Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus, is an autoimmune disease whereby the body’s immune system essentially goes into overdrive and attacks healthy cells and tissues. Lupus affects both humans and dogs, but the disease is not contracted through contact with a human, master or otherwise, or contact with other dogs.
Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune condition with unknown underlying causes. Lupus is not a contagious disease. A person with lupus cannot spread it to other people or to their dogs. Dogs are unable to spread it to their master. Symptoms in dogs include painful joints, skin lesions, muscle pain or wasting, shifting-leg lameness, hair loss, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, loss of appetite and fever. There is no cure for lupus; treatment focuses on symptom management and immune system suppression.
Breed Predisposition
While typically rare in dogs, certain breeds show a genetic predisposition for the disease. Higher rates occur in Afghan hounds, beagles, collies, old English sheepdogs, German shepherds, Irish setters, poodles and Shetland sheepdogs.
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Writer Bio
Deborah Lundin is a professional writer with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field and as a small business owner. She studied medical science and sociology at Northern Illinois University. Her passions and interests include fitness, health, healthy eating, children and pets.