Killian, again (Autoimmune disease)

[Sudilar]

Took Killian to the vet Saturday because his nose is getting worse and his lip fold pyoderma is getting out of control.

Dr. believes it is autoimmune disease to add to his liver disease now. Since confirming the exact autoimmune disease would take a biopsy (Killian would have to be put under), we will not be able to do it. Another quandary is that the meds to help control the autoimmune d will affect his diseased liver. :( So now we are going to do the meds a little at a time (minimal dosage) and I have to watch him for liver distress closely.How much more can the poor dog take!! He lost 7 lbs. even though he was eating a lot.

Sandra, Rachel and others familiar with liver disease: what are the end stages? Thanks for any info.

[aly]

I'm so sorry Sue :( :( Killian definately does not deserve to be this sick :( But he is so fortunate to have the best mom ever. I am not too familiar with either of these diseases so I'll leave the advice to someone else. But I can definately help in the prayer department. I hope he is not in pain or uncomfortable :(

Stay strong for your baby.

[wolf_Q]

Poor Killian. :( I don't know anything about that disease, but I hope everything will be ok. Prayers for sweet Killian. :(

[Kater]

I'm praying for Killian's recovery. I am not familiar with this disease. Please don't lose hope, Sudilar.


(((((((((((Killian)))))))))))
((((((((((Sudilar)))))))))))

[TheAntiPam]

Sue and Killian - you both have worked so hard to overcome so much. My prayers are coming your way for strength and good help from the white coats!

[zippy-kat]

Poor Killi!! Sendin' you lots of love, prayers, and well wishes Sweet Boy!!!

[Logan]

Sue, I know when Sandra and Rachel see this, they will be in immediate contact. I know nothing to help either. But as always, and especialy now, Killian and you will be in my prayers. What a fighter he is!!! He is lucky to have a mom like you, who loves him so much, on his side.

Logan

[Pam]

Sue I am so sorry to hear this. Killian has certainly been through more than his share of suffering. I can't offer much other than prayer and he will be bumped to the top of the prayer list. I know this is also hard on you so I shall put you up there with him. :(

[tatsxxx11]

Dear Killian, brave, beautiful, Killian. It breaks my heart to read your Mommy's report.:(:( You know sweet boy, I love you like one of my own and Star and Cody couldn't have a better fur pal. Now I know you've had to be so brave and fight so hard for so long, and I know it's a lot to ask, but I'm asking you to try and fight yet again and win this battle. I know you are in the best of hands, and you couldn't have a more loving, devoted and caring Mommy and vet. I wish that love along could cure you. But I want you to know that there are so many people all over the world who love you and are praying that you will be feeling better very soon. We love you Killian...You are never out of our thoughts and prayers. Love, kisses, hugs, slurpy licks from your bestest pals, Aunt Sandra, Cutey Cody and Star***Shine. And Killian, tell your Mommy I'm going to write her.

[Sudilar]

Thank you all for your great encouragement. Killian is a fighter and he loves life, so we will fight another battle! I just worry because the meds that are necessary to fight this are harmful to his liver. We will be cautious. On the good note, the meds should make him eat more! At least we built up extra weight on him from the winter, so it won't hurt too much to have lost some weight.

He is a fighter and so am I. We're giving this our best shot!!

Thank you, Sandra, for the wonderful information.

[KYS]

Poor Killi,
We are all sending you lots of good thoughts
and prayers that you will be ok.

[Albea]

Oh Sue, I'm so sorry sweet, dear Killian has yet one more health problem. If love alone, yours and ours, could cure him, he'll be always well. For now, we would have to trust the vet and our prayers
for his quick and complete recovery.
My second Golden, Irina, also had an autoimmune disease and she had two biopsies, but she didn't have liver problems to complicate the picture so I can't be of much help with that.
Many gentle hugs to you both.
Alicia

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by Albea
My second Golden, Irina, also had an autoimmune disease and she had two biopsies, but she didn't have liver problems to complicate the picture so I can't be of much help with that.
Many gentle hugs to you both.
Alicia

Thank you for the kind thoughts. Did Irina have a form of pemphigus? Were the biopsies tissue samples? Did she have any scrapings?

[Dixieland Dancer]

:( :( :( This is just terrible news. :( :( :( I want you to know that I am praying hard for Killian to get better from both the auto immune problem and the liver disease. He is a fighter and if anyone can do it, it is him!

Hugs to both Sue and Killian for strength to carry on the fight necessary to win this battle!

{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[ChrisH]

Poor Killi :( Sue, I am so sorry to hear that even more trials have come Killi and your way. I am sorry that I have no knowledge and advice to share, all I can offer is love, positive thoughts and prayers for the both of you, and these I send in abundance

Hugs
Chris

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Prayers on the way from me too for both you and sweet Killian. The cat boys all have their paws crossed too. Stay strong both of you.

[Sudilar]

Again, again and again, you wonderful Pet Talkers have come together to send me support, encouragement and just plain love from all over the world. I can't say how much it means to me!

