Autoimmune Diseases in Dogs
Overview
Autoimmune diseases occur when one or more components of the immune system is overactive and the ability of the immune system to distinguish between “self” and “foreign” is lost. Your dog’s immune system stops creating antibodies to fight against foreign body invasions and instead produces an auto-antibody that starts destroying normal cells.
Autoimmune disease may be restricted to a single organ or region or the whole animal. Some examples of autoimmune disease in dogs include cancer, Addison’s disease, canine inflammatory bowel disease, canine systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis among many others.
Treatment
Depends on the disease and severity. For serious diseases like cancer, treatment can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Cost to Treat: $500 to $20,000 if surgery or ongoing treatment is necessary.
Sample Autoimmune Diseases
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