Changes

Skin changes include: periorbital alopecia, seborrhea, oral ulceration, [[Discoid Lupus Erythematosus]], mucocutaneous ulcerations, footpad ulceration, panniculitis and urticaria. Skin changes can be multifocal or generalised, and commonly involve skin poorly covered by hair. Lesions may be exacerbated by exposure to light.

Skin changes include: periorbital alopecia, seborrhea, oral ulceration, [[Discoid Lupus Erythematosus]], mucocutaneous ulcerations, footpad ulceration, panniculitis and urticaria. Skin changes can be multifocal or generalised, and commonly involve skin poorly covered by hair. Lesions may be exacerbated by exposure to light.

Other common manifestations include: '''anaemia, leucopaenia, peripheral lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly'''.

Other common manifestations include: '''[[:Category:Anaemia|anaemia]], leucopaenia, peripheral lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly'''.

Other reported syndromes include: pericarditis, thrombocytompaenia, polymyositis, myocarditis, pneumonitis, pleuritis, neutrologic disorders (seizures, meningitis, psychosis) and lymphoedema.

Other reported syndromes include: [[pericarditis]], [[thrombocytopaenia]], polymyositis, myocarditis, pneumonitis, pleuritis, neurologic disorders ([[seizures]], meningitis, psychosis) and lymphoedema.

<u>Cats</u>: no age predilection, but Siamese, Himalayan and Persian breeds may be predisposed.

<u>Cats</u>: no age predilection, but Siamese, Himalayan and Persian breeds may be predisposed.

Cat report syndromes such as: haematological abnormalities, neurological abnormalities, fever, lymphadenopathy, polyarthritis, myopathy, oral ulceration, conjunctivitis, '''renal failure''' and subclinical pulmonary disease.

Syndromes reported include: haematological abnormalities, neurological abnormalities, fever, lymphadenopathy, polyarthritis, myopathy, oral ulceration, conjunctivitis, [[:Category:Renal failure|'''renal failure''']] and subclinical pulmonary disease.

Only 20% of cats will have skin lesions such as seborrhea, erythema, alopecia and scarring on the face, pinnae and paws.

Only 20% of cats will have skin lesions such as seborrhea, erythema, [[alopecia]] and scarring on the face, pinnae and paws.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

The most widely accepted diagnostic criteria for the disease is that an animal should have at least '''2 separate clinically and serologically defined manifestations of autoimmunity in addition to a high serum titre of ANA'''.

The most widely accepted diagnostic criteria for the disease is that an animal should have at least '''2 separate clinically and serologically defined manifestations of autoimmunity in addition to a high serum titre of ANA'''.

'''Haematology and biochemistry''' may reveal: anaemia with or without a positive direct Coombs' test result, thrombocytopaenia, leucopaenia or leucocytosis, proteinuria and hypergammaglobulinaemia.

'''Haematology and biochemistry''' may reveal: anaemia with or without a positive direct [[Coagulation Tests|Coombs' test result]], thrombocytopaenia, leucopaenia or leucocytosis, proteinuria and hypergammaglobulinaemia.

The '''ANA test''' is considered the most sensitive serological test for SLE. However it is not the most specific of tests, and can be positive in up to 20% of dogs with infectious diseases, particularly leishmaniasis. It is important to record the titre and compare it with normal values for the same laboratory.

The '''ANA test''' is considered the most sensitive serological test for SLE. However, it is not the most specific of tests, and can be positive in up to 20% of dogs with infectious diseases, particularly [[leishmaniasis]]. It is important to record the titre and compare it with normal values for the same laboratory.

The Lupus Erythematosus '''(LE) test''' is not as valuable, varies from day to day, and lacks specificity and sensitivity.  

The Lupus Erythematosus '''(LE) test''' is not as valuable, varies from day to day, and lacks specificity and sensitivity.  

'''Pathology''' findings in the skin include: lymphohistiocytic interface dermatitis, thickened basement membrane, vasculitis, subepidermal vesicles, basal cell degeneration

'''Pathology''' findings in the skin include: lymphohistiocytic interface dermatitis, thickened basement membrane, vasculitis, subepidermal vesicles, basal cell degeneration.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Other drugs may be useful in combination if the response is not satisfactory, and '''azathioprine or cyclophosphamide''' can be used. Typically the dose can be tapered once the condition is under control.   

Other drugs may be useful in combination if the response is not satisfactory, and '''azathioprine or cyclophosphamide''' can be used. Typically the dose can be tapered once the condition is under control.   

'''Splenectomy''' may be necessary in animals with severe anaemia and thrombocytopaenia. '''Vinctristine''' can be useful when thrombocytopaenia is severe.  

'''Splenectomy''' may be necessary in animals with severe anaemia and thrombocytopaenia. '''Vincristine''' can be useful when thrombocytopaenia is severe.  

Animals with SLE are prone to infections and therefore any infections must be identified and dealt with effectively and quickly.

Animals with SLE are prone to infections and therefore any infections must be identified and dealt with effectively and quickly.

{{Learning

{{Learning

|flashcards = [[Veterinary Dentistry Q&A 15]]

|flashcards = [[Veterinary Dentistry Q&A 15]]

}}

}}

==References==

==References==

Pasquini, C. (1999) '''Tschauner's Guide to Small Animal Clinics''' ''Sudz Publishing''

Pasquini, C. (1999) '''Tschauner's Guide to Small Animal Clinics''' ''Sudz Publishing''

 

[[Category:To Do - Review]]

[[Category:Expert Review]]

[[Category:Integumentary System - Autoimmune Reactions]]

[[Category:Integumentary System - Autoimmune Reactions]]

[[Category:Antibody Mediated Autoimmune Diseases]]

[[Category:Antibody Mediated Autoimmune Diseases]]

[[Category:Immunological Diseases - Cat]][[Category:Immunological Diseases - Dog]]

[[Category:Immunological Diseases - Cat]][[Category:Immunological Diseases - Dog]]