Diagnosing an autoimmune disease in pets can be challenging because the symptoms can vary widely and often overlap with other health issues. Here are some of the more common symptoms of autoimmune disease in cats and dogs:

Chronic Skin Issues: Skin problems like sores, lesions, ulcers, hair loss or rashes that don't respond well to standard treatments may be indicative of an autoimmune skin condition like pemphigus.

Joint Pain & Swelling: If your pet experiences lameness, stiffness, or swelling in the joints, it could be a sign of immune mediated polyarthritis.

Oral Ulcers or Sores: Recurring oral ulcers, mouth sores, or difficulty eating may be related to autoimmune conditions, like stomatitis, that affect the mouth.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Chronic diarrhea, vomiting, or weight loss may be a sign of an autoimmune disease that affects the digestive tract, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Frequent Infections: Autoimmune diseases can weaken the immune system, making pets more susceptible to infections that seem to recur or take longer to resolve.

Unexplained Anemia or Bleeding: Autoimmune conditions like autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) can lead to symptoms such as pale gums, weakness, and bruising.

Lethargy & Fatigue: Autoimmune diseases can cause general feelings of illness, leading to lethargy, weakness, and a lack of energy.

Diagnosing autoimmune diseases often involves a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, urinalysis, imaging (X-rays or ultrasound), and sometimes biopsies of affected tissues.

Autoimmune disease in dogs or cats is an immune system in crisis. These conditions cause a pet's immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells in the body. Instead of targeting external threats like bacteria and viruses, the immune system can become overactive and start attacking the body's own tissues. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and damage to various organs and systems.

Autoimmune diseases can affect different parts of your pet's body, and there are numerous types of autoimmune disorders, each with its own set of symptoms and effects. Below are some of the most common autoimmune diseases in dogs and cats.

Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune skin diseases that affect both cats and dogs. In pemphigus, the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin and mucous membranes, leading to the formation of pustules, blisters, and erosions. There are several types of pemphigus that can affect pets, each with varying degrees of severity and specific target areas. Common symptoms may include:

• Pustules and blisters on the skin
• Crusted lesions
• Ulcers in the mouth and mucous membranes
• Itching and discomfort
• Hair loss

The most common types of pemphigus seen in both cats and dogs are pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Pemphigus foliaceus primarily affects the superficial layers of the skin. It leads to the formation of pustules and crusted lesions, typically on the face, ears, footpads, and areas with little or no hair. Pemphigus vulgaris is a rarer and more severe form that affects the deeper layers of the skin and mucous membranes. It causes the development of large, painful blisters that can rupture and form erosions, most commonly seen in the mouth, groin, and feet.

While the general symptoms of pemphigus in both cats and dogs include the formation of pustules, blisters, and erosions, the specific areas affected and the severity of the lesions can differ between the two species. In dogs, pemphigus foliaceus is the most common type, often resulting in crusted lesions on the face, ears, and footpads. Pemphigus vulgaris is less common but can cause severe oral ulcers and skin lesions. Cats, however, are more commonly affected by pemphigus complex, which includes a group of autoimmune skin diseases that can manifest as ulcerative skin lesions, typically concentrated around the face, neck, and ears.

Treatment for pemphigus in dogs and cats may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, antibiotics and topical treatments. Pemphigus in dogs natural treatment includes supplements along with diet changes to help manage inflammation and reduce flare-ups. Pemphigus in cats natural treatment would follow the same protocol.

Lupus in dogs and cats is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body's own cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. There are various forms of lupus that can affect animals, including discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Please click the link for more information about our natural treatments for lupus in dogs.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in cats and dogs is often classified as an autoimmune disease because of the immune system's abnormal response within the gastrointestinal tract. When a pet has IBD, its immune system mistakenly targets the lining of the digestive system, triggering chronic inflammation and leading to various digestive symptoms.

Please visit our articles on Inflammatory Bowel Disease for more information about our natural treatments for IBD in pets.

