Anyone's dog have Pannus?

[Sudilar]

We think that Shiloh has Pannus. She is on meds now to see if it will help. I guess I won't be calling Shiloh my healthy one anymore....

Anyone have any tips or treatments to look into? I'll be researching it on the internet.

[tatsxxx11]

Oh, no Sue, no Shiloh too!:( I've never heard of it:( Please give us more info. when you can. HUGS to dear Shiloh and Killian.

[Sudilar]

Sandra, it is something that can be genetic in GSDs and some other breeds which usually shows up at 4-5 yrs. old (Shiloh is 5). She has extremely bloodshot eyes. She will need treatment for life, or she will go blind. She would need eye drops multiple times a day and maybe even injections into the cornea. (ouch!) If it can be kept at bay, she won't lose too much vision, but if not, something (?) will grow over her eye. (Don't know the technical terms yet). Now her third eyelid is also moving up her eye on her right eye only. Both eyes are bloodshot.
I've got to get more info. She has eyedrops for now, but I have to take her back in to the vet. Poor Shiloh.

[tatsxxx11]

Oh Sue. It sounds like a dreadful condition...I hope and pray that with treatment our beloved Shiloh will not suffer any vision loss:( I just can't even bare to think of that happening. Sue, I know I've said it before, but you are truly an earthly angel and Killian and Shiloh are so, so lucky to have such a devoted Mommy. You really are one of a kind. Please give sweet Shiloh and Killian a hug from me, ok? Everyone here will be keeping fingers and paws crossed for both of our dear furfriends' improved health. We love you guys! Hugs and slurpy licks....Sandra, Cody and Star

[wolf_Q]

I met a lady at a dog halloween party with two long-coated GSDs. I believe the one had Pannus. She bought Doggles for her (http://www.doggles.com) which seemed to help the condition. I hope everything is ok with Shiloh!

[Sudilar]

After discussing Shiloh's eye problems with some GSD bb members and internet research, I think Shiloh has Pannus in both eyes and also Plasmoma in her right eye also. The Plasmoma has something to do with the third eyelid. These diseases are thought to be related to the immune system. Oh no, not more of that disease.

On the humorous side (gotta laugh, so you don't cry), we have a pic of Shiloh in sunglasses from the past. How ironic, huh? Wolf_q, I hope the Doggles come in fashionable colors! Her Highness is very picky!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid82/pfa68209984e4ffdb924f28e7a078d416/faee2092.jpg

[lizbud]

I think her Highness Shiloh looks super chic in sunglasses.:)

Really Sue, I had never heard of this disease & all I could find
was this link http://www.vetinfo.com/dciks.html
which explains CIKS & also talks about goggles or sunglasses
similar to what Wolf_Q talked about. I hope this new problem
doesn't cause Shiloh any pain or discomfort. :( I think that
it is a lifelong problem, isn't it?

[tatsxxx11]

You're so right Sue. You've gotta laugh through the tears. I have to say, Shiloh does look tres chic in her Foster Grants:) Are going to get a definitive diagnosis on the plasmoma too, Sue? Is the treatment any different? You, Killi and Shi are never far from my thoughts and always in my prayers. Please give Shiloh and Killian a big hug for me, ok?

[Sudilar]

Thanks, everyone. Shiloh thinks she's kewl! :rolleyes:

Liz, it is a lifelong problem and if the meds aren't taken for even as little as two weeks, it can go downhill very quickly. If she doesn't get this treated, she would go blind. There is no cure, but they say it is controllable in most cases with daily meds and maybe shots.

Sandra, I am taking her to our lady vet (Killian's) on Wednesday morning. If she feels that she can handle this eye problem, then I will see her. If not, I will ask for a referral and take Shiloh to a canine ophthalmologist. I hope there is one in my area! I am learning about Pannus, but I don't know anything about Plasmoma, except that it can go along with Pannus. It seems that it would be the same type of treatment. Both are immune related and can affect GSDs.

