ABSTRACT
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by the production of antibodies to components of cell nuclei, primarily double-stranded DNA and histones. This chapter presents the case study of Bover. Bover is a three-year-old male English Pointer who presented to his veterinarian with a history of increasing weakness and difficulty rising. Bover lives in a suburban home and has access to a grassy yard, but does not venture into woodland and has never been exposed to ticks. His owner reported that Bover was never left unsupervised, and to his knowledge had no history of trauma. The primary presenting clinical sign was multi-limb lameness of significant duration without any history of trauma. A complete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis were performed. The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus requires that there is a positive antinuclear antibody test or a positive lupus erythematosus test, and the involvement of at least two body systems.
