Plasmapheresis in five dogs with systemic immune-mediated disease.

Five dogs with signs referable to systemic immune-mediated disease, four with systemic lupus erythematosus, and one with probable lupus myopathy were treated with plasmapheresis in combination with low-dose immunosuppressive drug therapy. Previous treatment with conventional dosages of prednisone was not satisfactory and was associated with adverse side effects. Two dogs had short-term responses to combined therapy, and 3 dogs had sustained responses. Clinical remission was associated with normalization of serum complement levels and decreases in antinuclear antibody titers. Toxicosis potentially related to plasma component depletion was observed in 2 dogs. Acute clinical illness and disease states refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy should be considered indications for plasmapheresis.