Canine systemic lupus erythematosus. Part I. Clinical and biologic aspects

Canine systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by diverse clinical si gns that may exist alone or in combination. The most specific biologic abno rmalities are immunologic in nature. Antinuclear antibodies are almost alwa ys present, often at high titers, and cellular studies of the immune system reveal lymphopenia with a marked imbalance between T-cell subsets. The ext ent of these abnormalities correlates with the disease's severity and stage of development.