Immune Mediated Polyarthritis

Female dogs have a higher risk of developing immune-mediated polyarthritis than males.

Immune-mediated polyarthritis is a disorder that affects a dog's joints. It is usually caused by an abnormal immune response that causes the body to attack the joint tissue, but it can also be caused by an infection.

Symptoms

According to Dr. Richard Goldstein, author of "Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis in Dogs," afflicted dogs may have difficulty moving around or experience swelling in the joints. They may also have lethargy, fever or a loss of appetite.

Diagnosis

A veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination and will run blood tests, urine tests and x-rays if necessary. He will also look for traces of a bacterial infection in the joints by collecting samples of joint fluid.

Treatment

Immune-mediated polyarthritis is treated using a corticosteroid drug called prednisone--an immunosuppressant that will shut off the immune system so that it stops attacking the joints. Some of the side effects of the medication are an increased appetite for food and drink. The dog may also want to urinate more frequently.

References

• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis in Dogs
• Pet Place: Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis