Auto-Immune Disease - Causes / Symptoms
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| Definition / Overview | Causes / Symptoms | Hypothyroidism |
| Pemphigus | Canine Lupus | Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia |
Auto-Immune Disease Causes
What causes the immune system to short-circuit and start rejecting normal body tissue? Many theories exist, but the ultimate answer is that no one quite knows. Jean Dodds, a veterinarian who specializes in immunology, believes that multivalent modified-live vaccines overstimulate the immune system. Others blame environmental pollutants or food preservatives such as ethoxyquin, an antioxidant found in most dog foods. There is strong evidence for a genetic factor in the development of auto-immune disease in many species. Finally, some cases occur spontaneously, causing damage to kidneys, lungs, or the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of Auto-Immune Diseases
Canine auto-immune disease can be signaled by a multiplicity of symptoms, any of which might signal an onset. Chief among these is an intense soreness in certain parts of the body, often demonstrated by a "protecting," during which the dog behaves as if keeping a certain body part untouched is a matter of life and death. For instance, a protecting of the pancreas (a pale pink glandular organ that nestles just under the stomach) might signal the onset of auto-immune disease. A soreness of the thyroid (a butterfly-shaped gland in the throat) might be cause for concern, as might an irritated or swollen rear quarter, illustrated by a licking or dragging of the left hind paw.
Other symptoms, which otherwise might be overlooked in the larger picture of a dog's health, include itchy, flaky skin, inflamed ears, excessive licking of the front paws, and swelling of the toes. If any of these symptoms are present, a dog may suffer from Canine auto-immune disease, and should see a veterinarian immediately.
Testing for Auto-Immune Disease / Thyroid Tests
Veterinarians may suggest a thyroid test if a pet has gained weight or is
having chronic skin infections, or if an elite breeding dog is experiencing reproductive
difficulties, especially if the animal lacks energy or has a scruffy or dull
coat. The veterinarian draws the blood and sends it to one of several laboratories
with the equipment for conducting the test. The blood sample should be taken
when the dog is otherwise healthy, is not approaching a heat cycle, and is not
taking pharmaceuticals such as steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or
anti-seizure drugs. The latest tests include measurement of two forms of the
thyroid hormones T3 (triodothyronine) and T4 (levothyroxine) and a search for
antibodies that could indicate auto-immune thyroiditis, the genetic form of the
disease. Interpretation of the numbers recorded is as important as the numbers
themselves, for the relationship between the hormones is complex. In addition,
normal ranges of hormones vary somewhat with the breed or mix.
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