Pemphigus? Lupus? Something Else?

[TwiggysMom]

On Tuesday, I noticed some crustiness and pink spots on and around Twiggy’s nose. She has never had anything like this before.

 

The only things I can think of are pemphigus, lupus, or possibly some sort of infection.

 

Twiggy is currently undergoing carboplatin chemotherapy for osteo, Tuesday was 4 days after her 4th treatment. The other odd thing that happened after this last treatment was that she had very rapid breathing followed by heavy panting the evening after the treatment. I was worried enough to call the emergency center (it also houses the specialty clinic where her oncologist is). The breathing started getting better on its own while I was on the phone with them, and was fully resolved about 15 minutes later.

 

I had an appointment at my regular vet tomorrow (kitties annual checkup), and they said I could bring Twiggy, too.

 

Any ideas on what this could be and whether it could be from the chemo?

 

This is what it looked like last night:

 

[fsugrad]

Hi Wendy,

I am no expert, but our Robin has pemphigus foliaceus and it doesn't really look like that--at least on him. When he has flare ups it looks more like dry raised red crusty bumps with loss of hair. Hoping you don't have pemphigus to deal with along with osteo.

Hugs to you and your beautiful Twiggy.

[tbhounds]

One would have to assume its chemo agent related. I would definetly run this by her onco Dr or even shoot OSU a quick e-mail.

Hugs to Twiggy- she's one of my favorite GT hounds!

[TwiggysMom]

Hi Wendy,

I am no expert, but our Robin has pemphigus foliaceus and it doesn't really look like that--at least on him. When he has flare ups it looks more like dry raised red crusty bumps with loss of hair. Hoping you don't have pemphigus to deal with along with osteo.

Hugs to you and your beautiful Twiggy.

 

Thank you so much! I remember your posts about dealing with Robin's pemphigus and I was hoping you would see this. It is really good to have your perspective.

 

One would have to assume its chemo agent related. I would definetly run this by her onco Dr or even shoot OSU a quick e-mail.

 

I'm heading to our regular vet in a few minutes, and she may be able to reach her onco by phone while we are there. I know she is in on Friday mornings.

 

Hugs to Twiggy- she's one of my favorite GT hounds!

 

Awww, thanks! Twiggy is my favorite of course, but I'm biased. It is nice to hear when someone else sees some of what I see in her!

 

I do hope this is chemo related. Given that she has had 4 treatments, if we can't get whatever this is under control easily, we don't have to go ahead with the 2 additional treatments. It would be good to get those in if we can of course, but at least we've done enough already to have good effects.

[TwiggysMom]

I thought I would post the answer to my original question:

 

2 types of infection; both yeast and demodex. Both are typically present on dogs, but a healthy immune system keeps them in check.

 

Because of Twiggy's chemo and resultant lowered immune system, they got out of control. She is currently on two different topical treatments, and the symptoms are holding steady, even improving a little bit.

[GreytHurleyDawg]

Yay, this is the first time I have had a chance to read this! It is also good for me to know to let my own osteo/ chemo dog rest more and let his immune system do its work. So far, so good after 1 chemo here.

 

Thinking of Twiggy who is going through some tougher times!