Autoimmune Diseases in Dogs
Sep
9
Written by:
9/9/2008
Similar to what’s seen in humans, the number of dogs, and also cats and horses, with autoimmune diseases continues to rise.
Common autoimmune diseases in canines include hypothyroidism, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, myasthenia gravis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (low platelets), Addison’s disease, pemphigus, degenerative myelopathy (similar to MS in humans), and both discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Causes and Risk Factors
As in humans, autoimmune diseases in canines are attributed to both genetic and environmental factors. That is, dogs with certain genes go on to develop autoimmune diseases when they’re exposed to certain environmental triggers, often cumulative triggers. These triggers weaken the immune system, causing it to launch an erratic, inappropriate immune response directed at the body's own cells.
And while different ethnic populations in humans have an increased risk for certain autoimmune diseases, certain canine breeds are more likely to develop certain autoimmune diseases.
Environmental triggers vary with the different disorders but in general are the same environmental factors that cause autoimmune disease in humans. These triggers include infectious agents, parasites, bug bites, stress, excessive sunlight and sunburn, injury, vaccines, medications, pesticides, food preservatives and contaminants, nutrient deficiencies, and food and environmental allergens.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Similarly, the same diagnostic tests, including blood tests and imaging procedures, are used to diagnose human and canine autoimmune disorders. Treatments are also similar and include corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs.
Lifestyle Influences
The goal in preventing and healing autoimmune diseases is to strengthen, not stimulate, the immune system.
In both humans and canines, dietary interventions including the addition of antioxidant vitamins, hormone therapy, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, regular exercise and periods of rest, as well as an integrationist approach (combining alternative and conventional medicine) to treatment all offer benefits.
It’s also important for the prevention of autoimmune diseases and for restoring immune system health to avoid environmental triggers such as stress, including the stress of temperature extremes; vaccines (substituting homeopathic preparations when vaccines are necessary); excess dietary iodine in processed foods; overly processed foods; allergens including mold; and overuse of prescription medications including anesthetics.
Similar to what Hippocrates noted centuries ago, the key to health lies in pure food, air, and water.