Gammopathies in Dogs

The body sometimes produces too many antibodies (immunoglobulins). Gammopathies are conditions in which there is a dramatic rise in the production of antibodies. There are 2 general types: polyclonal and monoclonal. In polyclonal gammopathies, levels of all the major immunoglobulins are increased. In monoclonal gammopathies, the levels of only a single type of immunoglobulin are increased. Polyclonal gammopathies may occur whe

Cancer occurs when cells grow out of control. This can happen with the cells of the immune system. The tumor cells do not usually perform normal functions, which leads to immunodeficiencies. The normal immune system requires a rapid increase in the growth of lymphocytes to fight foreign invaders. On occasion however, this increase in the growth of lymphocytes may be uncontrolled and can lead to the production of mutated cells, which

Immune-deficiency diseases have serious consequences and often lower the body’s defenses against infection. Some are inherited, and others are caused by viral infections or cancer.   Deficiencies in Phagocytosis Phagocytosis is an essential mechanism of the immune system. Phagocytes are cells that engulf (phagocytize), digest, and kill foreign invaders. Phagocytes rapidly respond to infections as part of th

This type of reaction occurs when specific types of white blood cells (called T helper cells) respond to antigens and release toxic and inflammatory substances that can damage tissues. Cell-mediated immune reactions can occur in any organ. Treatment usually involves eliminating the offending antigen (if possible) and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that suppress the immune system, either alone or in combination.  

When antibodies bind to persistent antigens, they can create immune complexes. These antigen-antibody complexes can get lodged in small blood vessels and stimulate inappropriate inflammation of the surrounding tissue. Immune complex disorders are among the most common immune-mediated diseases. The location in the body where the immune complexes are deposited determines the signs and the course of the disease.   Glomerulonephritis

Type II reactions occur when an antibody binds to an antigen present at the surface of its own cells. These reactions can lead to several types of diseases in dogs, including anemia, blood clotting problems, and skin and muscle disorders. They may be associated with other immune system disturbances, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or triggered by a drug, vaccine, or infection. Most often, the triggering cause cannot be pinpointed. Immune-mediated hemolytic anem

In a Type I reaction, the animal has been previously exposed to an antigen and produces an excess of antibodies. If this antigen appears in the blood, the reaction can be either body-wide (such as anaphylactic shock) or localized (such as itchy patches on the skin). If the antigen enters through the skin, a localized reaction is more common.   Anaphylactic Shock Anaphylactic shock

The primary role of the immune system is to defend the body against foreign invaders or abnormal cells that invade or attack it. In order to do this, the immune system must distinguish between “self” and “non-self.” By recognizing invading microorganisms (such as viruses), chemical agents, or other foreign substances that are “non-self,” a body can protect itself from attack. Substances that stimulate an immune response in the body are called antigens. A

The immune system consists of a network of white blood cells, antibodies, and other substances that fight off infections and reject foreign proteins ( see Table: Specialized Cells and Molecules of the Immune System). In addition, the immune system includes several organs. Some, such as the thymus gland and the bone marrow, are the sites where white blood cells are produced. Others, including the spleen and lymph nodes, trap microorganisms and forei