anyone got experience of DLE (autoimmune disorder

[questsmum]

My german shepherd Quest has recently been diagnosed with DLE which manifested itself as a split in his nose which then started bleeding. He has a the spilt for several years and has been tested for various other disorders. He was put on a high dose of prednisilone which has gradually been reduced to one every other day. Unfortunately his nose has split again and I am gutted because it was looking fabulous and both we and the vet were thrilled with it. We are now going to have to up his dose again. Has anyone had experience with this as I had hoped he could come off the steriods but this does not look likely and also how will steriods affect his longterm health. Thank you.

[zetstaff]

I'm sorry, no experience of this, but just wanted to send you a hug + say I hope it gets better soon xxx

[sami]

Sorry no experience of DLE in fact I dont even know what it is.

However a lot of experience of AF which is another autoimmune disorder. The use of prednisolone is now largely defunct treatment for AF and the current treatment is Atopica/cyclosporine and nizoral/Ketaconazole prescribed together. The use of this has "cured" both my dogs of AF, my eldest had it chronically until this treatment was used (only becasue I changed vet!!) when it cleared up within a few weeks.

Personally I would not have a dog of mine on prednisolone unless it was completely unavoidable. Sami was very ill with prednisolone.

Might be worth discussing with your vet whether the same treatment might be an option.

[questsmum]

I am not happy with him being on prednisilone either but I have got to say it did work and the vet was equally keen to reduce the dose. He did pant and drink a lot when he was on six a day but the lower dose didnt seem to affect him although I am aware of the problems longterm. He has had a few health problems and none of them have been straightforward. Thanks for your imput.

[sami]

Yes its a choice you have to make, in Sami's case the prednisilone was having less and less effect and worse and worse side effects.

Good luck and let us now if you get any success.

[wildmoor]

I haven't had experience with that particular disorder but I did have a dog with an overactive immune system and after trying various treatments I found only preds worked and he was maintained a long time on a small dose - as long as your dog doesnt have any bad side affects he can be maintained on a low dose indeffinately with blood tests 6 monthly to check organ function. you have to balance quality of life with the fact he wont live as long, I would rather my dog had a shorter happy life than a long miserable one any day.

[questsmum]

I totally agree, quality of life is the most important thing. The problem is I think he will have to be maintained on a higher dose, as his nose has broken down as soon as it has been lowered. I have got to admit, we have four dogs but we really spoil him because he has had so many things wrong with him and nothing affects his lovely soft nature.

[wildmoor]

hi you said it split once he was reduce to 1 every other day it maybe that he can maintained on a lower dose but daily

[LOVEGSD]

So sorry to read this, I have no experience with it but wanted to wish you well...x