Autoimmune Disease
Management

Our bodies have an immune system that protects us from foreign invaders that can cause disease and infection; however, if you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks itself by mistake, causing serious illness. The same can happen to your pet. At Desert Veterinary Medical Specialists, we will provide your pet with the best full pet exam in Peoria possible. We will review every aspect of your pets health and if needed we will set them up with a pet autoimmune disease management program.

• Quick & Comfortable Examinations
• Knowledgeable Staff
• Immediate Results
• Comprehensive & Clear Pet Autoimmune Disease Management Programs

The cause or causes of autoimmune disease are not fully understood, although some theorize that genetics and/or environmental pollutants play a role. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is thought to be a predisposing or “triggering” cause of autoimmune skin diseases in some dogs. Certain drugs have also been reported as potential triggers for pemphigus foliaceus, a common form of autoimmune skin disease in dogs and cats. Early recognition is extremely important. Left untreated, the complications of autoimmune disease are serious and multiple system involvement is common. This can make diagnosis and treatment very challenging and complicated.

To definitively diagnose autoimmune skin disease, a biopsy of the affected skin is needed. Depending on the location, a skin biopsy may be performed with a local anesthetic. However, if the affected area involves the nose or face, or if the patient is anxious, sedation or general anesthesia may be required. A small round block of skin is removed with an instrument called a punch biopsy. This tissue sample is then sent to a veterinary pathologist to determine the diagnosis.

For more information about our dog or cat autoimmune disease management or to make an appointment with your Peoria veterinarian specialists, please call your us today at 480-635-1110 EXT. 7.