Lupus – What is this?
Lupus is an immune-mediated disease stemming from the immune system reacting against your dog’s own DNA.
The name “lupus” stems from ANCIENT times when the disease was thought to have been caused by the bite of a wolf?
The immune system reacts to DNA and generates antibodies. These antibodies can then be deposited in a variety of areas, and that makes the diagnosis.
It can be the joint ( immune mediated joint disease), or the skin…hence Discoid Lupus.. .it then leads to an escalating cycle with other immunologic cells attracted and further inflammatory damage results.
Systemic lupus (SLE) involves this, Type III hypersensitivity reaction, affecting various organs.
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Systemic Lupus Versus Discoid Lupus
When people use the term lupus, they are referring to systemic lupus, (SLE)
Discoid lupus is a form of lupus that is confined to the skin (Nose), and is substantially more benign. Discoid lupus, or DLE, is exclusively a canine disease and is limited to the nasal planum.
Conventional Therapy for Discoid Lupus
Avoid Strong Sunlight
Since this condition is made worse by the sun, it is important to avoid intense sunlight. Sunscreens have been advocated but it is important to realize that there are toxic ingredients in many human sunscreens and anything you apply to a dog’s nose will be licked off.
Tetracycline/Niacinamide
Tetracycline is an antibiotic with immunomodulating properties separate from its antibiotic properties. Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) is a B vitamin supplement related to niacin (vitamin B3). The combination of these two medications has been found effective in 70% of dogs with DLE though it can take up to two months to see an effect. Treatment is given three times daily, which is relatively inconvenient for most people so alternatives have been sought. Doxycycline can be used twice a day and is frequently substituted for tetracycline.
Prednisone/Prednisolone
Oral steroids are often used to get the condition under control relatively quickly (within a month) and can be used after that as the sole therapy after the lowest effective maintenance dose is determined. Side effects include panting, excessive thirst and urination, and increased appetite.
0.1% Tacrolimus (Protopic®)
This is a topical immunomodulator made for human use. It is very effective for use in DLE and does not cause problems if licked. Only small amounts of ointment are needed and the tube should last a long time which is good news since it is not inexpensive.
Alternative Options
Tattoo
Tattoo the nose as opposed to using sunscreen
Natural Steroids
Natural corticosteroid: Licorice Root Tincture at 1/2ml/20lbs twice daily for 14 days
Topical natural steroids
Topical: Licorice Root Tincture with Coconut Oil
2ml of licorice root, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, apply 2-4 times/day
Fatty Acids
Omega 3 Fatty Acids can decrease level of inflammation and can be helpful. EVERY dog that has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease should be on these. 500mg of Krill/30lbs daily.
