Systemic lupus erythematosus-associated polyarthritis in Dogs

Category: Bone & Joint
Breeds documented: 7
Published sources: 8

Overview

Lupus can cause the immune system to attack the body's own tissues, including the lining of several joints. Inflammation in several joints is called polyarthritis and can make walking painful. With systemic lupus erythematosus, often shortened to SLE, the problem can extend beyond the joints. Skin, kidneys and blood cells may also be affected. Signs may come and go, so a dog can seem better between episodes.

Signs to watch for

Limping that shifts from one leg to another
Painful or swollen joints
Stiffness or reluctance to walk
Low energy and reduced appetite
Sores inside the mouth or crusted areas of skin

Adult dogs are commonly affected; signs can begin suddenly or return in episodes.

When to get help Arrange a vet visit soon if your dog develops swollen joints or recurring lameness.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets assess the joints and look for signs that other organs are affected. They may collect joint fluid to check for inflammation and exclude infection. Blood and urine tests help assess organ involvement. An antinuclear antibody test looks for antibodies associated with lupus, but its result must be interpreted alongside the dog's signs and other test findings.

Breeds with documented risk

7 breeds

By breed size

1 Toy
3 Small
2 Medium
1 Large

German ShepherdLarge · Herding Group
BeagleSmall · Hound Group
Miniature PoodleSmall · Non-Sporting Group
Standard PoodleMedium · Non-Sporting Group
Toy PoodleToy · Toy Group
Shetland SheepdogSmall · Herding Group
CollieMedium · Herding Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.