Treatment
- Fatty acid supplementation. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been suggested as an effective treatment in some cases. It is given at a dose of 400mg/10mg by mouth daily.
- Vitamin E 200-400 IU by mouth every 12 hours.
- Combined tetracycline/niacinamide may be effective. ...
- Pentoxifylline 10-25mg/kg by mouth every 12 to 24 hours. n Systemic glucocorticoids. ...
- Cyclosporine 10 mg/kg for two to three months.
What are the treatment options for lupoid onychodystrophy?
Lupoid Onychodystrophy. Treatment: Treat any secondary infections with appropriate antibiotics. SLO is commonly treated with daily oral fatty acids and oral Vitamin E. Noticeable nail regrowth should be noted within 3 months of initiating this therapy. Other treatments include Tetracycline and Niacinamide, pentoxifylline,...
How do you diagnose lupoid onychodystrophy?
Lupoid Onychodystrophy. Diagnosis: Other diseases that need to be considered in the differentials include fungal and bacterial claw infections, autoimmune skin disorders, drug reaction, and vasculitis. In most instances a diagnosis can be made from visual inspection, however a biopsy of the digit is required for definitive diagnosis. Treatment:...
What is symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO)?
Only later did she learn the shell was a telltale sign of Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy, SLO for short. SLO is an inflammation of the nail matrix where the nail is formed. The pattern of inflammation is similar to lupus, giving the condition its “lupoid” designation.
What are the treatment options for Slo (scleromyositis)?
SLO is commonly treated with daily oral fatty acids and oral Vitamin E. Noticeable nail regrowth should be noted within 3 months of initiating this therapy. Other treatments include Tetracycline and Niacinamide, pentoxifylline, and for more severe refractory cases Prednisone and other nonsteroidal immunosuppressive drugs can be utilized.
What are the findings of histopathology?
How long does cyclosporine last?
How long does it take for a vet to respond to a treatment?
Is symmetric lupoid onychodystrophy immune mediated?
Can you rule out differentials in P3 amputation?
Can a German Shepherd have onychomadesis?
See 1 more
Can lupoid onychodystrophy be cured?
Treating lupoid onychodystrophy is difficult because no single treatment has been proven to work effectively in every dog. It can also take 6-12 weeks before the toenails start to improve, and treatments are usually needed lifelong.
What causes symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy?
Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) is the most common inflammatory disease to cause abnormal nails in dogs. The etiology of this condition is unknown, but it is suspected to be hereditary or immune-mediated. SLO normally involves multiple nails on all four paws.
What is the treatment for SLO in dogs?
Mueller et al (3) considered tetracycline or doxycycline and niacinamide useful combinations for the treatment of SLO. The combination of tetracycline and niacinamide plus fatty acid supplementation and a high fatty acid diet is the initial treatment of choice at our facility.
Can SLO in dogs be cured?
While there is no cure, there is treatment and management. In some cases, the symptoms go away with proper supplementation with very few to no relapses. Other cases are more of a chronic issue with lifelong treatments needed. While it is frustrating to deal with, it is a condition your dog can live with.
How Long Can dogs live with autoimmune disease?
The prognosis with IMHA is variable, carrying a mortality rate of 30% to 70% within 1-2 months of diagnosis. If patients suffer IPT at the same time, or if the bone marrow is affected, the outlook may be worse. The condition can come back, and some animals need lifelong medication.
How does dog lupus start?
Causes of lupus in dogs include genetic factors, immunologic disorders, and environmental factors. Environmental factors such as ultraviolet light and cigarette smoke trigger or worsen DLE. Stress may also worsen lupus. Some dog breeds are more prone to getting the disease.
How do you care for a dog with CCD?
7 Tips for Caring for a Dog With Canine DementiaHave Patience. ... Make Sure Your Pet Can Always Find His Food, Water and Bed. ... Exercise is Still Important. ... Brain Training is Also Essential. ... Keep a Consistent Routine. ... Make Sure Your Dog is Easy to Identify. ... Adjust Care Depending on Your Dog's Symptoms.
How can I help my dog sleep with CCD?
Melatonin supplementation helps increase the levels of melatonin in the body and encourages dogs to sleep appropriately. There is some evidence that melatonin may also decrease anxiety, which is another common symptom of CCD. Whether or not cognitive dysfunction is an issue for the dog, melatonin has another benefit.
