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Piel y pelo

Lupus erythematosus

An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the animal's own skin. There is a cutaneous form (skin only) and a systemic form (affecting several organs), which is more serious.

Severe🐕 Dogs

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Loss of pigment and crusting on the nose (the nose loses its rough surface)
  • • Lesions on the face, ears and hairless areas
  • • Worsens with sun exposure
  • • In the systemic form: fever, joint pain, lethargy, kidney problems

Causes

An autoimmune disease whose cause is not fully understood. There is a breed predisposition. Sunlight worsens the lesions.

Diagnosis

Skin biopsy plus blood work. The systemic form requires additional tests to assess the internal organs.

Treatment

Immunomodulators and sun protection for the cutaneous form. The systemic form needs immunosuppressants and monitoring of the affected organs. It is a chronic disease.

Prevention

Not preventable. Protecting from the sun reduces flare-ups in the cutaneous form.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if your dog's nose loses pigment, cracks or forms crusts, especially if it worsens with sun exposure.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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