[ResOps]

Kaiya has recently developed a pink spot on her nose and her gums have developed some pinks spots.
We went to the vets and she put her on a steroid regimen which didnt seem to help so we're going back this Friday for another check-up.
Anyone have any thougts or similar experiences?
Kaiya seems fine in every way although she is eating a little less and I find her nose is drier than usual.
I'm hoping for the best but worried about her.
~Res

 

[BowWowMeow]

Discoloration in the nose is often the sign of a problem with the immune system.

Not sure what you mean about the gums? Aren't they supposed to be pink?

 

[ResOps]

I guess I mean her lips

they were jet black and now have pink spots..
As I said we will have her in Friday but thought I'd ask here

 

[ResOps]

been reading up on the web and I don't think I like any of the results the symptoms show - possibly discoid or systemic lupus?

 

[Sean Rescue Mom]

Originally Posted By: ResOpsbeen reading up on the web and I don't think I like any of the results the symptoms show - possibly discoid or systemic lupus?

The biggest difference is that discoid only effects the skin whereas systemic lupus is life-threatening but can be treated. Did your vet do bloodwork? That's the best way to rule it out.

 

[Skye'sMom]

ResOps, I have to say I was thinking lupus, also. When Skye's nose began getting pink that's what she was first tested for. She had recently been diagnosed with pannus and has severe allergies that require shots. They suspected lupus due to her other auto immune problems.

Hers was just a bacteria that was cleared with antibiotics (finally.)

If it is discoid lupus and caught early, they should be able to take care of it but it could be long road.

Good luck to you.

 

[ResOps]

Well Kaiya had been scratching alot lately and she has always been on a program from the vet so when we brought her in the first time snd ruled out any critters she put her on steroids for the scratching and said we would watch her nose.Our Doc has several GSDs herself and is pretty good with us.
So we will see what she says today but I havent slept all week -Kaiyas our "kid" so I hate not knowing . I don't think at this point its bothering her.....just us

I will post the vets thoughts tonight

 

[ResOps]

Went to the vet yesterday and Kaiya's gained 5lbs in 3 weeks but not really eating.
So the nose looks like it could be lupus and she may have a thyroid concern. We got several different tests done and will know the results Wednesday.
The vet told us to keep her on benadryl for the scratching(3Xday) until the results come back.
The hurry up and wait game for diagnosis is brutal.......

 

[Skye'sMom]

I'll be thinking of you and Kaiya - it will seem a long time, but good that your vet is looking into everything.

Please keep us posted.

 

[Sean Rescue Mom]

Until you get the test results back and find out whether or not it is in fact Lupus it would be a good idea to keep Kaiya out of direct sunlight or put something on the area of her nose that is pink. Best of luck, please let us know what the results indicate.

 

[ResOps]

thank-you for the thoughts and ideas -we have been putting SunBabies protection when outside and vaseline on her little snout since the spot appeared. I will post as soon as I hear Wednesday -tx again ~Res

 

[Sean Rescue Mom]

Originally Posted By: ResOpsI will post as soon as I hear Wednesday -tx again ~Res

Any new test results, updates?

 

[ResOps]

Well blood work came back good -but that was apparently to rule out hyperthyroid for weight gain and heartworm

or other issues not realted to the pink spots... my wife had to take her for the tests as I'm 3 1/2 hours north of home Monday to Thursday - so Im going to see the doc with Kaiya tomorrow for another look at her nose. She (doc) said that if we biopsy too early it will give a negative result.
I just want to make sure we are aggressive in treatment early to avoid too heavy a dose of steroids if thats the call. Kaiyas sensitive to them as it is.
So I will see what they say Saturday , and post but it looks like a waiting game.
I think I'm going to take a pic of the area Tomorrow and post here to see if anyone recognizes the spots - good or bad.
Seems like this isnt going to be a fast diagnosis.
We are moving up to my new posting in a month(just outside North Bay Ontario) - much bigger acreage for Kaiya to play so in a way I'm kind of hoping if it is a bad diagnosis that we get some quality time there for her.
I'll post a pic of her nose tomorrow.
thanks for thinking of us.

~Res

 

[ResOps]

Update-
Kaiyas been on steroids and antibiotics for 2 sessions now as she has developed 2 pots she's chewed through on her back in front of her hips. The weird thing is the pink spot on her nose is shrinking while she's been on the meds.
The gums are still spotty but it looks like they too are getting better.
The bad news is she is scratching like crazy even though she is on revolution. We're now looking at the allergy angle.
The vet has been good though keeping in touch weekly and I guess its a game of wait and see now.