Pomeranian w/ Skin Lesions/Immune Problem

[Leo's Mom]

I have a male pomeranian named Leopold. He is only a bit over 2 years old, on the large side (9 lbs.), tall but not fat. His bunk mates include a 10 month old male Pom and a 14 year old German Pointer. Up until mid-February, he was in great health. He was attacked by a feral cat -- the other two weren't harmed. Scratched face, one small puncture wound on side. Took him to the Veterinarian, did the antibiotic thing and everything looked good. About 2 weeks later the wounds were turning black, looked like scabs only bigger. Temperature over 105 F. Fungal test revealed it was a fungus. Blood tests showed elevate Hemo and White Count. Failed Coombs test. Veterinarian say it is an acquired immune disease. HELP! He is on Prednesilone, Atopica and Otomax Ointment. He is developing more and more lesions that start as small pimple-like red spots, then flare to puss-filled pockets, then rupture and spread. He's loosing hair and maybe the battle. Still eating well and drinking. No weight loss. Can anyone give me some advice?

[Tucker'sMom]

Sounds a little like pemphagus to me, but I thought that was genetic. Prednisone helped my Mom's Cocker with pemphagus somewhat, but the weight gain caused knee problems. They also put her on Imurin (not sure of the spelling). I won't lie, it bought her a couple years, but she passed from a liver tumor, likely brought on by one of her meds. Maybe you could mention pemphagus to your Veterinarian. Hope it helps, please keep us informed.

[opal]

Building up the immune system is hard to do while on steriods to treat other conditions.
Oxy moron treatments..
Your best bet is to put your dog on a holistic vitamin/mineral supplement.
NuVet is the best out there.
Check out their website and read everything.. http://www.nuvet.com
and if you decide to order use order code 41389

Your dog will love you for it..

[Maggie's Mom]

It does sound like pemphigus except for the fact that injuries started the problem. My Cocker was thought to have a fungus infection, blood infection, severe dandruff all before she was finally diagnosed with pemphigus. A skin biopsy was needed to finally determine the problem. Tuckers Mom is correct that she was treated with Prednisone and Imuran. Hopefully in the years that have passed, they have come up with better drugs to treat it. She was also correct that the treatment only bought her a few years. It is suspected that the Imuran caused liver cancer. With her immune system so depressed, the cancer took her quite rapidly. However, some dogs do quite well on the treatment and live almost normal lives.

[Leo's Mom]

Thank you everyone for the quick suggestions. I will talk to my Veterinarian on Monday. It is hard in a small town of 25K to get anyone to listen without thinking your pushy...but who cares? Will also check out the holistic website! Sounds like a fabulous option... one my husband and I discussed last night. Will post any news as I get it. THANK YOU!

[Tucker'sMom]

Glad these suggestions were helpful...yes, please keep us informed!

[Leo's Mom]

While the steroids have pushed Leo, my pomeranian, to 12 lbs. now, he is doing much better. He's active and playful again! The local Veterinarian has been surprisingly supportive of the regiment I have started. Along with Prednisolone (steroid) and Atopica (immunosupressant agent), I have started treating his "hot spots" with fresh aloe. His skin over the last week has started to look much better. Twice a day, I gently rub Colodial Silver all over his skin, around his eyes, and in his ears. I've even gotten into the habit of giving him a dropperful orally. The nasty scabbing and peeling skin is nearly gone. His hair is even starting to grow back in areas.

I am going to start lowering his dosage of steroid by 25% over the next 2 weeks. My goal is to get him off the steroids completely... if possible. If he starts to have bad skin flare-ups, however, that may not be possible. Wish me luck!