Introduction
The full name for Lupus is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE for short. This disease affects a number of species including dogs, cats, and humans. It is classed as an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body has identified a part of itself as foreign, and attacks that part as if it were an invader. This results in severe tissue reactions in many body systems because in this condition, the body sees nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell surface components as "foreign". Because of this widespread reaction to self, there is significant immune system activation.
Causes of Lupus in Cats
The reason for Lupus development is poorly understood, but certain viral infections and drug exposures are thought to act as triggers for the condition. There may be an inherited component to the illness as well.
Effects of Lupus in Cats
One of the harmful effects of the immune system reaction is the accumulation of clumps of antibody-cell complexes termed 'immune complexes'. Many of these get stuck in the microcirculation or capillaries, especially in the kidneys, skin, and joints. This interferes with normal organ function and signs vary, depending on where the tissue reactions occur.