Well, now. I REALLY, REALLY should have been a vet!!!

[Cincy'sMom]

Oh Poor Shilioh!!! I hope the eye drops will help get the ocnidtion under control. You are an angel for both your pups...they are lucky to have found such a geat mommy to take care of all their problems :)

[Sudilar]

Shiloh update:

Shiloh saw her regular vet today and we now have an appointment on Feb. 17th with an Opthalmologist. Our regular vet said that Shiloh's corneas are clear, so if it is anything, we caught it very early. There was nothing under her third eyelid. There are changes in the third eyelid now whereas the brown is now losing pigment. Of course, we still have the red and brown vessels in the whites of her eyes. The Opthalmologist will know best what is happening. At least her cornea's are clear.

Are there any other types of ailments besides Pannus or Plasmoma that this might be? Anyone have any ideas?

Right now she is off all eye medications to see what happens. We don't want to mask any symptoms with meds just yet, til there is a diagnosis.

Wish us luck, please!!

[tatsxxx11]

Thankfully her corneas are clear, Sue; at least a bit of good news! I'm clueless as to this type of condition so unfortuantely I can't help you out in offering any other possible diagnoses:( We certainly will be hoping and praying with all our might that the ophthamologist has some encouraging news on the 17th. We love you sweet Shiloh!!! Fingers, paws, everything crossed for you sweetheart:)

I'm almost afraid to ask, Sue, but how is Smiley doing???:confused: And your Dad; is he healing ok?:confused:

[anna_66]

I've never heard of this before, but I really hope that Shiloh will not have alot of problems.
Hugs for you and the furkids!

[Sudilar]

Shiloh says thank you everyone!

Sandra, Smiley is doing well. She got her second shot last week and if she gets one every 4 weeks, she should do fine. The bad part is that it cost $200 a month! My Dad is doing well, too. We went to watch Smiley at one of her obedience classes and she did very well. She must have had obedience training in the past or she is just very smart!:D

[lizbud]

Sue,

I was just wondering how Shiloh & Killian are doing. I hope
the eye drops have helped her & wanted to wish you the best
of luck with Shiloh's upcoming appt. with the eye doctor. It's
next week isn't it? Hugs to the furkids. Liz & Smokey.

[Sudilar]

Thanks for asking, Liz. Shiloh's eyes are still red with the third eyelid not rising any further up the eye so far. The "whites" of her eyes seem to look a little better, but it is red and brown right by the corneas. She is off the eye meds til the Opthalmologist visit on the 17th so the drug doesn't mask her condition. I can't wait to find out what is going on. She doesn't seem to be in any pain and she can still see.
Killian is doing well so far. In March he will turn 10 years old (we think, since he is a rescue, we don't know for sure). I feel blessed to have had him so long !!!!

[Logan]

Sue, I'm really sorry I missed this whole thread before. I'm going to have to pay better attention from now on. :o

Hope you and Shiloh are hanging in there. She really does look quite regal in her glasses!! :) We'll be anxious to hear the news from your opthamologist visit next week.

Hugs to Killian and Shiloh from their biggest fans in SC. :)

[ChrisH]

Oh, Sue, I am sorry, I seem to have missed this thread too.:o

Hope the opthamologist visit brings some helpful and hopeful answers for sweet Shiloh.

Killi is ever in my prayers and I will be sure to add Shiloh too.

Big Hugs to the precious twosome.
Chris

[Logan]

One good thing about canned Salmon is that those bones are so soft that there is no way that Shiloh can choke on them, Sue.

