Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lupus cells found in lung fluid of Mexican Hairless dog with joint
By Black, Laura J et al.·Published in Veterinary clinical pathology·2017·Department of Physiological Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Presumed lupus erythematosus cells identified in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from a Mexican Hairless dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A neutered male Mexican Hairless dog was brought in because he was losing weight and seemed weak. Tests showed he had low platelet levels and lung issues, along with swelling in multiple joints. Further examination revealed signs of lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease, in his lung fluid and joints. The vet diagnosed him with systemic lupus erythematosus based on these findings and specific lab results. Treatment for lupus can vary, but early intervention is crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
People also search for: dog weight loss weakness · Mexican Hairless dog lupus symptoms · treatment for dog autoimmune disease
Abstract
A neutered male Mexican Hairless dog was presented for generalized weight loss and weakness. Initial laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging revealed thrombocytopenia and an interstitial to miliary lung pattern affecting all lung fields. Mild joint effusion was found on physical examination affecting the stifle, tarsal, carpal, and elbow joints. Examination of synovial fluid demonstrated an inflammatory polyarthropathy in 3 joints. Cytocentrifuged and direct preparations of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid sample were made and cells consistent with lupus erythematosus (LE) cells and ragocytes were found. Based on these findings, the anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) titer was determined as 1:640. A clinical diagnosis of systemic LE was made based on the satisfaction of 2 major criteria (thrombocytopenia and inflammatory polyarthritis), 4 minor criteria (central nervous system signs, lymphadenopathy, fever of unknown origin, and pleuritis), positive ANA titer, and the identification of presumed LE cells in BAL fluid. This case report highlights a novel finding of LE cells in respiratory secretions and provides a review of diagnostic criteria of systemic LE.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28295452/