Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Systemic lupus erythematosus in a filly.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1990
- Authors:
- Geor, R J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine · Canada
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old Standardbred filly was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own tissues. She showed signs like weight loss, hair loss in patches, skin issues, mouth sores, and swollen lymph nodes. Blood tests revealed anemia and positive results for certain antibodies, and skin biopsies showed specific damage to her skin. Unfortunately, she did not get better with treatment using steroids and was put to sleep to prevent further suffering. The examination after her death showed serious kidney and joint problems, highlighting that SLE should be considered when diagnosing similar skin issues in horses.
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was diagnosed in a 2-year-old Standardbred filly. Clinical signs of SLE included weight loss, bilateral symmetric alopecia, seborrhea, oral ulceration, and lymphadenopathy. Abnormal laboratory findings included a Coombs test-positive hemolytic anemia and positive antinuclear antibody test result. Histologic evaluation of multiple skin biopsy specimens revealed interface dermatitis with linear deposition of IgG at the basement membrane zones of the epidermis and hair follicles. The filly did not respond to glucocorticoid treatment and was euthanatized. Necropsy findings included membranous glomerulonephritis and fibrous synovitis. On the basis of these findings, SLE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immune-mediated skin disease in horses. Definitive diagnosis of SLE relies on recognition of multisystemic disease and confirmatory histopathologic and immunopathologic findings.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2272881/