{"id":35863,"date":"2024-06-05T12:29:06","date_gmt":"2024-06-05T10:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/krankheiten-und-stoerungen\/hund\/immunvermittelte-polyarthritis-impa-entzuendliche-erkrankung-mehrerer-gelenke\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T08:51:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T06:51:16","slug":"immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints","status":"publish","type":"krankheit","link":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/diseases-and-disorders\/dog\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\/","title":{"rendered":"Immune-Mediated Polyarthr Inflammation in Dogs (Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis, IMPA)"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","krankheitsort":[143,139],"haufigkeit":[135],"organsystem_krankheiten":[231],"class_list":["post-35863","krankheit","type-krankheit","status-publish","hentry","krankheitsort-general-whole-body","krankheitsort-beine-en","haufigkeit-c-en","organsystem_krankheiten-musculature-skeleton","entry"],"acf":{"synonyme":"","synonyme_en":"Autoimmune arthritis","titel_en":"Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis (IMPA)","weitere_suchbegriffe":"","triage":"orange","triage_begruendung":"Many painful joints with Fever; rapid diagnosis and immunosuppression needed.","definition":"Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) in dogs is an inflammatory disease in which the animal's immune system attacks multiple joints, leading to Pain, Swelling, and restricted mobility.","ursachen":"IMPA belongs to a group of autoimmune diseases in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells or tissues. In IMPA, the joints are affected, leading to inflammation. The exact mechanism of why the immune system considers the joints foreign and attacks them is not yet fully understood. Scientists suspect that genetic predispositions play a role, as certain dog breeds are more frequently affected.   \n\nThe disease can occur as primary, without other underlying conditions, or secondary in connection with other systemic diseases, infections, or as a reaction to medication. Secondary forms of IMPA can be triggered by infections such as Lyme disease or by vaccination reactions. \n\nHormonal and environmental influences can also play a role. For example, hormonal changes in unspayed female dogs can cause an exacerbation of symptoms. Environmental factors such as stress or other illnesses can increase the risk of developing IMPA.  ","auswahl_symptome_rot":[34178,34070,34207,33493,33958,33970,9864],"auswahl_symptome_blau":[34219,9864,33793,34178,33810,33926,33934,34212],"auswahl_symptome_grun":[33457],"erganzungen_zu_symptomen":"The symptoms of IMPA can vary from dog to dog, but typically include Lameness and Pain in multiple joints. This Lameness can migrate, meaning it can switch between different legs. \n\nAffected dogs often show an aversion to exercise, are lethargic, and may show signs of Fever. The joints may be swollen and warm to the touch. In some cases, there may be general malaise and loss of appetite, indicating the systemic nature of the disease.  \n\nAdditionally, joint noises or creaking may occur during movements, and in advanced cases, there may be a significant restriction of joint mobility, which greatly affects the dog's everyday life.","zusammenfassung":"Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) is an autoimmune disease in dogs where the immune system mistakenly attacks and inflames the joints. The exact cause is unclear, but genetic factors and certain dog breeds appear to be predisposed. IMPA can occur as primary, without other underlying conditions, or secondary due to infections, medications, or vaccination reactions. Hormonal and environmental influences like stress can also affect the disease.   \n\nSymptoms of IMPA include Fever, joint Swelling, Pain, stiff gait, and Lameness. Diagnosis is made through clinical examinations, blood tests, X-rays, and joint fluid analyses. These tests help rule out other causes and identify inflammation. Therapy aims to reduce Inflammatory conditions and relieve Pain. NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)s and immunosuppressants like prednisone or azathioprine are commonly used. Complementary therapies such as physiotherapy and nutritional supplements can support recovery.     \n\nThe prognosis depends on the severity of the disease and the response to therapy. Many dogs achieve a good quality of life, especially with early diagnosis. However, chronic problems and permanent joint damage are possible. Regular veterinary follow-up is crucial to monitor the course of the disease and adjust therapy. Since the cause of IMPA is not fully understood, there are no specific prevention measures. However, a balanced diet, regular examinations, and careful monitoring after vaccinations or medication administration can be helpful.     ","diagnose":"The diagnosis of IMPA requires a comprehensive clinical examination and consideration of the dog's medical history. A veterinarian will often perform a combination of blood tests, X-rays of the affected joints, and, if necessary, joint fluid analysis. \n\nJoint fluid analysis can show elevated white blood cells and signs of inflammation, indicating an immune-mediated cause. Blood tests can help rule out other causes and assess the animal's general health. \n\nIn some cases, further tests such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) may be necessary to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to initiate appropriate therapy. ","behandlung":"The therapy for IMPA aims to reduce inflammation and relieve Pain to improve the dog's quality of life. NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)s are often used to control Inflammatory conditions and Pain. \n\nIn many