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Plasmapheresis in five dogs with systemic immune-mediated disease
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|September 15, 1985
Summary
Plasmapheresis combined with low-dose immunosuppressants offers sustained response in dogs with severe immune-mediated diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, especially when conventional treatments fail. This approach can normalize immune markers and improve clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Systemic immune-mediated diseases in dogs, including systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus myopathy, can be challenging to manage.
- Conventional immunosuppressive therapies, such as high-dose prednisone, may be unsatisfactory and lead to adverse side effects.
Observation:
- Five dogs with severe immune-mediated conditions refractory to conventional treatment were evaluated.
- The study focused on dogs with systemic lupus erythematosus (four cases) and probable lupus myopathy (one case).
Findings:
- Combined therapy using plasmapheresis and low-dose immunosuppressive drugs resulted in short-term responses in two dogs and sustained responses in three dogs.
- Clinical remission correlated with normalized serum complement levels and reduced antinuclear antibody titers.
- Two dogs experienced toxicosis potentially linked to plasma component depletion.
Implications:
- Plasmapheresis in conjunction with immunosuppressive therapy is a viable treatment option for dogs with severe immune-mediated diseases unresponsive to standard care.
- Indications for plasmapheresis include acute clinical illness and refractory disease states.
- Monitoring for potential complications like toxicosis related to plasma component depletion is crucial.