How do you know if your dog has autoimmune disease?
To definitively diagnose autoimmune skin disease, a biopsy of the affected skin is needed. Depending on the location, a skin biopsy may be performed with a local anesthetic. However, if the affected area involves the nose or face, or if the patient is anxious, sedation or general anesthesia may be required.
Is Slo painful for dogs?
Systemic lupoid onychodystrophy (also called systemic lupoid onychodystrophy/onychitis) is a clinical syndrome affecting dogs, that involves severe claw malformations incl. claw loss. There are no other dermatological changes.
How long can a dog live with SCC?
The median survival time for dogs that have mandibular SCC treated with surgery alone varies from 19-43 months, with a 1-year survival of 88-100%, a 2-year survival of 79%, and a 3-year survival of 58%. The median survival time for maxillary SCC that was treated with maxillectomy varies from 10-39 months.
How quickly does CCD progress in dogs?
6 to 18 months“Dogs with cognitive dysfunction showing impairment in one category (disorientation, interaction changes, sleep-wake cycle changes, or house soiling) are likely to develop impairment in another category by 6 to 18 months,” Martin explains.
What causes dog Circoviruses?
Q: How are dogs being infected with circovirus? A: The route of infection is still unknown, but the basic principles of viral spreading suggest that direct contact with an infected dog or its vomit or diarrhea would present a higher risk of infection.
What causes onychodystrophy?
Onychodystrophy refers to various abnormalities in nail morphology due to changes in the attachment of the nail plate, changes in nail surface or color. They are associated with a variety of conditions such as psoriasis, onychomycosis, lichen planus, alopecia areata, endocrine disorders, and drug photosensitivity, etc.
Is SLE hereditary in dogs?
Since some dog breeds are predisposed to the disease, veterinarians believe genetics may play a role. Dogs are generally diagnosed when they are young or middle-age, so aging is not considered a risk factor.
What causes dog Wobblines?
Potential causes include inner/middle ear infections, intoxication, strokes, tumors, infectious or inflammatory diseases (meningitis), idiopathic vestibular disease (also called “old dog” vestibular syndrome), or other less likely causes.
What Is Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy?
SLO is an autoimmune disease which affects the toenails. Autoimmune of course means that the body is attacking itself. SLO occurs when the dog’s bo...
What Are The Symptoms of SLO?
I combined the symptoms found on the Grassmere Animal Hospital and Bloodaxe websites into one list: 1. multiple nail loss from more than one paw –...
What Is The Treatment For SLO?
Antibiotics are prescribed (Doxycycline is popular for SLO) along with a version of vitamin B called Niacinamide. Add fish oil (salmon oil is sugge...
What’S Life Like For Riley Now?
He’s still not through the nail loss stage so he’s still in a lot of pain and limps quite often. To date he’s not grown any nails back, all you can...
Update – April 18, 2014 – Giving Your Dog Pentoxifylline For Slo
I just had a one-on-one meeting with our vet yesterday regarding switching Riley to Pentoxifylline or adding it to his medications for his SLO. We...
What is the best treatment for SLO?
Treatment. Both traditional and holistic practitioners agree on the core treatment protocol for SLO. High-dose essential fatty acids (EFAs), specifically omega-3 and omega-6, along with a generally well-tolerated antibiotic such as tetracycline or doxycycline is the most common approach. Antibiotics are used to try to save affected nails ...
What is SLO in dogs?
Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO) is a painful condition causing dogs’ nails to slough. Dog nails aren’t supposed to fall off, thought first-time dog owner Terrie Huberman some 18 months ago. That’s when she first realized that finding one of her Pug-Poodle mix’s nails on the floor of her Sherman Oaks, California, ...
What vitamins are used to strengthen nails?
I use vitamin B for its nail-strengthening properties. It aids in the development of the nail matrix that will harden and become part of the nail. Vitamin E also helps the nail matrix, playing a role in healthy nail formation.”. It’s believed that the fatty acids and vitamins work in tandem.
How long should I wait to change my SLO medication?
Because the therapy is so well tolerated, inexpensive, and benign for long-term use, I usually go six months before thinking of changing the therapy.”. Many vets, especially those who rarely encounter cases of SLO, will prescribe a steroid such as prednisone in an attempt to reduce inflammation.
What is the outer layer of a dog's claw?
