Immune Dysregulation: Navigating Autoimmune Disorders in Exotic Companion Animals.

Immune-mediated diseases in companion exotic small mammals and birds are recognized but remain poorly defined because of limited case reports and lack of species-specific diagnostic tools. Disorders arising from loss of immune tolerance encompass hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiencies. The primary focus of this article will be on autoimmune diseases and their documentation in the exotic pet literature. Selected diseases reviewed include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, bornavirus associated neuropathy, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, myasthenia gravis, disseminated idiopathic myofasciitis, sebaceous adenitis, and ulcerative dermatitis. Immunosuppressive therapy and their use in exotic species will also be discussed.