TwiggysMom Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 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: Quote Wendy with Twiggy, fosterless while Twiggy's fighting the good fight, and Donnie & Aiden the kitties Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fsugrad Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 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. Quote Rita, mom to Dakota (Dakotas Dream) & Wish (Kiowa Wish Wish) and my angels Toby (Sol Marcus) and Robin (Greys Robin Hood) Forever missing our beloved Robin and Toby "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwiggysMom Posted December 2, 2011 Author Share Posted December 2, 2011 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. Quote Wendy with Twiggy, fosterless while Twiggy's fighting the good fight, and Donnie & Aiden the kitties Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwiggysMom Posted December 10, 2011 Author Share Posted December 10, 2011 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. Quote Wendy with Twiggy, fosterless while Twiggy's fighting the good fight, and Donnie & Aiden the kitties Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreytHurleyDawg Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 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! Quote Bow Wow Wow Yippie Yo Yippie Yay Johanna with hounds: Woodie (Molly's Marvin) (Grenade X Kh Molly) and Petra (Make Her a Pet) (Dodgem By Design X Late Nite Oasis) and forever missing Hurley (Jel Try Out) (Gable Dodge X Kings Teresa) with Kalapaki Beach in Kauai as the background Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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