A dog’s claw is made up of three distinct layers. The visible outer portion that must be routinely trimmed is hard, dead material. The innermost layer – the “quick” – is comprised of nerves and the blood supply; this is what bleeds when the nail is trimmed too short.
Why do dogs have flare ups?
The inflammatory reaction at the nail matrix results in abnormal nail development and growth, resulting in compromised claws that lift, separate, and often fall off. Flare-ups are painful and many owners first notice a problem when the dog begins favoring or nursing an affected foot.
Is a single digit lupoid onychodystrophy acute?
“If I had a case that came in with a single digit where the claw was abnormal, Lupoid Onychodystrophy would not be high on my list.
What is Lupoid Onychodystrophy?
It is an immune-mediated condition that affects your dog’s nails and paws. It is considered a type of lupus your dog can suffer from and therefore cannot be passed on to other animals or to humans. While there is no cure, there is treatment and management. In some cases, the symptoms go away with proper supplementation with very few to no relapses. Other cases are more of a chronic issue with lifelong treatments needed. While it is frustrating to deal with, it is a condition your dog can live with.
What does a veterinarian do for dogs?
Your veterinarian will need to rule out other possible illnesses your dog may be experiencing. For example, she will want to rule out bacterial infections, endocrine related abnormalities, or even trauma to the nails and feet. She will perform a full physical exam on your dog in order to evaluate all his symptoms closely. She will want to note all of them as they will help her come to a diagnosis.
Why does my dog have a nail problem?
Nail disorders may be caused by a variety of different causes which may include nutritional deficiency, trauma , autoimmune disease, infections among other causes; without examining Maximus I cannot say whether there is a serious underlying cause or not . Ensure that he is fed a diet suitable for age and breed as well as getting some omega 3 and vitamin E supplements for dogs (not human ones); also visit your Veterinarian for a general examination as well to rule out other possible causes. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.zoetis.ca/conditions/dogs/dermatology/lupoid-onychodystrophy.aspx
What to do if my dog's foot is infected?
If there is a secondary bacterial infection, yeast infection or fungal infection present, your dog will need antibiotics, anti-fungals, and possibly medicated shampoos and wipes for his feet . It is imperative you continue treatment at home as you will be a major role in your dog’s healing process. Diligent claw care is important as well as monitoring paw health. You may have to wipe his feet multiple times a day to try and prevent him from excessive licking them and causing another secondary infection. If claws are not taken care of properly, your dog may need a form of claw or digit amputation. If the nail falls out on its own, the replacement nail may grow out deformed, dry and brittle.
What test is done to check for hypothyroidism in dogs?
General blood work and a thyroid test will be suggested to check for abnormalities. A complete blood count (CBC) and a chemistry panel will test your dog’s organ function and blood levels. The thyroid test is an additional blood test she will perform to rule out hypothyroidism as nail thickening and issues can be symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Is lupoid onychodystrophy an immune reaction?
Lupoid onychodystrophy is also known as the condition symmetrical lupoid onychitis. This issue is considered an immune-mediated reaction of the cutaneous pattern. In most cases, more than just one claw or one foot is affected. This condition typically involves several claws on multiple feet.
Can a dog get lupus?
This condition does not lead to a systemic illness developing in your dog. It can be called a form of lupus that affects the cells around and from which the nails grow. In most cases, the condition is not associated with poor diet or nutrition. It is an immune-mediated condition that is not contagious to you or other animals.
What is Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy?
SLO is an autoimmune disease which affects the toena ils. Autoimmune of course means that the body is attacking itself. SLO occurs when the dog’s body forms antibodies against their own toenails, it’s like the body launches it’s own private war which destroys the dog’s nails. Some of you may think “So big hairy deal! They’re just toenails, they’ll grow back.” I got a news flash for ya — it’s not that simple and it is a big deal mostly because it’s so painful for them. There was one article I read titled “ Hell’s Nails ” which is absolutely right-on target!
How is SLO Diagnosed?
A definitive diagnosis can only be achieved through a biopsy. Because a toe must be amputated for biopsy this is considered an extreme measure and is only performed if absolutely necessary. The symptoms themselves are alarming and definitive enough that in most cases the dog just begins treatment. Our vet first consulted with the Dermatology department at U.W. Veterinary Hospital in Madison, WI and they advised her to not even bother with things like cultures or biopsies. Based on his symptoms — SLO was the only possible diagnosis.
