Plasmapheresis in five dogs with systemic immune-mediated disease
Matus, R.E.; Gordon, B.R.; Leifer, C.E.; Saal, S.; Hurvitz, A.I.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 187(6): 595-599
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 4086366 Document Number: 254803
Five dogs with signs referable to systemic immune-mediated disease, four with systemic lupus erythematosus, and one with probable lupus myopathy were treated with plasmapheresis in combination with low-dose immunosuppressive drug therapy. Previous treatment with conventional dosages of prednisone was not satisfactory and was associated with adverse side effects. Two dogs had short-term responses to combined therapy, and 3 dogs had sustained responses. Clinical remission was associated with normalization of serum complement levels and decreases in antinuclear antibody titers. Toxicosis potentially related to plasma component depletion was observed in 2 dogs. Acute clinical illness and disease states refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy should be considered indications for plasmapheresis.