Symmetrical Lupiod Onychodystophy

[shellgirl]

Hey there,

I have a 7 yr old female Rottweiler with Symmetrical Lupiod Onychodystrophy (an autoimmune disease)

She has just started Steroid treatment 80mg per day and is on daily heavy doses of Omega 3 & 6.

Has anyone experienced this disease, that could offer comments or advise, any info would be greatly appreciated.

[shellgirl]

For those of you that don't know Symmetrical Lupiod Onychodystrophy or (SLO) is an autoimmune

disease in dogs that causes severe claw problems in otherwise healthy dogs.

It is generally diagnosed after the dog becomes lame on one or more paws, then the claws start to

split usually down the back of the claw causing a hang nail, which the dog will constantly lick at, until

it falls off, claws can sometimes crack exposing the nail bed underneath. Eventually all paws become

affected and most claws will fall off. Most obvious symptoms are pain, distorted or twisted claws,

excessive licking, and lameness.

Treatment so far has been Megaderm Essential Fatty Acids (EFA'S) Omega 3 & 6, Vitamin E capsules

and a dose of steriods to suppress the immune system and lots of TLC.

we are only 1 week into the steroid treatment and Shelley has expressed normal side effects inc

drinking excessive amounts of water & constant urination, she is off her food a bit, which I find strange

because the steroid should be making her really hungry.

If anyone out there has experienced this disease with their beloved pooch, I would love your feedback.

[anniek]

We had a greyhound in foster care with suspected SLE/DLE - of course without having a toe biopsy it cannot be definately diagnose.

We opted to stay away from steroids/drugs, and try the natural method of treatment. We put him on a high antioxident kibble diet, with high dose omega oils and vitamin E as reccomended by our vet.

He was adopted a few months ago, and so far is doing very very well without the need for steroids. His new owner does realise of course that he may be prone to flare ups, but so far he is doing fine, hasn't lost anymore nails, and his nose is looking great.

annieK