What Is Canine Lupus?
Canine lupus is a disease where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues and cells.
There are two types of canine lupus:
- Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Discoid lupus erythematosus is the most common form of lupus in dogs.
Other names include “nasal solar dermatitis” and “collie nose”.
DLE usually affects the skin around the nose and face.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a serious disease attacking almost any part of the body.
Symptoms vary depending on the areas targeted, and can often mimic symptoms of other conditions.
Some dogs are more prone to lupus than others.
For example, dogs more susceptible are:
- Middle-aged female dogs
- Afghans
- Beagles
- Collie
- German Shepherds
- Irish Setters
- Sheepdogs
- Poodles
Symptoms of Canine Lupus
Of course, only your veterinarian can accurately diagnose canine lupus.
But, as a pet parent, it’s important to be aware of signs and symptoms.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
The symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus usually only appear on your dog’s face.
DLE usually only affects the skin and does not progress to organs or other areas of the body.
For example, DLE symptoms include:
- Bacterial infections
- Crusty, flaky or scaly skin
- Itchy skin around eyes, nose, and mouth
- Pigment loss on the bridge of the nose
- Red skin on face, lips and/or nose
- Sores or scarring on the face
- Ulcers on the face
To diagnose DLE, your vet will probably do a skin biopsy.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a serious disease and can progress quickly.
Symptoms are variable because SCL can attack anywhere in the body.
Because it is an immune disease attacking the body’s own tissues, it has deadly potential.
SLE symptoms include:
- Anorexia
- Arthritis
- Enlarged internal organs
- Fever
- Hair loss
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Lethargy
- Mouth ulcers
- Muscle pain
- Skin lesions
- Seizures
- Stiffness
- Swollen lymph nodes
To diagnose SLE, your vet will most likely do a blood test.
Western Treatments for Canine Lupus
Unfortunately, Western medicine does not have a cure for canine lupus.
Treatment varies depending on the type of lupus.
Western Discoid Lupus Erythematosus Treatments
Treatment for DLE focuses on healing lesions and ulcers on your dog’s face.
For example, your vet may prescribe:
- Antibiotics
- Prednisone
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Topical steroids
- Vitamins B & E
You should also keep your dog out of the sun because UV light worsens DLE.
You must continue treatment for the rest of your dog’s life.
Western Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatments
Veterinarians vary SLE treatments to suit the affected organs.
The goal is reducing inflammation and suppressing the damaging immune response.
Your vet may prescribe:
- Antibiotics
- Chemotherapy
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- NSAIDs
- Prednisone
You should also keep your dog out of the sun because UV light worsens SLE.
In addition, you must continue treatment for the rest of your dog’s life.
How Blood Heat Formula Calms Canine Lupus
Many pharmaceuticals on the market today help canine lupus.
Often, though, veterinarians and dog lovers prefer trying something natural first.
For example, TCVM herbs provide a gentle, tonic alternative for many dogs.
Blood Heat Formula: Western Philosophy
Blood Heat Formula helps dogs suffering from:
- Erosions of thin skin
- Erythema
- Immune-related diseases
- Pigment loss
- Systemic Lupus Erythematous
- Ulcerations
Blood Heat Formula: Eastern Philosophy
Eastern medicine treats a disease’s root cause(s) rather than symptoms.
Accordingly, TCVM veterinarians evaluate canine lupus differently than Western veterinarians.
TCVM vets look for signs of imbalance.
Blood Heat Formula helps dogs with the following TCVM signs:
- A fast, forceful pulse
- A red tongue
- Autoimmune diseases
- Blood-Heat immune-mediated diseases
- Crusts
- Erosions of thin skin
- Erythema
- Facial ulcers
- Pigment loss
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
How Blood Heat Formula Herbal Formula Works
Blood Heat Formula is a TCVM blend of 9 different Eastern herbs.
The herbs perform synergistically, balancing systems and meridians in the body.
Blood Heat Formula addresses the underlying causes of lupus in dogs.
The underlying cause of any disease is always an imbalance somewhere in the body.
Blood Heat Formula alleviates your dog’s imbalances while treating the symptoms of lupus.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Blood Heat Formula works by:
- Clearing heat
- Cooling blood
- Detoxification
- Resolving nodules
The main ingredients in Blood Heat Formula are:
- Chi Shao to cool Blood and clear Heat
- Dan Shen to cool Blood and activate Blood
- Di Fu Zi to clear Heat and detoxify
- Huang Bai to clear Heat and detoxify
- Mu Dan Pi to cool Blood, move Blood, and eliminate stagnation
- Sheng Di Huang to cool Blood and nourish Yin
- Xuan Shen to cool Blood, clear Heat, and resolve nodules
- Yu Jin to cool Blood, clear Heat, and detoxify
Dr. Huisheng Xie, the founder of the Chi Institute in Reddick, FL, created the Blood Heat Formula specifically for animals.
Blood Heat Formula is a veterinary offshoot of the ancient TCM formula Liang Xue Jie Du Tang.
Blood Heat Formula works best when combined with plenty of water, TCVM food therapy, and case-appropriate exercise.
Get Blood Heat Formula at TCVM Pet Supply
Note: Information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute the advice provided by your own veterinarian.