cases, however, immunomodulators or immunosuppressants are required to dampen the overactive immune response. Medications such as prednisone or azathioprine may be prescribed to suppress the immune system and control the inflammatory reaction. \n\nComplementary therapies such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, or the use of nutritional supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can also be helpful in supporting joint health and further alleviating symptoms.","prognose":"The prognosis for dogs with IMPA varies depending on the severity of the disease, response to therapy, and the presence of comorbidities. Many dogs respond well to therapy and can achieve a good quality of life, especially if the disease is diagnosed and treated early. \n\nHowever, some dogs may develop chronic problems requiring long-term therapy. In rare cases, IMPA can lead to permanent joint damage, affecting the dog's mobility. \n\nRegular follow-up by the veterinarian is crucial to monitor the course of the disease and adjust the therapy as needed. Owners should be prepared that lifelong therapy may be necessary to prevent relapses. ","ausblick_auf_aktuelle_forschung":"","zusatzlicher_inhalt_im_hauptteil":"Since the exact cause of IMPA is not fully understood, there are no specific prevention measures for the disease. Nevertheless, some general measures can help reduce the risk. \n\nA balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can support the dog's general health and strengthen the immune system. Regular veterinary examinations can help detect early signs of the disease and treat them promptly. \n\nSince some medications or vaccinations are considered triggers for secondary forms of IMPA, they should only be administered after consultation with a veterinarian and when medically necessary. Careful monitoring after vaccinations or medication administration can help detect early signs of a reaction. ","haufig_gestellte_fragen_faqs":"","literaturangaben":"","symptome_ausgeblendet":"","erganzungen":"","faq":[{"frage":"1. What is immune-mediated polyarthritis?","antwort":"In immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membranes of multiple joints. This causes a non-infectious, sterile inflammation leading to pain, swelling and lameness. Non-erosive forms (most common) are distinguished from erosive forms, which can destroy cartilage."},{"frage":"2. What causes are considered?","antwort":"There is the idiopathic form without recognizable cause (Type 1) and reactive forms associated with distant infection (Type 2), gastrointestinal disease (Type 3) or tumors (Type 4). Specific variants include systemic lupus erythematosus and canine rheumatoid arthritis."},{"frage":"3. What symptoms do affected dogs show?","antwort":"Typical features are shifting lameness in different limbs, stiff gait especially after rest, fever, lethargy and anorexia. Joints are often warm and swollen, especially carpal and tarsal joints. Many dogs are first presented for 'fever of unknown origin'."},{"frage":"4. How is IMPA diagnosed?","antwort":"Joint taps from multiple joints are key. Synovial fluid shows a marked increase in neutrophilic granulocytes with sterile cultures. Additional work-up includes blood count, inflammatory markers, autoantibody testing (ANA, rheumatoid factor), radiographs and a thorough search for underlying infection or tumor."},{"frage":"5. Which breeds are predisposed?","antwort":"Any breed can be affected, but medium and larger breeds \u2014 German Shepherd, Retrievers, Doberman, Collie and Akita \u2014 are overrepresented. Juvenile polyarthritis syndrome is a special form in Akitas and Weimaraners."},{"frage":"6. How is IMPA treated?","antwort":"Immunosuppression is the treatment of choice, usually with high initial doses of prednisolone. With insufficient response or marked side effects, additional ciclosporin, leflunomide, mycophenolate or azathioprine is added. The dose is tapered slowly over months."},{"frage":"7. How long does treatment last?","antwort":"Treatment usually lasts four to six months, often longer. Premature discontinuation often leads to relapse. Reduction is gradual, guided by clinical examination, inflammatory markers and possibly repeat joint taps."},{"frage":"8. What prognosis does IMPA have?","antwort":"About 70 to 80 percent of dogs with non-erosive idiopathic IMPA respond well to therapy, and some remain permanently relapse-free. Reactive forms have a good prognosis when the underlying disease can be treated. Erosive forms such as rheumatoid arthritis are chronically progressive."},{"frage":"9. Can relapses occur?","antwort":"Yes, relapses are common, particularly after rapid dose reduction. Regular monitoring is therefore important. Some dogs require lifelong low-dose immunosuppression."},{"frage":"10. How does IMPA differ from infectious joint disease?","antwort":"Septic arthritis usually affects only one joint, and synovial cultures yield bacteria. IMPA by definition involves multiple joints simultaneously, with sterile cultures. Infection must be reliably excluded before starting immunosuppression."