Here are descriptions of the immune mediated diseases reported by owners as occurring in their Hungarian Vizslas. Further info on the more reading page.
Some of these illnesses can be concurrent (ie happening together)
All Illnesses
Click on the name of the condition for more Information
Polymyositis, now known as Vizsla Inflammatory Polymyopathy (VIP), is an immune mediated inflammatory disorder and several muscle groups can be involved. In Hungarian Vizslas it is those of the tongue, swallowing mechanisms, pharynx, head and oesophagus that are principally affected. Lameness too is a common finding. There is not a specific test for PM and extensive investigation is required. This illness can be confirmed only after the elimination of two similar diseases (Masticatory Muscle Myositis and Myasthenia Gravis) and muscle biopsy submission to the Comparitive Neuromuscular Laboratory in San Diego. More info here.
Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM)
(or eosinophilic myositis) is an inflammatory disease affecting the muscles of mastication. There is a simple blood test for this illness. It is called the 2M antibody test. More info here
is an illness resulting in generalised muscle weakness that is typically exacerbated by exercise. The esophagus is often involved. A simple blood test (acetylcholine receptor) detects specific autoantibodies. Exciting news about a new genetic study. More info here
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
An illness where an abnormal mucosal immune response to certain causative factors results in the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the intestine. Chronic vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss are common.More info here
is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of joints. Clinical signs include fever, stiffness of gait, lameness, reduced range of motion, crepitus, and joint swelling and pain in one or more joints. The pain is usually very severe.More info here
IMHA (Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia)
An illness where the defective immune system attacks and destroys its own red blood cells. Anaemia and other complications result. More info here
IMT (Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia)
An illness where the defective immune system attacks and destroys the blood system’s platelets. This interferes with clotting mechanisms and bleeding (and subsequent bruising) result. More info download PDF
An inflammatory disease process directed against the sebaceous glands, resulting in their destruction. Sebum production is compromised and so scaly lesions (affecting trunk, head and ears particularly) and pruritis (itchiness) are symptomatic. A veterinarily known predisposition in vizslas – here is a case study
An illness where the defective immune system targets cells between the skin layers or in mucous membranes. Ulceration, crusting and pustule formation result. More info here – PDF Download
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) is the most complicated autoimmune illness because the immune system forms antibodies against the nuclear component of its own cells. Multi-systemic disease results.
DLE – (Discoid Lupus) is an immune mediated disease primarily affecting the nose and face. More info here
ECLE (download) – (Exfoliative Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus) is a very serious skin condition typified by erythema, scaling, follicular casts, alopecia and scarring. Here is an excellent PDF Download Its author observes “There are strong genetic and breed predispositions for the diseases” The Vizsla is identified as a breed disposed to ECLE and a DNA SCreening Test is available from Animal DNA Diagnostics – see here
SLO (Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy) results in destruction of the nail bed tissue which causes the nails to fall off and break. More info here
(primary) is caused by an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands resulting in the progressive loss of production of adrenal hormones. Sodium:Potassium ratio <27 may be an indicator. Clinical signs may wax and wane but might include lethargy, vomiting/diarrhoea, anorexia, collapse. Diagnosis must be confirmed via ACTH stimulation test. Once Addison’s is correctly diagnosed, a properly treated dog can live a normal active life. More info here
is the most common endocrine disorder in the dog and in 80% of cases is caused by a progressive, autoimmune destruction of the thyroid glands. Production and secretion of the thyroid hormone is impaired and deregulation of metabolism results. Clinical signs are diffuse. More info here
Steroid Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA) Download PDF
is an inflammation of the meninges (the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) and is believed to have an immune mediated pathogenesis. Clinical signs include fever, severe neck and sometimes spinal pain, back arching and stiffness of gait. In the vizsla we have also had reports of hypersensitivity to touch and poor neck flexion. More info here
Some other disorders that seem to crop up a lot are
* GI (Gastro-Intestinal) problems *
* Inflammatory Bowel Disease *
*Rashes and Allergies * (food and skin)