Autoimmune diseases happen when a pet’s immune system attacks its own body – and they can be hard to spot. At BluePearl Downtown NYC, our internal medicine specialists are trained to recognize these complex, often elusive conditions and build long-term care plans to help your pet feel better.
What is an autoimmune disease?
In pets, autoimmune or immune-mediated disease occurs when the body mistakes healthy tissue for a threat. This leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and sometimes life-threatening symptoms.
Common autoimmune conditions in dogs and cats include:
- Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)
- Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Autoimmune skin disease
- Immune-mediated polyarthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD with autoimmune markers)
Signs to watch for with autoimmune disease.
Call your vet or an internist if your pet shows:
- Sudden weakness, pale gums, or collapse
- Bruising, nosebleeds, or pinpoint red spots on the skin
- Limping that shifts between legs
- Severe or chronic diarrhea
- Skin lesions, crusting, or hair loss
- High fevers or unexplained inflammation
Some pets may improve temporarily with steroids – and then relapse. That’s a red flag.
How does internal medicine help with autoimmune diseases?
Autoimmune diseases require careful diagnosis and monitoring. At BluePearl Downtown, we offer:
- Blood tests and immune panel screening
- Advanced imaging and joint fluid analysis
- Long-term medication planning
- Monitoring for flare-ups or side effects
- Coordination with your family veterinarian
We adjust treatment over time to balance immune control and quality of life.
BluePearl Downtown NYC Autoimmune disease care in pets — FAQ.
Autoimmune diseases in pets occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, perceiving it as a threat. This misdirected immune response leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and can result in life-threatening symptoms. Common autoimmune conditions in dogs and cats include immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoimmune skin disease, immune-mediated polyarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD with autoimmune markers).
If your pet exhibits sudden weakness, pale gums, or collapses, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian or an internist immediately. Other signs include bruising, nosebleeds, or pinpoint red spots on the skin, limping that shifts between legs, severe or chronic diarrhea, skin lesions, crusting, or hair loss, and high fevers or unexplained inflammation. Some pets may temporarily improve with steroids but then relapse, which is a significant red flag indicating the need for professional evaluation.
Managing autoimmune diseases requires careful diagnosis and ongoing monitoring. At BluePearl Downtown NYC, our internal medicine specialists offer comprehensive care, including blood tests and immune panel screening to identify specific autoimmune markers. We utilize advanced imaging and joint fluid analysis to assess the extent of the condition. Long-term medication planning is tailored to each pet's needs, with continuous monitoring for flare-ups or side effects. Our team coordinates closely with your family veterinarian to ensure a cohesive treatment approach. We adjust treatment plans over time to balance immune control with maintaining your pet's quality of life.
The primary goal of treatment for autoimmune diseases at BluePearl Downtown NYC is to achieve immune control while enhancing your pet's quality of life. Through precise diagnosis, personalized medication plans, and vigilant monitoring, we aim to manage symptoms effectively and prevent relapses. Our internal medicine specialists work collaboratively with your family veterinarian to provide comprehensive care, ensuring your pet receives the best possible support for their condition.
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