}],"faq_html":null},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Immune-Mediated Polyarthr Inflammation in Dogs (Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis, IMPA) in Dogs - PETSVETCHECK % %<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Information on immune-mediated polyarthritis, its effects on the joint system, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/diseases-and-disorders\/dog\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Immune-Mediated Polyarthr Inflammation in Dogs (Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis, IMPA)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Information on immune-mediated polyarthritis, its effects on the joint system, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/diseases-and-disorders\/dog\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"PETSVETCHECK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/petsvetcheck.de\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-02T06:51:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/petsvetcheck.de\\\/en\\\/diseases-and-disorders\\\/dog\\\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/petsvetcheck.de\\\/en\\\/diseases-and-disorders\\\/dog\\\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\\\/\",\"name\":\"Immune-Mediated Polyarthr Inflammation in Dogs (Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis, IMPA) in Dogs - PETSVETCHECK % %\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/petsvetcheck.de\\\/en\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2024-06-05T10:29:06+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-02T06:51:16+00:00\",\"description\":\"Information on immune-mediated polyarthritis, its effects on the joint system, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/petsvetcheck.de\\\/en\\\/diseases-and-disorders\\\/dog\\\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/petsvetcheck.de\\\/en\\\/diseases-and-disorders\\\/dog\\\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/petsvetcheck.de\\\/en\\\/diseases-and-disorders\\\/dog\\\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Startseite\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/petsvetcheck.de\\\/en\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Immune-Mediated Polyarthr Inflammation in Dogs (Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis, IMPA)\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/petsvetcheck.de\\\/en\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/petsvetcheck.de\\\/en\\\/\",\"name\":\"PETSVETCHECK\",\"description\":\"Gesundheit f\u00fcr Hund und Katze\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/petsvetcheck.de\\\/en\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Immune-Mediated Polyarthr Inflammation in Dogs (Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis, IMPA) in Dogs - PETSVETCHECK % %","description":"Information on immune-mediated polyarthritis, its effects on the joint system, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/diseases-and-disorders\/dog\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Immune-Mediated Polyarthr Inflammation in Dogs (Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis, IMPA)","og_description":"Information on immune-mediated polyarthritis, its effects on the joint system, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis.","og_url":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/diseases-and-disorders\/dog\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\/","og_site_name":"PETSVETCHECK","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/petsvetcheck.de\/","article_modified_time":"2026-06-02T06:51:16+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/diseases-and-disorders\/dog\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\/","url":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/diseases-and-disorders\/dog\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\/","name":"Immune-Mediated Polyarthr Inflammation in Dogs (Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis, IMPA) in Dogs - PETSVETCHECK % %","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/#website"},"datePublished":"2024-06-05T10:29:06+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-02T06:51:16+00:00","description":"Information on immune-mediated polyarthritis, its effects on the joint system, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/diseases-and-disorders\/dog\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/diseases-and-disorders\/dog\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/diseases-and-disorders\/dog\/immune-mediated-polyarthritis-impa-inflammatory-condition-of-multiple-joints\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Startseite","item":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Immune-Mediated Polyarthr Inflammation in Dogs (Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis, IMPA)"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/","name":"PETSVETCHECK","description":"Gesundheit f\u00fcr Hund und Katze","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/krankheit\/35863","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/krankheit"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/krankheit"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/33457"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/34212"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/33934"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/33926"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/33810"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/33793"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/34219"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/9864"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/33970"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/33958"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/33493"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/34207"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/34070"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/symptom\/34178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35863"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"krankheitsort","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/krankheitsort?post=35863"},{"taxonomy":"haufigkeit","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/haufigkeit?post=35863"},{"taxonomy":"organsystem_krankheiten","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petsvetcheck.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/organsystem_krankheiten?post=35863"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}