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Systemic lupus erythematosus in a filly
R J Geor1, E G Clark, D M Haines
1Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare immune-mediated disease diagnosed in a young horse. This case highlights the multisystemic signs and diagnostic challenges of SLE in equine patients.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems.
- Diagnosis in horses is rare and often challenging due to nonspecific clinical signs.
Observation:
- A 2-year-old Standardbred filly presented with weight loss, alopecia, seborrhea, oral ulcerations, and lymphadenopathy.
- Laboratory findings included Coombs test-positive hemolytic anemia and a positive antinuclear antibody test.
- Histopathology revealed interface dermatitis with IgG deposition at dermal-epidermal and follicular basement membranes.
Findings:
- The filly exhibited multisystemic signs consistent with SLE, including skin lesions and hematologic abnormalities.
- Immunohistopathology confirmed immune complex deposition, characteristic of SLE.
- The disease progressed despite glucocorticoid treatment, leading to euthanasia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering SLE in equine patients with immune-mediated skin disease and systemic signs.
- Definitive diagnosis requires recognition of multisystemic involvement and confirmatory histopathologic and immunopathologic findings.
- Further research into equine SLE pathogenesis and treatment is warranted.