“Lupus” is a general term for an autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of antibodies against the body’s own tissues. There are two distinct forms of lupus in dogs, each of which have different symptoms and consequences. They are discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). DLE, sometimes referred to as “collie nose” or “nasal solar dermatitis,” is one of the most common immune-mediated skin diseases in dogs and almost always is limited
Lupus is an autoimmune disease which occurs rarely in dogs, although it probably is under-diagnosed. The symptoms of lupus vary widely and often are missed until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Two types of lupus occur in domestic dogs - discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The clinical signs associated with each form of the disease differ and may be influenced by genetic, pharmacologic, environmental and infectious factors.Discoid (cutaneous) lupus
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is an autoimmune disease wherein a dog becomes allergic to its own tissues. This disease results in crusting, depigmentation, redness, and ulceration of the nose. Lesions may also appear around the eyes, ears, limbs, and other areas. DLE can occur at any age, and is seen more often in such breeds as Collies, German shepherds, Shelties, and Siberian huskies.Exposure to U-V light (e.g. sunlight) can exacerbate or even precipitate this condition.
Lupus – especially systemic lupus erythematosus - is not particularly easy to diagnose. The veterinarian must consider and rule out a number of other disorders that can mimic the symptoms of lupus before a diagnosis can be confirmed.Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is less difficult to diagnose than its systemic counterpart. Usually, depigmentation of the skin on the nose, followed by the characteristic scaling, ulceration and crusting of facial skin, is diagnostic of DLE. Skin biopsies
Two forms of lupus occur in domestic dogs: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). The effects of and treatment protocols for each form are very different. However, both are caused by an autoimmune disorder which essentially causes the dog’s body to attack itself.Discoid lupus erythematosus cannot be cured but is more manageable than the systemic form of the disease. The goals of treating DLE are to control and resolve the facial skin