When thinking about all the trials and tribulations of being owned by Killian the dog, I ask myself, would I have rescued him back then in 1996 if I knew all this was going to happen?? I can honestly and with love say YES, YES I would. I would again take him in a heartbeat!!! Ahhh, me and my boy are gearing up for battle once again. Onward, til the last days of our lives....

[lovemyshiba]

I will be keeping you and Killian in my prayers--he is one tough cookie, I sure hope he is not in pain, and at least can enjoy his life!!
What a wonderful mommy you are!!

[Stenograsaurus]

Sue, you and Killi are in my thought and prayers. Killian is my idol. He is so strong and brave. He must get it from his mommy.

[captain]

Sue,

So sorry to hear about Killi.

You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs to you both.

[Sudilar]

Sometimes it feels unreal that all these things are happening to Killian. Thank goodness he is such a good fighter.

[Dixieland Dancer]

And thank goodness you are such a fighter too, Sue!! ;)

[Albea]

Originally posted by Sudilar


Thank you for the kind thoughts. Did Irina have a form of pemphigus? Were the biopsies tissue samples? Did she have any scrapings?
Sue,
I don't remember the name of the disease, it was almost 11 years ago. Her system destroyed her red blood cells. She had two hip bone biopsies, one with my local vet and the other one at Tufts Vet School. She also had a blood tranfusion from another Golden called Dylan.
Still thinking of you and Killie and praying for his recovery.

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by Albea

Her system destroyed her red blood cells. She had two hip bone biopsies, one with my local vet and the other one at Tufts Vet School. She also had a blood tranfusion from another Golden called Dylan.


I am so sorry about Irina. It must have been so hard for you.

I don't think his form has affected his blood. His is attacking his skin and mucus membranes. I don't know if it's all related and will lead to that? I'll have to research more. I didn't realize (as I am finding out more and more) that this could be life-threatening. :( A person on the liver-d board had a dog that was at death's door with it, but it finally came under control before it was fatal. However, it was not her liver disease dog. Having liver-d makes treating difficult. Killian's hasn't spread too far yet. I believe it only just started right after his last dental, a very few months ago. He had a spot on his side, the top of his head, his ears and now his nasal cavities and top of the nose. Maybe kinda scary....now that I know more.

[micki76]

Sue, I'm so sorry about Killian. :( You two just keep fighting it! I'm curious, what are the sypmtoms of liver disease ? And the auto-immune?

[Sudilar]

micki, for liver disease:

Common Presenting Symptoms

All, some, or only one of these signs may be present.

Intermittent recurrent abdominal or gastrointestinal upsets. loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.

Progressive depression or lethargy. does not want to play anymore or refuses to go for walks.

Swollen belly with a "fluid filled" look. This is also known as ascites and is actually fluid accumulation in the belly due to circulation alterations in the abdomen.

Pale gray feces. Bile pigments are what gives poop it's characteristic brown colour and if the liver is not processing bile properly, the feces will not get their colour.

Orange urine. The improper processing of bile results in the excretion of bilirubin in the urine in high amounts, thus orange urine.

Jaundice, also known as icterus. Any pale or white skin or visible tissue takes on a yellow hue. Again the biliary pigments are accumulating in the body because the liver is not processing them.

Rarely: bleeding problems. Many of the proteins required for proper blood clotting are created in the liver. Remove these proteins and blood clotting decreases.

Hepatic encephalopathy, or severe neurological signs. behavioural changes, seizures, aimless pacing or circling, head pressing. May be associated with meal time.

Pain associated with the abdomen. This is due to the stretching of the liver capsule. May be noted when the dog is lifted around the belly or when the veterinarian probes (palpates) the abdomen. The veterinarian may also notice a swollen liver while palpating with some of the more acute liver diseases.

Chronic weight loss or wasting. The liver processes all the building blocks. If it fails to process, the body fails to maintain itself.

Increased water consumption and urination. Most likely due to dramatic shifts in serum and kidney salt balances. May be behavioural too.


In the autoimmune disease, Killian is exhibiting:

crusty ears and ear tips with hair falling out

nose tip (black part) is red and raw

his lip folds are red and raw (unable to control lip fold pyoderma anymore)

nose cavity swollen with crusty hard discharge (if you pick it out for him :eek: )

some spots on his body of crustiness with hairloss

elbows very leatherlike

foot pads clear yet, eyes and rear clear, too, belly ok

vet thinks it's pemphigus (not sure which variety for sure)

[RockyRoad]

Killian, get better soon, you brave boy. We'll be praying for you sweetheart. {{{{Hugs}}}}
Britt

[AdoreMyDogs]

Hang in there, Killi. You have been such a good boy, and we really need you around, so please just be brave and get well, OK?

Sue, I love Killi like he is one of my own. I have been thinking about the poor guy daily and I am sincerely hoping he shakes out of whatever it is that he has. He is just such a good boy. Hugs to him (and to you...the very best mommie) from me and my gang.

