Simplicity
on this
page is
a
deliberate
keynote.
Our
purpose
is more
to
investigate
than
educate.
If you
would
like to
know a
little
more
then
*click* on
the
orange
name
of each
illness.
A great
deal
further
information
is to be
found on
our
More
Reading
page.
Some of
these
illnesses
can be
concurrent
(ie
happening
together)
Polymyositis
Polymyositis
is an
immune
mediated inflammatory
disorder
and
several
muscle
groups
can be
involved.
In
Hungarian
Vizslas
it is
those of
the
tongue,
swallowing
mechanisms,
pharynx,
head and
oesophagus
that
are
principally
affected.
Lameness
too is a
common
finding.
There is
not a
specific
test for
PM and
extensive
investigation
is
required.
This
illness
can be
confirmed
only
after
the
elimination
of two
similar
diseases
(Masticatory
Muscle
Myositis
and
Myasthenia
Gravis)
and
muscle
biopsy
submission
to the
Comparative
Neuromuscular
Laboratory
in San
Diego.
Masticatory
Muscle
Myositis
(MMM)
(or
eosinophilic
myositis)
is an
inflammatory
disease
affecting
the
muscles
of
mastication.
There is
a simple
blood
test for
this
illness.
It is
called
the 2M
antibody
test.
Myasthenia
Gravis
is an
illness
resulting
in
generalised
muscle
weakness
that is
typically
exacerbated
by
exercise.
The
esophagus
is often
involved.
A simple
blood
test
(acetylcholine
receptor)
detects
specific
autoantibodies.
Exciting
news of
a new
genetic
study!
IBD
(Inflammatory
Bowel
Disease)
An
illness
where an
abnormal
mucosal
immune
response
to
certain
causative
factors
results
in the
recruitment
of
inflammatory
cells to
the
intestine.
Chronic
vomiting,
diarrhoea
and
weight
loss are
common.
Polyarthritis
is an
immune-mediated
inflammatory
disease
of
joints.
Clinical
signs
include
fever, stiffness
of gait,
lameness,
reduced
range of
motion, crepitus,
and
joint
swelling
and pain
in one
or more
joints.
The pain
is
usually
very
severe.
IMHA
(Immune
Mediated
Haemolytic
Anaemia)
An
illness
where
the
defective
immune
system
attacks
and
destroys
its own
red
blood
cells.
Anaemia
and
other
complications
result.
IMT
(Immune
Mediated
Thrombocytopenia)
An
illness
where
the
defective
immune
system
attacks
and
destroys
the
blood
system's
platelets.
This
interferes
with
clotting
mechanisms
and
bleeding
(and
subsequent
bruising)
result.
Sebaceous
Adenitis
An
inflammatory
disease
process
directed
against
the
sebaceous
glands,
resulting
in their
destruction.
Sebum
production
is
compromised
and so
scaly
lesions
(affecting
trunk,
head and
ears
particularly)
and
pruritis
(itchiness)
are
symptomatic.
A
veterinarily
known
predisposition
in
vizslas.
Pemphigus
An
illness
where
the
defective
immune
system
targets
cells
between
the skin
layers
or in
mucous
membranes.
Ulceration,
crusting
and
pustule
formation
result.
Lupus
(SLE or
Discoid)
SLE
(Systemic
Lupus
Erythematosus)
is the
most
complicated
autoimmune
illness
because
the
immune
system
forms
antibodies
against
the
nuclear
component
of its
own
cells.
Multi-systemic
disease
results.
Discoid
Lupus is
an
immune
mediated
skin
disease
primarily
affecting
the nose
and
face.
Addison's
Disease
(primary)
is
caused
by an
autoimmune
destruction
of the
adrenal
glands
resulting
in the
progressive
loss of
production
of
adrenal
hormones.
Sodium:Potassium
ratio
<27 may
be an
indicator.
Clinical
signs
may wax
and wane
but
might
include
lethargy,
vomiting/diarrhoea,
anorexia,
collapse. Diagnosis
must be
confirmed
via ACTH
stimulation
test.
Once
Addison's
is
correctly
diagnosed,
a
properly
treated
dog can
live a
normal
active
life.
Hypothyroidism
is the
most
common
endocrine
disorder
in the
dog and
in 80%
of cases
is
caused
by a
progressive,
autoimmune
destruction
of the
thyroid
glands.
Production
and
secretion
of the
thyroid
hormone
is
impaired
and
deregulation
of
metabolism
results.
Clinical
signs
are
diffuse.
Symmetrical
Lupoid
Onychodystrophy (SLO)
results
in
destruction
of the
nail bed
tissue
which
causes
the
nails to
fall off
and
break
Steroid
Responsive
Meningitis-Arteritis
(SRMA)
is an
inflammation
of the
meninges
(the
membranes
that
cover
the
brain
and
spinal
cord)
and is
believed
to have
an
immune
mediated
pathogenesis.
Clinical
signs
include
fever,
severe
neck and
sometimes
spinal
pain,
back
arching
and
stiffness
of gait.
In the
vizsla
we have
also had
reports
of
hypersensitivity
to touch
and poor
neck
flexion.
