My mom only has the skin lupus, and not the kind that infects internal structures. I am also male (which I understand lessens your risk?). My father has no autoimmune diseases. I do have a few autoimmune disease however, which include hypothyroidism, and a small area of psoriasis on my leg.

Are there other autoimmune disease I should be concerned about down the road? I’m turning 24 in a few months, and again I am also male.

Answer
Although anyone can get lupus, most estimates show that 9 out of 10 people who contract lupus are women. With it also being 3 times more likely to be found in African American women than white women

How long can a dog with lupus survive?

My 10-year-old lab mix has been tentatively diagnosed with lupus (or similar auto-immune disorder). He is on prednisone, which really helps his mobility but he also has terrible scabby patches of skin.

Has anyone been able to keep an older dog with lupus going for a while? We are hoping for at least one more summer with him, but we will have to reconsider if the prednisone stops working and he gets lame again.

Answer
My akita is auto immune but doesn’t have lupus. She was diagnosed 4 years ago and is now 7. I did however discuss with my vet a type of steroid that a dog could be on long term that doesn’t have the same side effects as prednisone. The dog would need to be weened off the pred first. The downfall to the steroid was that it wasn’t an immediate releif like the pred and it would need to build up in the system (i’m sorry i cant remeber the name of it). My thoughts would be to bring it up with your vet and see if it’s a possibilty after your dog is stable on the pred. I also do not vaccinate. Not even rabies. It would over stimulate her immune system and kill her. Look into yucca root as well. It works as a natural steroid without the side effects, it’s not as potent but could be used for comfort in the end. Best of luck.