Star's mom went to search for answers when Star came down with some mysterious problems.
It all started with Star having pain in her legs and difficulty getting around. The initial suspect was hip dysplasia but that was ruled out.
In spite of all attempts for diagnosis, all results came back negative, For everything. But Star was not well. Along with difficulties with her legs and the skin sores, she was running a fever and had difficulty swallowing.
The question also remained whether there was a connection between all these problems. My thinking is that when various, seemingly unrelated problems crop up at the same time--look for a common thread.
An autoimmune disease was a high suspect. Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE), for example, could account for all the things. The symptoms of SLE include lameness, lethargy, changes in appetite, skin ulceration and fever.
The test for that is Anti-nuclear Antibody (ANA)--antibodies that attack the components of the body's own cell nuclei--the control center in each cell. And it was negative.
Things like pemphigus would only cause lameness if the lesions involved foot pads.
The latest verdict of Star's veterinarians was canine herpesvirus; two different strains. This infection is best known in puppies. Star is an adult dog. In adult dogs, there would either be no signs of the virus present, or the virus would likely affect the upper respiratory tract, eyes, or reproductive organs.
Is this virus behaving differently in Star? Or is the virus present but something else, not yet discovered, is causing Star's issues?
Could it be that the virus is behaving similarly to chickenpox that can cause shingles later in life? There is plenty of pain to go with that--I had shingles a few years ago.
Could it be that Star's case is so unique or are her veterinarians missing something?
It all started with Star having pain in her legs and difficulty getting around. The initial suspect was hip dysplasia but that was ruled out.
Then Star's face broke out with nasty, painful sores.
In spite of all attempts for diagnosis, all results came back negative, For everything. But Star was not well. Along with difficulties with her legs and the skin sores, she was running a fever and had difficulty swallowing.
The question also remained whether there was a connection between all these problems. My thinking is that when various, seemingly unrelated problems crop up at the same time--look for a common thread.
What be causing all these problems and not showing on any tests?
An autoimmune disease was a high suspect. Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE), for example, could account for all the things. The symptoms of SLE include lameness, lethargy, changes in appetite, skin ulceration and fever.
The test for that is Anti-nuclear Antibody (ANA)--antibodies that attack the components of the body's own cell nuclei--the control center in each cell. And it was negative.
Things like pemphigus would only cause lameness if the lesions involved foot pads.
What could be the diagnosis that would explain Star's constellation of symptoms?
The latest verdict of Star's veterinarians was canine herpesvirus; two different strains. This infection is best known in puppies. Star is an adult dog. In adult dogs, there would either be no signs of the virus present, or the virus would likely affect the upper respiratory tract, eyes, or reproductive organs.
Is this virus behaving differently in Star? Or is the virus present but something else, not yet discovered, is causing Star's issues?
Could it be that the virus is behaving similarly to chickenpox that can cause shingles later in life? There is plenty of pain to go with that--I had shingles a few years ago.
Could it be that Star's case is so unique or are her veterinarians missing something?
What is your dog telling you about their health?
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Poor Star. I hope the vets are able to figure out a diagnosis soon so she can get the treatment she needs. I was just reading a couple of articles in Dogs Naturally Magazine about allergies and treatment using Traditional Chinese Medicine. I wonder if a holistic vet would be able to find an answer.
ReplyDeleteThey did; please read the original story this refers to.
DeleteAn interesting case for sure. I'll go back and read to see what the ultimate diagnosis was.
ReplyDeleteThis is so scary and painful having herpes virus. Cannot imagine how awful this might be. Praying that Star recovers soon and that the cause and treatment is found.
ReplyDeleteMe too. Having had shingles, I can relate.
DeleteI'm glad the vets were able to finally confirm a diagnosis. I agree about unrelated symptoms and looking for a common thread. Sometimes it is up to us to advocate for our dogs and help vets piece these systems together.
ReplyDeleteIt usually is up to us to advocate for our dogs.
DeleteAlways!
DeletePoor Star. I am so relieved that the vets were able to confirm a diagnosis as not knowing and watching your dog suffer is torture.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. While there is no cure but there is a treatment to keep it under control.
DeleteOh dear this makes me sad. Will have to come back to see what the final diagnosis is for Star.
ReplyDeletePoor Star! How miserable. Glad they were finally able to find a way to manage it for her. Seeing the whole big picture is definitely important.
ReplyDeleteThe big picture and the right diagnosis is crucial.
DeleteI'm glad Star's condition is treatable, if not curable. I always share more information than the vet probably wants if my dogs seem to have several unrelated issues, because I think they are usually connected in some way.
ReplyDeleteIt's not curable but treatable. If this indeed is what is going on and not a coincidence. The pattern doesn't match what typically happens. Which doesn't mean that's not what's happening.
DeleteThis has all of the drama of a TV series doesn't it. So many options, so many things it might be. I hope tests are able to focus on the best diagnosis for this sweet dog.
ReplyDeleteIt does, yes.
DeleteWhile you have to manage the issues, at least you have a diagnosis (finally) for Star! No more suffering - and things can get so much better with the information you now have.
ReplyDeleteYes. Trying to treat something without having it identified is difficult and often even counter-productive.
DeletePoor Star. I hope the vets can determine the cause of all the issues. The vets believe Truffle and Brûlée may have the herpes virus in their system and it manifests itself differently.
ReplyDeleteHerpes virus infections can be serious but they are seldom fatal so I hope that Star will be OK and will live a happy life. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for sure!
ReplyDelete