Lupus in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, isn’t exclusive to humans — dogs can get lupus, too. This disease triggers a dog’s immune system to start attacking the body, damaging tissues or skin depending on the type.^1,2

Let’s break down the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this disease a little further. 

What Causes Lupus in Dogs?

As with any autoimmune disease in dogs, lupus causes the immune system to attack the body. In canine lupus, this immune response kills cells within the dog’s skin or bodily tissues.¹

However, it can be tough to identify the underlying cause of lupus in a specific dog, and there's no definitive explanation for why some dogs are afflicted. There’s evidence to suggest genetic, environmental, and physiological factors might be at play.^1,2

Dog breeds predisposed to lupus

Any breed and age of dog can be diagnosed with lupus. But depending on the type of lupus, certain dogs may be more at risk. For systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), middle-aged, larger-breed male dogs seem to develop it more often. For discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), dogs in sunnier climates seem to be more at risk.^1,2

Types of Canine Lupus Disease

There are two types of canine lupus. The first type is called discoid lupus erythematosus, or “DLE.” This kind of lupus affects your dog’s skin, especially the areas around their nose and face.¹

The second type of canine lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus, or “SLE.” Although rare, SLE is far more serious than DLE and affects body systems and tissues — such as organs, joints, blood, and the nervous system. It can be difficult to diagnose because the signs are similar to many other diseases.^2,3

Symptoms of Canine Lupus

The symptoms of DLE aren’t typically life threatening, but they can still cause discomfort and pain for your pup. These can include:¹

• De-pigmented skin around the nose
• The bumpy texture on the nose becoming smooth
• Scaly, flaky, or crusty skin
• Sores or ulcers around the lips, eyes, or ear flaps

Symptoms of SLE, on the other hand, are much more serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. This condition could become deadly since it attacks cells and tissues. Look for symptoms, including:^2,3

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Anemia
• Shifting leg lameness
• Arthritis, muscle pain, and general stiffness
• Mouth or skin sores, crusty skin, and hair loss
• Enlarged liver, spleen, lymph nodes, or kidneys
• Low white blood cell count

For SLE, signs may appear suddenly and last for a short time, or they can be chronic. It’s also possible that signs might come and go — with dogs getting worse, then better, then worse again — over time.^2,3

Diagnosing Lupus in Dogs

DLE is fairly easy to diagnose — your vet may simply take a biopsy of a lesion on your dog’s skin and analyze it to determine whether DLE is causing the symptoms. Because these sores are typically around their face, sedation may be necessary.¹

SLE, however, is more complex to figure out since its symptoms can apply to so many other diseases as well. Your vet will likely do a blood test to diagnose this type of lupus and check for internal damage. It can be helpful to keep track of your dog’s symptoms to assist your vet in the diagnostic process.³

Treatment of Canine Lupus

Just as it is with humans, lupus in dogs can’t be cured — it’s a chronic illness that will need to be managed and treated for the rest of your dog’s life.

Luckily, DLE is fairly simple to treat. Your vet may recommend topical and systemic medications — such as steroids, antibiotics, and immune suppressants — as well as supplements, like niacinamide. Since ultraviolet light worsens canine lupus, protecting your dog from direct sunlight exposure is important as well.^1,4

SLE treatment is a little more intense and depends on the body systems or tissues that are affected. Medication is usually prescribed — regardless of the other required treatments — to help decrease the immune response over time. But this can be tricky, since immune system suppression has some not-so-great side effects with SLE. If your pup’s red blood cells are damaged, they may need a short hospital stay to help stabilize them.^2,3

Some pet owners may choose to implement a holistic approach alongside traditional medicine, using natural methods to help their dog feel better and still enjoy a full life.

Consider Dog Insurance Through MetLife Pet

You never know when your pup could get in an accident or be diagnosed with an unexpected illness. A dog insurance policy with MetLife Pet could help you ease the financial burden of unexpected — as well as expected — costs that come with caring for a furry family member. Get your free quote today.