Killian, again (Autoimmune disease)

[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)