We've got you in our thoughts and prayers, for sure. :)

[Sudilar]

We now have a diagnosis on Shiloh: German Shepherd Pannus of the Third Eyelid Form in both eyes. I guess there are two types of Pannus, one that affects the third eyelid and the other that affects the cornea. Shiloh's corneas are clear. The Pannus of the Third Eyelid is harder to control.
She is now on Tacrolimus Ointment and NeoPolyDex Ointment in both eyes. She also has a tiny cataract in both eyes (probably born with it and won't grow any bigger). The Pannus is an Immune System disease. The visit today with meds for one month cost $291. The meds should cost around $110 a month!!! Have to see how far those LITTLE tubes go!! Next visit is at the beginning of May.

[Logan]

Oh, Sue, I can only hope that you are in a financial position to take care of getting this expensive medication, and that it will help Shiloh in the long run. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, my friend. :)

Logan

[tatsxxx11]

I have to say it again, Sue, you are one amazing Mom to Killian and Shiloh. I know how difficult it has been for you; I wish I could say or do something to ease your burden. It's incredible how expensive drugs are these days, for humans and animals. Will she be on them forever? You mentioned this type was more difficult to control. But, does it give greater hope that she will keep her eyesight, with the corneas not being effected? Please know I think of you all every day. Star and Cody send their love and slurpy kisses for their bestest pals. Special hugs for you sweet Shiloh. And Killian too, of course!:) Love, Sandra

[captain]

Sue,

Sorry I missed this.

I will echo what everyone else has said - Killi and Shiloh sure are lucky to have a wonderful mummy like you .......

Love
Michelle

[Sudilar]

Shiloh says thank you!

We have to find the right balance of the meds to work. Once we find that balance, as long as she has the daily meds, she should not go blind.

She was a good girl at the vet for what they had to do to her. I'm sure she couldn't figure out why those things were being stuck in her eyeball! I was proud of her.

[Sudilar]

OK, anybody know how to get OINTMENT into a dog's eyes?? I forgot to ask the Opthalmologist.

[Logan]

Oh, Sue, I am no help!!! Good luck!!!!

[tatsxxx11]

Sue, while resting your fingers along the side of her face with one hand, gently pull down the lower lid with your thumb and holding the tube in your other hand, squeeze the ointment in a thin band along the inside of the lower rim. When she closes her eye, rub the lid gently. In my early nursing career, I worked on the "eye floor.":D Let us know how it goes!:) Please give Shiloh and Killi a big hug for me!

[Sudilar]

Thanks, Sandra!!! Too much messing with her eyes lately has caused her to scrunch her eyes closed as soon as I sit her facing me!!!! Sheeeesh!
Yesterday they did a tear test with paper hanging out of her eye, too. She really wanted to shake it out, but she was good as we held her head. Poor Shiloh!! She did at one point give the Opthalmologist an "err" (meaning....huh whadda ya doing?) when she held her on the mouth to stick that instrument in her eye. The vet thought it was a grr, but I know it wasn't. If it was a grr, it would have been more like GRRRR air snap! hahahaha

[ChrisH]

Aww, what a special sweetie Shiloh is, just like her Mom and brother!:)
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Big hugs.
Chris

[tatsxxx11]

So it was grrrr, (small g) not a GRRR!!!;) After all she's been through, it's amazing she's as patient and tolerant as she is, poor baby! But then again, this IS Shiloh we're talking about!:)

[captain]

Sue,

If someone was hanging paper out of my eye for a "tear test", I would GRRRRRRRR and airsnap!!!! :eek: - no "errrr" from me!!

Good girl Shiloh!

[Sudilar]

Hehehehe...I guess the vet was lucky to still have her nose then!!! You know, the male vet tech was a big burly guy who never left the room when we were in there not for a moment. As I was sitting and waiting before our turn, he was in and out of the rooms. I wonder if he was there..."just in case" that GSD would get unruly??? Shiloh was a good girl.

[Logan]

How's it going with the ointment, Sue? I don't envy you that task, for sure!

Check in with an update on Shiloh, and Killian too, of course, when you have the chance!!! :)

Hugs to everyone!!

