Disorders Involving Immune Complexes (Type III Reactions) in Cats

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli (the microscopic filtering units) in the kidneys. The inflammation develops when immune complexes become trapped in the glomeruli. This leads to activation of the body’s inflammatory defense system, which, in turn, damages the glomeruli. The immune complexes often form as a consequence of some other disease, especially infections with feline leukemia virus (FELV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), or feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus. Inflammatory diseases or cancer may also be the cause. However, in many cats with glomerulonephritis, the triggering cause cannot be determined. Glomerulonephritis results in an excessive loss of protein in the urine (proteinuria). The finding of protein in the urine during a urine test (urinalysis) may be the first indication that your cat has glomerulonephritis. Other signs include trouble breathing or the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or under the skin. Treatment includes managing any underlying diseases, reducing the amount of protein lost in the urine, managing any existing kidney disease, and, possibly, giving immunosuppressive drugs to reduce the formation of the immune complexes. If it goes untreated, the disease can lead to chronic kidney failure.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (often simply called lupus) is an autoimmune disease that is rare in cats. Pets with lupus form immune complexes and have antibodies in their blood that are targeted against their own body tissues. Lupus causes widespread abnormalities of the skin, mouth, muscles, nervous system, blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, joints, nervous system, and blood (anemia and/or decreased platelet numbers). Cats with lupus can develop life-threatening glomerulonephritis (see above). Multiple organs are usually affected. The history, signs of disease, physical exam, and a blood test are used to diagnose lupus. Longterm treatment with corticosteroids and other drugs that suppress the immune system are prescribed to treat the disorder. Your veterinarian will determine the most appropriate treatment for your pet.

Anterior uveitis is inflammation of the front part of the eye. One cause of anterior uveitis is the action of antibody-antigen complexes on the iris, which causes inflammation. This type of uveitis is often caused by Toxoplasma parasites or by the feline infectious peritonitis virus in cats. Treatment of immune-mediated anterior uveitis may include medications to support healing in the eye and oral drugs that suppress the immune system.