A dog's immune system is designed to attack foreign invaders and "kill" or remove them before they are able to cause damage or disease. The immune system produces specific antibodies to substances that are introduced into the body. These antibodies then attack the foreign substance. When a dog has an immune disease, this system malfunctions and begins attacking the normal cells in the dog's body. Immune diseases can be specific to a certain type of cell or systemic, affecting the whole body.
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Hemolytic Anemia
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Hemolytic anemia is caused by destruction of the red blood cells. The body mistakenly reads a marker on the cell and perceives it to be a threat. Normally, red blood cells are removed by the spleen and the immune system as they age. When the immune system malfunctions and begins to kill off the good red blood cells, the body is unable to produce their replacements quick enough, and disease occurs.
Acquired Myasthenia Gravis
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Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that transmits signals to the muscles from the nerves. Acquired myasthenia gravis occurs when the immune system attacks these transmitters. Dogs with this disease experience muscle weakness, difficulty chewing and swallowing, megaesophogus and regurgitation. Megaesophogus is caused by the muscles in the esophagus being unable to push food into the stomach, and food is regurgitated quickly after being eaten. A common side effect of megaesophagus is pneumonia, caused by aspirating contents from the esophagus. Dogs usually acquire this disease around five years of age.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
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In a normal immune system, the body produces antibodies that attack foreign proteins; these foreign proteins are called antigens. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body produces antibodies to its own protein, forming what is called the "rheumatoid factor." These antibodies settle in the joints and cause an inflammatory response as the body tries to rid itself of the foreign antibodies. This leads to pain and swelling in the joints and eventually causes the bone and cartilage to be worn away.
Canine Systemic Lupus
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Canine systemic lupus occurs when the body creates antibodies to the normal protein in the body. These antigens travel throughout the body, attacking multiple organs. Systems affected can be the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and blood. Some of the symptoms of lupus include recurring fever, joint pain, kidney disease, skin infections and lethargy. Because lupus can appear throughout the body, diagnosing the disease is difficult. Dogs with lupus may have periods of remission, but the disease will return; 40 percent of dogs with lupus die within the first year of diagnosis.
Pemphigus
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Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease affecting a dog's skin and mucous membranes. The dog's immune system attacks the glycoprotein in the skin layers. Symptoms of the disease depend on which layer is being attacked. Foliaceus is the most common and affects the top layer of skin. It is characterized by small pustules usually on the head and feet. Erythematosus is next most common form and also presents with small pustules that are located on the face and ears. Pemphigus bullous usually affects collies and doberman pinchers. This form causes lesions in the groin area and under the front legs. Vulgaris is the most dangerous form of the disease, causing severe infections of the mouth as well as the vaginal, anal and nasal areas.
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