Logan

[Sudilar]

Shiloh has decided on her own how she wants the ointment put in her eyes! :rolleyes: At first I had a hard time with standing over her and her wiggling and blinking. So...SHE decided that the best way to have the ointment put in is for her to lay on her side while I kneel at her head and put in the ointment. SHE chose that way and it is very easy now. The only thing is that I have to remember which eye I just put the ointment in because sometimes when she gets up to switch sides, she'll lay the wrong way and give me the eye I just put the meds in. :eek: She is such a smartie!!!!:D

[Cinder & Smoke]

Gud Gurl, Shiloh!! :D

We all learned a long tyme ago -
it'z jest EEzier to let da Hed Nurse pass out da meds
when HE wuntz to - Jest no point in tryin ta *dodge* him
inna howze - NO place ta *hide* fur long! :rolleyes:

*I* (Cinners) hadda *eye* problum wunst -
hadda get da goop squeezed inna eye fur a while...
I jest lay my hed in Dad's Lappy, *squished* my earz down REEL flat,
an let him *squueze* da goop in! :(
ALLUZ gotta *treet* aftur!

Smokey takes sum bumm knee pillz -
he jest duz a *sit* asside Dad, openz his mouff,
an Dad *shuves* em in! Big *GULP* an then - TREET Tyme! :)

Kat iz a trip ta watch gettin hiz daily pill!
He "palls" around wiff Dad inna baffroom - head bumpies while
Dad's splashin waddur on his facebonez,
*watchin* inna mirror while Dad skrubz his toofies,
an munchin krunchies onna vanity...

Dad loads da pill shooter while Bootsy "supervises";
den waits fur Boots ta *sit*...
then Dad holds his head, *pops* da pill in,
an Boots duz a *gulp*, a lil *gaaaak*, a head shake,
an warshes it down wiffa few more krunchies! :D

Hey Shiloh ~
You *DO* get TREETz aftur da eye goop goez in -
don'cha!?? ;)

[Sudilar]

It didn't take me too long to train Mom howta give me the eye goop. She was holdin da eye and I was squintin it shut. Den I thought it was time to train her. I just sat on my butt, den down on the floor den rolled on my side and opened my eye. She caught on really fast. Dat's why I picked her to be my Mom. haha She DOES give me and Killi extra good treats after that...like cheese or lunchmeat or braunschweiger....Killi gets the extra goodie because, well.....because he's Killi.
Even Killi takes his meds (alot of them) with no trubble now cause he is on some pred medicine and THAT makes him eat anything and everything!!!
Sounds like you guys over there take lots of pillz too. The goodie chaser is the best part!!
Luv,
Shiloh:rolleyes: :p

[tatsxxx11]

Oh Shiloh, you smartie girl!:) You've done a fine job, training your Mommy! Us humans can be a bit dense at times! You and Killian are just the best...and what a fine Mommy you picked, too! Branuschweiger all around!:D Hugs to our bestest pals from Sandra, S*T*A*R S*H*I*N*E and Cody Girl!:D

[Sudilar]

Thank you, Aunt Sandra!
Killi told me to say hi to Stunning Star***Shine and Cutie-pie Cody!!!!:D :D

Uppy date:
Mom says the whites of my eyes look clearer. She said there are some strange colors in there (blue, brown tint) but the red lines are much better. The meds must be working!

[lovemyshiba]

Glad to hear Shiloh's eyes are looking better!! I'm sure it's no fun--we had to give Jada ointment for her eyes when she first came to live with us, and she was very good about it--her eyes must have really hurt though, and the ointment and the rubbing felt good!!!
If only I could get her to enjoy her ear drops.....:rolleyes:


Big hugs to Killi and Shiloh!!!!

[ChrisH]

Shiloh, not only are you sweet and beautiful but such a good girl too. :) I'm so glad to hear the meds seem to be working and your eyes are looking better. :D

Big hugs to you sweetie, brother Killi and Mom too! :)

Chris