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Lupus is an autoimmune disorder known to be contracted by cats and dogs as well as humans.  The immune system of the effected individual begins to develope antibodies against various parts of the body.  There are two identified types of lupus in dogs, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Discoid Lupus.  Systemic lupus is the most severe as the entire body may be involved.  Discoid lupus is generally confined to the skin only.  Discoid mostly appears on the face, but the stomach and paws may be symptomatic in more severe cases.  Discoid lupus is generally regarded as a much milder form of systemic lupus.  If your dog has been diagnosed with discoid lupus, it does have a slightly increased chance of developing SLE or certain types of melanoma. 

There is no definitive answer as to the cause of lupus, but it does appear to be at least partially tied to genetics.  There is a higher incidence of the disease developing within families.  A recent study also seemed to show that there was a higher incidence of lupus in dogs when the owners had lupus, implying that there may be an environmental factor as well.  However, when the study looked at the phenomena in reverse, it appears that a human's risk of contracting lupus remained the same regardless of whether or not a pet had been diagnosed.  There is no evidence that lupus is contagious or can spread either way between humans or other animals.

The outlook for a dog diagnosed with lupus may be grim for the first year.  Reaching an accurate diagnosis is a lengthy process, and the disease may progress to an advanced state before an appropriate treatment program can be determined.  The initial symptoms of the disease are vague, and will come and go.  The dog may have a fever one day, and arthritis the next.  Shifting lameness is one of the main reasons dogs are taken in for examination.  Lupus seems to mimic many other diseases, so several different tests are necessary for diagnosis.  When the diagnosis has been made, the vet will begin to determine an adequate treatment program.  There is no cure for lupus, so it is important to find the right balance of medications to control the symptoms and prevent further progression.  Some of the medications may be a combination of an antibiotic, steroids, and anti-inflamatories.  Determining the dog's best treatment plan will depend on various factors with each case, and may need to be modified as symptoms change.  Once an appropriate treatment plan has been determined, the outlook is often quite good.  Lupus is known to be strange in the way symptoms come and go.  The proper treatment plan can help your dog's disease go into remission, so that he may be completely symptom free at times. 

Many people believe that it is helpful to modify the dog's diet in addition to medications.  A low-protein diet is thought to be helpful because it is easier on the kidneys, which are often directly affected by SLE.  Others believe that feeding an all natural diet such as BARF (Bones And Raw Foods) is easier on the dogs digestive tract as well as removes many potential allergens.  Fish oil and vitamin E supplements are also helpful, particularly for discoid lupus. 

Both SLE and Discoid Lupus are well known to be photosensitive, meaning that the symptoms will worsen due to exposure to sunlight.  Certain medications your vet may give your dog may increase this sensitivity.  Dogs with SLE may have an increase in rhumatoid symptoms after exposure to sunlight or UV rays.  Dogs with discoid lupus are likely to develop new lesions, or have a profound worsening of existing sores.  Dogs with Discoid lupus in particular should be shielded from the midday sun, or treated with a sunscreen if shading is not possible.  (DO NOT apply any sunscreen that contains Zinc, as Zinc is highly toxic to dogs.)

Unfortunately, there is no cure for either form of lupus in dogs.  Treatment will need to be monitored and adjusted for the life of your pet.  Symptoms will tend to recur or worsen after lengths of remission.  However, with the right care and sticking to a good health and treatment plan, your dog may be able to live happily for several years. 

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