Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Immunodiagnosis of autoimmune skin disease in the dog, cat and horse.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1986
- Authors:
- Day, M J & Penhale, W J
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Researchers studied skin samples from 47 dogs, 6 cats, and 5 horses suspected of having autoimmune skin disease between 1978 and 1985, mostly from Western Australia but also from Queensland and Victoria. They found that in 5 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 horses, certain proteins were attached to skin cells, which helped confirm the diagnosis of autoimmune disease in 19 dogs, 4 cats, and 2 horses when combined with other tests. Interestingly, there was no specific age, breed, or sex that made these animals more likely to have the disease, but a higher percentage of them had certain antibodies in their blood compared to healthy dogs. Additionally, some showed changes in blood protein levels. Overall, the combination of tests was effective in diagnosing autoimmune skin disease in these animals.
Abstract
Skin biopsies from 47 dogs, 6 cats and 5 horses with suspected autoimmune skin disease were submitted for immunofluorescence from 1978 to 1985. These cases were predominantly Western Australian in origin, although a number were also referred from Queensland and Victoria. In 5 dogs, 2 cats and 2 horses immunoglobulin binding to intercellular cement substance and/or basement membrane was demonstrated by direct immunofluorescence. Antinuclear antibody was also demonstrated in several of these cases. Immunofluorescence was used in combination with histopathological examination to confirm the clinical diagnosis of autoimmune disease in 19/47 dogs, 4/6 cats and 2/5 horses. There was no age, breed or sex predisposition amongst the 19 positive dogs, however there was a higher incidence of antinuclear antibody (54%) than the normal canine population (10%) and other autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor) were sometimes present. Abnormalities in serum protein electrophoresis and serum complement C4 levels were also recorded in this group.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3524532/