Brandi is not feeling well at all. Just returned from vet.

[dawn27]

I thought I would share a photo of the crusty spot on her nose. Its very minor but at this point any sign of this disease is a big deal. This is what happened during the process of finding the right dose for her and after she had been on a lower dose of the steroids for just over a week or so.

I have much more to learn about this disease so that I know what to expect and can be totally prepared for. The pics I've seen thus far scare the crap out of me. This is a very progressive and rapid disease if it is not caught and kept under control. Any little thing or infection can get out of hand and turn into full blow kayos. So far the steroids are doing the job as long as she stay on the 15mlg. dose. If she should become immune to those we move onto another form of treatment.

[mimimomo]

Poor baby girl! Hoping it'll be kept under control...will keep Brandi in my prayers.

[Lisa and Pic]

Originally Posted by dawn27

Correct, Auto Immune Disease and sadly it in incurable, she will live with this and we will have to manage it with steroids and whatever other meds are needed for the rest of her life.

Here is some info that may help those of you who do not know what it is understand what it is. Auto-Immune Disease Treatment for Dogs - Longlife Pet Supplements Research Library

Hi Dawn, glad she is doing so much better. When you say auto immune disease which one, do you know? I am trying to learn new things...

I believe Piccolo's dermatologist told me five years ago that her cutaneous vasculitis was an auto-immune disease. But the good news is that she has only gone out of remission once and since then, has had perfectly normal life for the past five years. Hope your Brandi is able to have the same success.

[dawn27]

Originally Posted by Lisa and Pic

Hi Dawn, glad she is doing so much better. When you say auto immune disease which one, do you know? I am trying to learn new things...

I believe Piccolo's dermatologist told me five years ago that her cutaneous vasculitis was an auto-immune disease. But the good news is that she has only gone out of remission once and since then, has had perfectly normal life for the past five years. Hope your Brandi is able to have the same success.

I should correct my statement about her being diagnosed with it and say that they suspect that it is Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus SLE. The only way to get a positive result was to do a biopsy of the infected area (inside of her mouth) and she was in so much pain, wasn't eating at the time and I was force feeding her five different medications. She was such a mess and in so much distress that I opted not to have that done. My gut tells me that she has this disease, plus it didn't take long for the spot on her nose to appear after a drop in the dose of steroids. The plan was to wean her off of them but after that little scare I doubt that that will be possible any time soon. Once my vet return from maternity leave we'll go in for a check up and see where we go from there.

[dawn27]

Update: The infection on her mouth is back !!

Woke up this morning and found that the infection is back. Not as bad or far gone as it was the first time. It looks like trying to wean her off of the Steroids did more harm than good. I called the vet the moment I saw any change in her after going from 15 mlg. to 10 mlg but by that time the infection was already taking form. It just wasn't noticeable until I has seen the secretions coming from her nose 10 days into the lower dose. We are headed back to the vet first thing in the morning for a check up and more than liking another round of several antibiotics. Plus, as hard as it will be on her and for me to see her in such pain, I may go ahead and have the biopsy done if it will help with a positive diagnoses so we know exactly what we are dealing with.

I just wish we could see our regular vet Andrea who is out on maternity leave.

[bailie]

Poor little baby,, I hope she gets well soon, I feel for u and your family, sending prayers and loads of hugs xx

[dawn27]

Originally Posted by bailie

Poor little baby,, I hope she gets well soon, I feel for u and your family, sending prayers and loads of hugs xx

Thank You !!

[TraciG]

Oh Dawn, I was so hoping Brandi was on the mend.... you are both in our thoughts and prayers. Poor baby girl!

[MandiesMom]

Bless her heart. Praying that she gets the diagnosis and treatment she needs.

[ladyjane]

I am so sorry poor Brandi has suffered like this for over a month. Saying prayers that someone finds out what is wrong sooner rather than later. Makes me so sad.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by dawn27

Update: The infection on her mouth is back !!

Woke up this morning and found that the infection is back. Not as bad or far gone as it was the first time. It looks like trying to wean her off of the Steroids did more harm than good. I called the vet the moment I saw any change in her after going from 15 mlg. to 10 mlg but by that time the infection was already taking form. It just wasn't noticeable until I has seen the secretions coming from her nose 10 days into the lower dose. We are headed back to the vet first thing in the morning for a check up and more than liking another round of several antibiotics. Plus, as hard as it will be on her and for me to see her in such pain, I may go ahead and have the biopsy done if it will help with a positive diagnoses so we know exactly what we are dealing with.

I just wish we could see our regular vet Andrea who is out on maternity leave.

Like you I love my vet and trust my vet, but there is no way in hell I wouldn't be at a specialist at this point. I know its hard when you are involved and your the momma, but this pup needs expert attention now. Steroids are not a cure all and the continuation of antibiotics seems redundant and not beneficial. Getting to the root of the problem is what is needed not a blanket thrown over a puddle. I worry about MRSA and other secondary infections and even necrosis of the skin i.e. gangrene. This type of wound is nothing to
take lightly. Please for your sake and the health and welfare of this pup go to a specialist.

[Maximo]

Poor Brandi girl! I am very sorry to hear this. Dawn, I agree with Lynzy . . . love my general vet and the comfort of knowing the office, but this is a health problem that would send me straight to the specialist. Going to a specialist will likely reduce Brandi's suffering, and save grief and money in the long run.

Praying for Brandi.

[Lisa and Pic]

Hoping you get things figured out soon and so sorry this came back. If you were to go to a specialist, which one? Dermatologist?

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Lisa and Pic

Hoping you get things figured out soon and so sorry this came back. If you were to go to a specialist, which one? Dermatologist?

Dermatologist and/or Internal Medicine, maybe.

[ladyjane]

Needs to be done...I would say an internal med specialist for starters. I said that on Aug 2...hate to say it, but I did. This is not the kind of thing to mess with.