Killian, again (Autoimmune disease)

[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 )

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.