IBD In Cats

IBD In Dogs

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia are terms used interchangeably to describe a condition in pets where the immune system attacks and destroys the body's red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to cells throughout the body. When the red blood cell count falls below normal range, their function is impaired. This is referred to as anemia. When your dog or cat has immune mediated hemolytic anemia, the immune system is destroying it's own red blood cells. Your pet still produces the cells, but they are attacked after they are released into circulation. There are two types of immune mediated hemolytic anemia in cats and dogs: primary and secondary.

Primary IMHA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's red blood cells without any identifiable underlying cause. This is the most common form of IMHA in pets.

Secondary IMHA is triggered by an underlying condition such as infection, cancer, allergic reactions or drug reactions, which leads to the immune system attacking the red blood cells as a secondary response. With secondary IMHA, the cause must be addressed alongside the management of the autoimmune response.

In primary IMHA, the symptoms often arise without any apparent trigger. In secondary IMHA, the symptoms generally appear along with those of the underlying condition. Common symptoms may include:

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Pale gums
• Rapid breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Jaundice

Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune condition in which the pet's immune system attacks and destroys its own platelets, resulting in a decreased number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are crucial for coagulation and clotting. Platelets help repair obvious injuries, but they also control microscopic injuries that we may not see. Without platelets, severe bruising or bleeding can occur. Like IMHA, IMT can be primary or secondary, with the primary form having no underlying cause, while the secondary form is often associated with underlying diseases such as infections, cancer, or certain medications. Common symptoms may include:

• Bruising
• Petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin)
• Nosebleeds
• Lethargy
• Blood in the urine or stool

Conventional veterinary treatment for IMT in cats and dogs often involves the use of immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids to suppress the abnormal immune response and reduce platelet destruction. Some pets may need blood or platelet transfusions to manage the symptoms and prevent life-threatening bleeding.

Stomatitis is a painful and inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membranes in the mouth, including the gums, tongue, and throat. While it is more commonly observed in cats, it can occur in dogs as well. This condition is often linked to an abnormal immune response, in which the pet's immune system overreacts to the presence of bacteria or other triggers in the mouth. As a result, the body launches an inflammatory response that damages the delicate tissues, leading to swelling, redness, and the development of sores or ulcers.

Please click the link for more information about our natural treatment for stomatitis in dogs and cats.

Addison's disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is an endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and, sometimes, aldosterone. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and produce hormones and steroids. They regulate internal organs and help your pet respond to stress. In dogs, Addison's is commonly an immune-mediated disease, where the immune system attacks the adrenal glands. In cats, the cause is less clear and may involve a range of factors, including immune-mediated destruction, infectious disease, and cancer. The sign of Addison's are generally vague but they may become life-threatening during an Addisonian crisis. Symptoms may include:

• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Severe dehydration and collapse when in crisis

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to assess the levels of electrolytes, cortisol, and aldosterone. Treatment usually involves hormone replacement therapy to address the deficiency.

Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis (IMPA) is an autoimmune condition that leads to joint inflammation in pets, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This disease can affect both cats and dogs. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues of the joints, triggering an inflammatory response. Common symptoms may include:

• Lameness
• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Reluctance to move

Diagnosing IMPA involves a comprehensive physical examination, which may include assessing the pet's gait, joint movement, and overall mobility. Joint fluid analysis and imaging techniques like X-rays and ultrasounds are used to evaluate the severity of joint damage and rule out other potential causes of joint inflammation.

Treatment for IMPA typically involves a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressive drugs, and pain management to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Using natural supplements for IMPA along with physical therapy and weight management can help alleviate symptoms and improve the pet's overall joint function.

Canine autoimmune thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the thyroid gland in dogs. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly identifies the thyroid gland as a threat and attacks it, leading to inflammation and damage. Over time, this autoimmune response can cause a decrease in thyroid hormone production, eventually resulting in hypothyroidism, which is a deficiency of thyroid hormone in the body.

