Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we see a lot of arthritis cases. There are numerous types of arthritis in existence, some of which can be autoimmune responses. We thought we would put together a short guide on the two most commonly seen types of autoimmune arthritis; Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
What is Autoimmunity?
Autoimmunity is sadly fairly common in both humans and pets and is often overlooked. When an individual has an autoimmune disease, the immune system releases antibodies and T-Killer Cells (cells of the immune system which target and kill cells infected with viruses and cancers) even when they are not in the presence of a necessary target, which causes them to attack normal, previously healthy parts of the body. In layman’s terms, the body attacks itself!
Autoimmunity can be linked to Leaky Gut, and Leaky Gut can be linked with arthritis. Read our blogs on these topics below!
The Connection Between Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity – Part 1
The Connection Between Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity – Part 2
The Link Between Leaky Gut and Arthritis
Immune Mediated Polyarthritis
Immune Mediated Polyarthritis (shortened to IMPA) is a painful degenerative joint disease. The term ‘immune mediated’ refers to a group of conditions which are caused by abnormal immune system activity, often due to upregulation of some immune cells, causing the body to attack itself.
Symptoms of IMPA include:
- Pain and swelling in multiple joints
- Fever
- Lethargy
- General stiffness
- Weight loss
- Difficulty standing for long periods
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Joint pain and stiffness in numerous joints
- Swelling in joints
- Weight loss
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Loss of strength
- Those suffering with RA often do so in a mirrored fashion – the pain will usually be the same on both sides of the body; both knees, both hips etc.