Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped. *Diagnosis: Lupus.

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ScarletSci
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped.

Post by ScarletSci »

Fudgeandcoco wrote:Hi

I hope he gets better soon. I found this article as even I would like to know what it is.
http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Blac ... ptoms.aspx m.


I did read once that mold can grow on dogs don't know if it's true but thought I should mention it but I doubt it's that.
Thank you for that, it is really weird the way this thing is developing and how hard it is to diagnose it! It doesn't seem to fit the pattern of the alopecia in the article, since it isn't symetrical hair loss, and there is skin irritation. I really hope the full thickness punch biopsy gives an answer at last. It's hard to treat it when we don't know what it even is.

I didn't know mould can grow on dogs! I'm gonna research that now, thank you. Even if that isn't what Dini has, I want to know more, so thank you!
Fudgeandcoco

Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped.

Post by Fudgeandcoco »

ScarletSci
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped.

Post by ScarletSci »

Update on Dini, not good news though I'm afraid. When she went under the anesthesia for the deep tissue biopsy last Friday, she went into renal failure, which led to cardiac arrest. They managed to revive her, and she's been on dialysis to clean her blood. She's in a cancer care center. :(
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped.

Post by JudyN »

Sorry to hear that :(
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Nettle
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped.

Post by Nettle »

I'm so sorry.
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ScarletSci
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped.

Post by ScarletSci »

Fundog wrote:Just to rule it out, they might want to test for lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect any number of organs/systems in the body, including the skin.
You were right, Fundog, she does have lupus. :(
master2

Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped.

Post by master2 »

I'm so sorry. At least they know what it is now.

I found this link on how to manage with lupus and what treatment can help

https://www.petcarerx.com/article/diagn ... lupus/1711
Fundog
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped.

Post by Fundog »

Oh I'm sorry. But as master said, it's good to finally have a diagnosis. The other good news is its not cancer, and it is still possible to have a good quality of life, with good management.
If an opportunity comes to you in life, say yes first, even if you don't know how to do it.
rnor1120
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped.

Post by rnor1120 »

The lupus would also explain the kidneys and possibly even cardiac arrest. So sorry about the diagnosis :(
ScarletSci
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped.

Post by ScarletSci »

rnor1120 wrote:The lupus would also explain the kidneys and possibly even cardiac arrest. So sorry about the diagnosis :(
Thanks, while she's relieved to know what it is at last, she's distraught about the diagnosis and torn about what next steps to take. Dini is ten and a half now, and a large breed so fairly advanced age. She doesn't respond that well to most medications. She's already on a benzo when there are storms, and trying things like prozac didn't work for her, really affected her personality and zest for life. So Dini's mum really has three options:

1. Without treatment, paliative care for about six months, with painkillers introduced when she shows signs of needing them. Likely to live for only another six months or so.

2. Put her on the meds for Lupus, which are apparently quite heavy and might not agree with Dini, in the hopes of extending her life.

3. Try the lupus meds and see how Dini does on them. If they affect her negatively, stop them and move on to palliative care. This is the option I'd probably go with, but not my dog or decision, and I can see downsides to any of them. Money isn't a consideration, it's all about which would be best for Dini.

Her owner is so, so devastated. And full of guilt. Feels guilty that Dini went through so many blood tests and a disastrous full thickness punch biopsy, when the right blood test would have found this first. But it was a locum vet while her usual vet was on maternatity leave, and now that vet has returned, she hasn't dealt with a case of lupus in many years of practicing, so I guess it isn't that common in dogs? Not something they usually test for until other things have been ruled out? I don't know, but it seems unfair that Dini went through so much, when the right blood test would have caught it.

Dini couldn't have a more loving and devoted owner though. She's taken a lot of time off of work to look after her, many many trips to the vet, a great deal of money, and all she wants is the best thing for her. I've reminded her that she isn't a vet, couldn't have known, and did everything she possibly could.
ScarletSci
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped. *Diagnosis: Lupus.

Post by ScarletSci »

Oh,and it was a vet new to the area who specialises in dermatalogical issues who finally made the diagnosis, and Dini is now under the care of her usual, wonderful vet who's returned from maternity leave.
Fundog
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped. *Diagnosis: Lupus.

Post by Fundog »

There are herbs and other alternative treatments for managing lupus that could help improve quality of life without all the negative side effects. Massage, acupressure, hydrotherapy, etc. A canine rheumatologist, if there is one in the area, could help immensely.
If an opportunity comes to you in life, say yes first, even if you don't know how to do it.
ScarletSci
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped. *Diagnosis: Lupus.

Post by ScarletSci »

Fundog wrote:There are herbs and other alternative treatments for managing lupus that could help improve quality of life without all the negative side effects. Massage, acupressure, hydrotherapy, etc. A canine rheumatologist, if there is one in the area, could help immensely.
Awesome, thank you Fundog! I'll pass that along to my friend, I'm sure she'd like to try some of those things!
rnor1120
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Re: Help! Mystery skin condition, even vet is stumped. *Diagnosis: Lupus.

Post by rnor1120 »

SLE is extremely rare in dogs. It can pretty much behave like any condition and the test for it is definitely not routinely done. I know with the dermatologic form of lupus we use steroids and other immunosuppressives, I would imagine that it's similar for the systemic form?
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