Introduction
Lupus is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to malfunction, and as a result the immune system begins to attack the body. While there is no exact known cause of lupus in cats, there does seem to be a genetic predisposition to the disease. Persian, Himalayan, and Siamese cats are the predominant breeds of cats that have been diagnosed with lupus. There are two types of lupus, discoid lupus and systemic lupus, and the symptoms of each type are very unique.
Symptoms of Lupus
Discoid lupus
Discoid lupus in cats causes the immune system to attack the ears and the face. As a result, the skin on the ears and face will start to deteriorate. The symptoms begin with redness, and then a scaling and flaky appearance will appear in these areas. If the discoid lupus is not diagnosed and treated, the symptoms will progress until the skin on the face and ears becomes crusty and full of scabs. The skin may also bleed and the hair will eventually fall off.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition in which the immune system attacks the entire body. This type of lupus causes a variety of symptoms as multiple tissues and organs in the body are attack. The most common symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus are:
- Anemia
- Conjunctivitis in the eye
- Fever
- Lung disease
- Behavioral changes
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Skin lesions
- Inflammation of the joints
Lupus is not a disease that can be cured, but the symptoms can be managed with life long medications. If your cat has been diagnosed with lupus, you may want to seek the advice of a veterinarian specialist that is experienced with treating lupus in cats.