous system as antibodies in the blood attack the body’s own cells and tissue. Typically symptoms appear around age six, but can show up at any age, and often flare up or go into remission for periods of time.