[Rachel]

Oh Sue, I am so, so sorry to see this thread. It just breaks my heart to think of Killian facing yet another battle. You and Killian have been through so much together already. Unfortunately I don't have any additional knowledge on the subject. Just do the best you can for him. Your *best* has been amazing. He is alive today because of it.

[lizbud]

Killian is still in my thoughts & prayers daily Sue. I pray for
you as well, that He keep you strong & help the doctors in
their search for cures to these medical problems.I hope that
Killian is not in pain or too very uncomfortable. Hugs & Best
Wishes to Killian and Shiloh.

[KYS]

Sweet Killi, please get better.
you both are always in
my thoughts.

[oodlesofpoodles]

Many prayers, hugs and kisses from all of us. You will be in our thoughts. Killian, keep up the strenght.

[K9karen]

I may not be on PT as often as I would like, but believe me when I say that you and Killi are in my heart, prayers and thoughts every day. That poor, sweet boy going through so much. I wish I had the magic power to hug all his problems away. Bless you too, I feel your anxiety and pain. It's torture. Cody and I love you and Killi and Shiloh dearly and send you hugs and kisses.

[slick]

My hugs and prayers are coming over the miles! I pray that you and Killian will have the strength to deal with whatever is coming your way!

[sisterdog]

Killian is in my thoughts and prayers. Please get better, big boy.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Sue, Killi has the heart of a lion, he has been through so much, but like everyone has said, he is a fighter and so are you and I pray that you both get through this, he is a model of courage for all of us. Our prayers and positive thoughts are going to both of you.
Jackie, Perry and Miss Daisy

[Sudilar]

Thank you, Angels, for all your encouragement and kind words!! It really helps me to go on.

Well, it looks like Killian is not getting any worse. It seems that we've stopped it in it's tracks. His nasal passages are better (thank goodness) but his nose tip is still raw. I haven't found any new crusty patches either. So far, I don't see any liver distress. (whew) On Saturday, we go down to half dosage. Hopefully less will still work. So we are seeing some progress! Prayers do work!!!

Thank you, everyone!!

Killi sends wags and slurps (Shiloh, too!)

[Logan]

Not a day goes by that I'm not thinking of you and Killian, Sue. I may not always post it, but just thought I'd let you know. I'm so glad you are seeing some improvement!!! Lots of prayers and good wishes coming your way!! :)

[tatsxxx11]

I just breathed the BIGGEST sigh of relief!! I'm so glad to read the positive update, Sue. Little steps forward, little miracles, we'll take them all! Killian and Sue, you both never cease to amaze me with your courage, strength and determination. HUGE hugs to you dear Killian!! We love you!!:) (Star is chomping on a big marrow bone as I type and she wants me to tell you Killian, that she'd like nothing better than to share it with YOU. And believe me, those selfless words don't come easy for my little Star***Shine!:D)
Love, Aunt Sandra, Cody and Star!!:)

[anna_66]

I'm so sorry I've missed this until now, but I'm very glad to hear he's not doing any worse. This sounds like good news. You will both be in my prayers & thoughts. Please take care, both of you & keep us up to date on his progress:D
{{{Hugs}}} to both of you!

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by tatsxxx11
Star is chomping on a big marrow bone as I type and she wants me to tell you Killian, that she'd like nothing better than to share it with YOU.

As Shiloh says, refering to Killi's food grabbing tactics: Killi would do the classic "snatch and run" maneuver, then stop, put his paw on it and do his "Alien" impression, all teeth (well, what's left of them LOL) and gums and a low rumbling growl. Then he would proceed to sit with the bone under his paw and never even touch it. After he gets bored, Shiloh will pull the snatch and run and eat it in minutes flat!! Some people say that Killian looks downright scary when he does that!!!:eek:

Thank you for the offer, Star***. Killi would love to share a bone with you. You're not like his pesty, food grabbing sister, Shiloh. Killi said he'll bring some salmon to munch on, too!!!! LOL hahaha

[oodlesofpoodles]

so very glad to hear that he is not getting worse. Please keep us updated. Keeping Killi and you in our prayers here.

[tatsxxx11]

Sue, you mention salmon.......could it be you're remembering one of my first posts...The Case of the Captured Salmon?? Star pulled a 5lb. salmon fillet out of the bottom shelf of the fridge in a split second. I wrestled her to the floor and fought furiously. I tried, but....guess who won??:rolleyes: Ah yes, it was definitley a sign of things to come. 2 yrs. later, she hasn't changed. But I have bought a new frig. ONE WITH THE FREEZER DRAWER ON THE BOTTOM!:D

[Sudilar]

LOL Sandra, I can picture it now!!! Sandra and Star***Shine fighting over a salmon!!! hahahahaha

Whenever I go to the fridge or a kitchen cabinet, there are always two extra large heads in the way with me, but they never have done the "snatch and run" from right out of the fridge!!:eek: Now, if something falls on the floor, it's fair game!!! Hahaha ;)