title: Plasmapheresis in five dogs with systemic immune-mediated disease.
abstract: Five dogs with signs referable to systemic immune-mediated disease, four with systemic lupus erythematosus, and one with probable lupus myopathy were treated with plasmapheresis in combination with low-dose immunosuppressive drug therapy. Previous treatment with conventional dosages of prednisone was not satisfactory and was associated with adverse side effects. Two dogs had short-term responses to combined therapy, and 3 dogs had sustained responses. Clinical remission was associated with normalization of serum complement levels and decreases in antinuclear antibody titers. Toxicosis potentially related to plasma component depletion was observed in 2 dogs. Acute clinical illness and disease states refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy should be considered indications for plasmapheresis.
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000032:analysis; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D003176:Complement C3; D003520:Cyclophosphamide