Autoimmune disorders are common in greyhounds.
Greyhounds are genetically predisposed to developing autoimmune disorders, which are conditions that can cause the dog's immune system to attack vital organs of his body. These conditions can be life-threatening if they are left untreated. Autoimmune diseases are incurable, but a veterinarian can prescribe medications that will help to manage the symptoms.
Pannus (Chronic Superficial Keratitis)
Greyhounds are susceptible to pannus, which is a progressive autoimmune disease of the eye. According to the Animal Eye Clinic website, the symptoms of pannus are brown pigmentation (coloring) and redness in the whites of the dog's eye. Connective tissue grows into the dog's cornea and causes blindness as the disease progresses. The symptoms of pannus can be controlled by using a lifetime regimen of cyclosporin eye drops or steroid medications.
Acquired Myasthenia Gravis
The Mar Vista Animal Medical Center website describes acquired myasthenia gravis as an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to destroy the connections between nerves and muscles. Some of the symptoms of acquired myasthenia gravis are muscle weakness in the eyes, face and body. The dog will quickly tire when exercising and may have difficulty swallowing. In many cases the disorder will resolve itself without treatment, but in other cases, the condition leads to cancer. Corticosteroids such as prednisone can help to suppress the antibodies that are attacking the nerve and muscle connections.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
SLE is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to form antibodies against healthy cells and tissues. The symptoms of SLE, as described by Pet Wave, are shifting leg lameness, which means that the dog will first limp on one leg and then shift to another, as well as a lack of energy, little appetite or skin problems. The symptoms can be controlled with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant drugs that will need to be used throughout the remainder of the dog's life.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)
AIHA causes the body to attack its own red blood cells. Dogs with AIHA can have anemia, which is a lack of red blood cells. They may also have nose bleeds, dark urine or bloody bowel movements. This disease will result in death if it is left untreated. Pet Education explains that prednisone is commonly used to treat AHIA.
Pemphigus Foliaceus
According to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, this autoimmune disease causes the dog's immune system to attack its skin. The symptoms are crusts, lesions and hair loss around the dog's face, especially around his eyes and nose, as well as in the pads of his feet and in the groin. The condition is treated with steroids and immunosuppressant medications.
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