I'm so glad to hear Brandi is doing better. I know how happy that must make you. I hate the ups and downs of having a sick baby.

The point of my post was to point out that by going to a specialist, you might be able to forgo the testing of dosages of the steroids and antibiotics because the specialists have seen these problems before and know what dosages to use...therefore, having fewer flare-ups, causing less trauma and problems for Brandi. I have always found that going to a specialist has given me comfort and confidence in the treatment of my precious babies. Believe it or not, it has always even saved me money because we have been able to find what works much, much faster and more efficiently than with my general vet. It sounds like your little one will need more technical care in the future - i.e. drugs, bloodwork, etc. that might be better dealt with by someone that does this all the time and that is very familiar with how these drugs interact with each other. An internist will work hand in hand with your vet after you all get a health plan ironed out...Good luck to you and Brandi!

Thank you ladies your support and prayers are very much appreciated. :)



Update: She's had her 3rd dose of the antibiotics this morning. The swelling in her glands and throat are down about 80% which means no more drooling. Her lips are not as irritated or swollen. She continues to eat and drink plenty. She has not been lethargic or seem depressed in any way this time, Thankfully.

It is a huge relief that this did not go into a full blow huge infection like when she was first sick with this. It is such a relief that we now know what the proper dose for her is. I'm certain that she will be on the 15mlg, which seems to be the appropriate dose for her. There is no in between unless we go to 12.5 mlg but doubtful that that will be the case. My vet warned me and I was totally prepared that during the process there could be another flair up, it was bound to happen. It only took a few short days for the infection to get really bad, so there is no hesitation when it comes to getting her into the vet when I see any sign of the infection again.

I just want my baby girl to get better, I know she will never be the same ever again and that truly Breaks my Heart knowing that this is something she will have to deal with for the rest of her life. I just hope and pray that with the proper medications we can and will control this disease from taking over her entire mind, body and soul. There is so much more research that I need to do in order to fully understand the effect of and the steps we need to take to control this disease and what to expect in the future.

I agree 100% with your insight. Thanks for sharing!!! I will continue to pray for Brandi to find relief...get this disease under control...with the absolute minimal amount of flare-ups. Remember Dawn, you are her voice...speak up for her...do what's right and best for her. Hope she continues to improve...

Dawn, I've not read this whole thread but I'm sorry to see that Brandi's been so sick. :( I'm happy to see that she's been feeling better and the her meds are working. I know our hearts just break when are babies are not well. I'll pray for your little girl.

I am glad Brandi is feeling better sending prayers and best wishes for her continued improvement.

Thank you to everyone who has shown Brandi and I your love and support during this difficult time. It is very much appreciated.

Update: Brandi is doing very well, the swelling in her throat and glands is down. The red inflamed lip in much better today. I am so thankful that it did not spread to the inside of her mouth this time. Now that the infection is improving she can breath out of her nose again and is able to rest much more comfortably!

Boy is she in need of a good soaking in the tub, she is one stinky little girl ! :)

So happy to hear the updated news!! Will be keeping Brandi in our thoughts for a 100% recovery!! ((hugs))

I'm glad that Brandi is doing better. Sending get well hugs and prayers to her.

My thoughts, prayers and healing vibes for Brandi!!!

So happy to see that Brandi is doing well! Bless her heart! Sounds like a very complicated disease and I'm so sorry Brandi got this. Hugs to you! Prayers for Brandi!

This is obviously very serious, so I hesitate to even throw thoughts out there, but...

It sounds lie a form of stomatitis. Your vet may have diagnosed it as this; however, there are many causes (lupus being just one of them). Other diseases need to be ruled out before this is written off as an incurable autoimmune disease. Most notably, lepto...

Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers (Chronic) in Dogs | petMD

Antibiotics and/or steroids may work for awhile, but with an actual diagnoss treatment can be tailored to try and fix the problem.

I am the last one to go to specialists because I usually find it unnecessary, but there is a time and a place.

Well I, for one, am the first to go to a specialist, but that is because I come from a long line of people docs and I'd be afraid not to! I definitely agree with you on on this one. Unfortunately, trial and error may work for a while but the consequences are often more costly for both Mom and pup in more ways than just dollars!

Doubtful that Lepto is the cause, they are all given a Lepto shot every spring. My vet also checked for any abscessed tooth or other things in her mouth and found none. There are a few similarities and symptoms from the link you gave on (CUPS) but very few. Its still something worth looking into. I'll mention it to my vet, Thank you!

Update: The antibiotics are working, slow but steady. Just doesn't seem fast enough for me thou, I want her Better like Now ! She has been attempting to eat her regular kibble but for now still prefers the watered down kibble. I've started her on the Fish Oil and she took right to it. Something new that she has been doing is that at times she licks her paws and legs excessively to the point of being totally soaked in her own saliva. Which is another sign of the SLE disease. I'm keeping a close eye on her for any progression or change in her symptoms. Hoping we can proceed with the blood work soon so that we can find some answers.

The symptoms listed are not the only ones. Pussy ocular and nasal discharge is another symptom. Stonatitis and gingivitis are not the same. An abscessed tooth does not need to be present.

The lepto vaccine is not very effective. Also, there is a long list of other causes.

Thanks for the update Dawn. I happy to see Brandi's eating and is improving. I'll continue to keep her in my prayers.