Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Immune-mediated polyarthritis signs and tests in 83 dogs in western
By Stull, Jason W et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2008·Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Canine immune-mediated polyarthritis: clinical and laboratory findings in 83 cases in western Canada (1991-2001).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 83 dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) were studied to understand their symptoms and lab results. These dogs often showed signs like joint swelling and pain, and common lab findings included high white blood cell counts and low protein levels. The study found that older dogs, particularly those aged 4 to 10 years, were more likely to have idiopathic IMPA, which means the cause was unknown. The hock joint was identified as a key area for diagnosing this condition, and taking fluid samples from the joints helped confirm the diagnosis. Treatment typically involves medications to manage inflammation and pain, leading to improved mobility for many dogs.
People also search for: dog joint swelling treatment · immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs · hock joint pain in dogs · dog arthritis symptoms and treatment
Abstract
A hospital-based, case-control study was used to describe clinical and laboratory findings in 83 dogs diagnosed with noninfectious, nonerosive, immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) in western Canada. Case medical records were reviewed. Cases were analyzed as total IMPA cases and as subgroups [breed, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), reactive, and idiopathic] and compared with the general canine hospital population. Dogs with IMPA differed in age (P = 0.004) and weight (P = 0.01) from other hospital admissions. Idiopathic IMPA cases were older (4-10 y; P < 0.05), compared with the general canine hospital population, and their common laboratory abnormalities included the following: leukocytosis, nonregenerative anemia, increased alkaline phosphatase, and hypoalbuminemia. The SLE cases were seen more often in summer and fall (P = 0.04), raising concern of an undiagnosed etiologic agent. The hock joint appeared to be the most reliable for diagnosis of IMPA, and arthrocentesis of both hock joints may aid in case identification.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19252711/