Feline Lupus

Feline lupus is a rare disease that attacks the immune system of a cat's body. There are two types of feline lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), both of which have different effects on a cat's body and immune system. Persian, Himalayan and Siamese cats are the most common cat breeds diagnosed with a form of feline lupus. While there is no cure for either form of this disease, some symptoms are manageable with proper treatment.

  1. SLE Effects

    • SLE is the most serious form of lupus that affects cats, in which the cat's immune system attacks itself. The most common sign of the disease is shifting-leg lameness because of swollen and painful joints in the legs of a cat. Cats with SLE may limp on one leg for several days, and then no longer be bothered with pain. Several weeks or several months later the pain will return, either in the same or a different leg. Other common signs of SLE in a cat are skin lesions, oral ulcers and hair loss.

    SLE Treatments

    • Veterinarians complete several tests to verify that a cat may have lupus and a cat with a diagnosis of SLE is hospitalized for initial treatment of the disease. Corticosteroids are prescribed commonly to suppress the immune system, but are not recommended for long-term use because of serious side effects. Corticosteroids may help the lupus go into remission, but only temporarily. Limit your cat's sun exposure to heal skin lesions, and limiting any stress in a cat's environment will help with hair loss associated with the disease.

    DLE Effects

    • DLE is a less severe form of lupus in cats, affecting the pigmentation of a cat's skin, and causes scaling of the skin, ulcers and redness of the face, lips and nose. Although it does affect cats, this form of lupus is diagnosed more commonly in dogs.

    DLE Treatments

    • Steroids are prescribed orally to help diminish the symptoms of DLE in a cat, along with anti-inflammatory antibiotics to lessen any skin inflammation from irritation and prevent bacterial infections that may arise from infected areas of the skin. Limiting sun exposure will help with the affected skin, along with applying steroid creams to a cat's face. Even though they will help the affected area, steroid creams are not the best choice for a cat because of the constant rubbing and cleaning of their faces.