While canine autoimmune thyroiditis is the underlying cause of hypothyroidism in many cases, not all dogs with autoimmune thyroiditis will necessarily develop hypothyroidism. Some dogs may exhibit signs of thyroiditis without progressing to full-blown hypothyroidism. The gradual destruction of the thyroid tissue due to autoimmune reactions leads to a decrease in thyroid hormone levels, resulting in a range of symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, such as:

• Weight gain
• Lethargy
• Hair loss
• Skin problems
• Intolerance to cold temperatures

Treatment typically includes synthetic thyroid hormone medication. With appropriate treatment, most dogs with hypothyroidism can live normal and healthy lives, although lifelong management is usually required. Using natural supplements along with maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle can help support dogs with hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism in cats is most commonly caused by a benign tumor of the thyroid gland, leading to excessive production of thyroid hormones. This condition is not directly linked to autoimmunity. Hyperthyroidism in cats can be caused by an autoimmune condition known as thyroiditis. This condition is characterized by the destruction of the thyroid gland by the immune system, resulting in the release of excess thyroid hormones. Some common symptoms may include:

• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Increased thirst and urination
• Hyperactivity and restlessness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia)
• High blood pressure
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Poor coat condition

Hyperthyroidism can have serious consequences and can negatively impact the heart, kidneys (due to the blood passing through too quickly), digestive system, liver and nervous system. Feline hyperthyroidism usually appears in older cats and is more common in females.

Conventional veterinary treatments may include medications to regulate the thyroxine hormone, radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. Diet is especially important as cat owners could be unknowingly making their cat's hyperthyroidism worse by supplementing with products that are high in iodine, such as kelp in marine products. Iodine is a misunderstood element in human and pet thyroid problems and can exacerbate thyroid problems when autoimmunity is involved.

Pillow foot or pillow paw (plasma cell pododermatitis) is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the paws of cats. The cat's body has an inflammatory response to an antibody or infection and excess plasma is produced, causing the swelling and thickening of the footpads. This can result in a soft, spongy, and "pillowy" appearance. As it progresses, sores and cracked pads can develop, making it painful for cats to walk.

Please click the link for more information about our natural treatment for pillow paw.

Despite their scary name, feline rodent ulcers have nothing to do with rodents. Also known as eosinophilic granuloma or indolent ulcers, this is a non-contagious condition, unique to cats, where oral mucosal lesions (open sores similar to cold sores) appear on the upper lip. Eosinophilic granulomas are characterized by the presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the body's immune response.

Feline Rodent Ulcers are not explicitly categorized as autoimmune diseases. However, they often have immune-mediated components. The condition involves an abnormal response of the immune system to various triggers (environmental, allergic or immune), which leads to the formation of ulcers, blisters or lesions typically found on a cat's lips, tongue, or the roof of the mouth. The ulcers can be very painful and hinder a cat's ability to eat. Common symptoms may include:

• Ulcerative lesions on the lips or inside the mouth
• Swelling or inflammation in the affected areas
• Difficulty eating or grooming
• Excessive drooling
• Excessive grooming or licking of the paws

In some cases, the symptoms may include sneezing, nasal discharge, or respiratory issues if the lesions extend to the upper respiratory tract. Natural supplements may help reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and support the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin may help reduce redness and swelling.

Poor digestion is an important factor with autoimmune disease. Inflammation in the digestive tract taxes your pet's immune system. The majority of your pet's immune system resides in the digestive tract, so when a pet poorly digests food or eats food that creates inflammation, this triggers an autoimmune attack. If your dog or cat has an autoimmune disease, dietary changes are essential, as certain food allergens can worsen inflammation. When ordering supplements, please be sure to include the food you are feeding your pet along with health issues directly on the order form at checkout. We will include FREE diet suggestions on the packing slip that comes with your order.