What Triggers SLO?
There are a number of studies on it with various possibilities including genetics, vaccinations, allergies and one site even mentioned a dog that was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at about the same time he was diagnosed with Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy. Even if one day someone figures out what causes SLO, we may learn it’s not just one single thing.
Is there a Cure for SLO?
SLO is forever, currently there is no cure and it’s not contagious. This is a lifelong illness that one can only attempt to manage with treatment. Even if you get it under control, it can flair up at any time and there is no guarantee you will be able to get it under control. Some say summer seems to be a popular time of year for SLO flare ups.
What is the Treatment for SLO?
Antibiotics are prescribed (Doxycycline is popular for SLO) along with a version of vitamin B called Niacinamide. Add fish oil (salmon oil is suggested as being the best fish oil for this) and vitamin E as you always should give vitamin E along with fish oil. He cannot have any dairy products (he misses his fruit yogurt mixed with cottage cheese desserts!) because dairy products bind with the antibiotic making them less effective.
How long can a dog be protected from rabies?
It’s looking like the rabies vaccine may protect a dog for at least five and as long as seven years now! More information on this is available on the Rabies Challenge Fund website. I strongly suggest you educate yourselves on what over-vaccinating our dogs can do to them. It’s not pretty. Our entire country is over-vaccinating dogs (and not just with rabies vaccines) thinking this is what good dog parents are supposed to do to keep them safe from disease. Today’s reality is that most dogs are likely protected for many more years and sometimes for life by the vaccines they received when they are very young. All these annual vaccines we give our dogs is doing them more harm than good. Seriously, learn more about this.
Is SLO fatal to dogs?
At our house this makes SLO a potentially fatal disease. There are too many people who’d not seek veterinary help just because their dog is loosing toenails. They just wouldn’t consider toenail loss as something to spend money on a vet for and so their dog would suffer and possibly go lame. I learned my lesson when Riley was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and so we don’t mess around if something seems not quite right with them. If our dogs become ill, we do everything we can (cost be damned!) to get them healthy. If there comes a point in time that their quality of life deteriorates to the point they’re suffering with no way whatsoever to stop their suffering to the point that we would only keeping them alive for our own selfish reasons, we’ll be forced to have them euthanized.
Signs of Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystrophy
In dogs, there is an interesting nail disease called symmetric lupoid onychodystrophy/onychitis (SLO) that should be considered when a dog is presented with the following clinical signs: onychalgia (pain), oncholysis (splitting of nail), or onychomadesis (nails falling off).
Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystrophy Diagnosis
An initial diagnostic test that is commonly performed by the veterinarian is cytology to look for infection. If bacterial or yeast infections are identified, they are treated first. If symptoms persist, biopsies may be performed, as histopathology is used to confirm a clinical diagnosis of SLO. Bacterial and fungal cultures may also recommended.
Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystrophy Treatment
Treatment is usually very safe, but takes several months to appreciate a response to therapy due to the slow growth of a claw in the dog. Expect treatment to be life-long. If treatment is discontinued, the dog will have recurrence. Tetracycline or doxycycline with niacinamide is one option.
How do you know if your dog's nails are sloughing?
Clinical Signs: There is usually an acute onset of nail loss. Initially, one or two claws are lost, but over a course of a few weeks to several months, all claws slough. Partial regrowth typically occurs, but claws are misshapen, soft or brittle, discolored, and friable and often slough again. The affected feet are often painful and/or itchy. Affected dogs are otherwise healthy. Occasionally, secondary bacterial nailbed infections occur.
What animal has SLO?
Affected Animals: SLO has been described in dogs. German Shepherds appear predisposed. The highest incidence is found in young adult to middle-aged dogs. Transmission or Cause: SLO is the most common immune-mediated disease that results in abnormal claws and eventual claw loss.
How long does it take for a dog to be hypoallergenic?
A food allergy has been identified in a few cases of this disease, so it may be appropriate to go through a strict , 8-12 week hypoallergenic food trial. A number of dogs have also been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism at the same time SLO has been diagnosed.
Can a biopsy of the digit be done?
In most instances a diagnosis can be made from visual inspection, however a biopsy of the digit is required for definitive diagnosis. Treatment: Treat any secondary infections with appropriate antibiotics.
What breed of dog has symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy?
Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy most commonly presents in young to middle-aged dogs. Gordon setters and German shepherd dogs appear to be predisposed, with frequencies varying depending on the location of the study, but it has also been reported in many other breeds including the English setter, akita, bearded collie, boxer, Doberman pinscher, German shorthaired pointer, golden retriever, greyhound, cavalier King Charles spaniel, Labrador retriever, miniature poodle, miniature schnauzer, mixed-breed pointer, Rottweiler, schipperke, silky terrier, Welsh corgi, and West Highland white terrier (1).
What is the term for abnormal claw formation?
Onychodystrophy is defined as abnormal claw formation. Onychomadesis is the sloughing of the claws and onychitis (also known as onychia) is inflammation somewhere in the claw unit (1). Given these definitions, one can see how the various disease names could easily be presentations along the same disease spectrum.
What is SLO in dogs?
Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) has also been called canine symmetrical onychomadesis and symmetric lupoid onychitis. Regardless of its name, however, when one looks at diseases affecting multiple claws on multiple paws, this disease should be by far at the top of any list of differential diagnoses.
How to tell if a dog has a sloughed claw?
Patients with SLO typically present with clinical signs of paw or claw discomfort; the dog may be licking a paw, for example, or the owners may bring the dog to the veterinarian with suspected claw trauma and/or claw avulsion. Should a patient present with a sloughed claw, close inspection of the other claws on all paws is warranted; the trauma may have drawn attention to a more generalized condition. In cases of SLO, multiple claws on multiple paws are affected within a couple of weeks to a few months of the initial onset. Many of the claws exhibit a lifting of the claw plate (Figure 1), sloughing, and associated paronychia. Secondary bacterial infection may occur; the digits may be swollen, and the dog may be lame. Claw regrowth is abnormal (dystrophic) (Figure 2) with most claws being short, brittle, and misshapen (Figure 3).
How to diagnose SLO?
In summary, the diagnosis of suspected cases of SLO is direct, simple, and often satisfying. Cytology and bacterial culture should be used to rule out a secondary infection. Radiographs may be needed to rule out osteomyelitis or tumor of individual digits. Fungal culture may be considered to rule out dermatophytosis and thyroid function should be assessed from time to time. A food trial may be performed. Diets high in fatty acids can prove quite helpful. Treatment is safe using some or all of: fatty acid supplementation, tetracycline, and niacinamide with the possible addition of pentoxifylline. On occasion, prednisone and/or azathioprine may be needed, but this form of therapy has been extremely rare in my practice. Gentle treatments, while often lifelong, are generally all that is needed for the control and comfort of patients with SLO.
What is the term for slughing of the claw plate?
Onychomadesis. Sloughing of the claw plate (Waisglass).
Can doxycycline be used for SLO?
Mueller et al (3) considered tetracycline or doxycycline and niacinamide useful combinations for the treatment of SLO. The combination of tetracycline and niacinamide plus fatty acid supplementation and a high fatty acid diet is the initial treatment of choice at our facility. The client should be reminded that niacinamide is to be administered and not niacin. Tetracycline and niacinamide are both dosed at 500 mg, q8h for patients > 10 kg and 250 mg of each, q8h for patients < 10 kg. The SLO treatment review by Mueller et al (3) did not find a significant difference between tetracycline and doxycycline (administered at 5 to 10 mg/kg body weight once daily). However, an anecdotal report was mentioned in which a patient relapsed when tetracycline was changed to doxycycline. Clinical signs subsided when the patient was placed back on tetracycline and niacinamide. Indeed, I have had a similar experience and choose tetracycline over doxycycline whenever possible.
What is symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy?
Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy is an unusual disease that affects the dog's claws - it's believed to be immune-mediated, but may also be genetic.
Why is algae oil used instead of fish oil?
Algae oil was used, rather than fish oil, due to the need to minimise any risk of an adverse reaction to fish-derived proteins. Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is an essential cofactor for several mitochondrial. enzymes. Studies have demonstrated that supplementation of biotin improves the strength.
Is Vitamin E good for symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy?
as a supplement for symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (independent of other supplements) however, it is important to minimise peroxidation of omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin E is an important lipid-soluble antioxidant that is present in cell membranes, where it helps to prevent oxidative damage to polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Can biotin be used for lupoid onychodystrophy?
This is because it is found in many food ingredients, and can also be synthesised by gut microflora. There are no studies to support its use as a treatment for canine symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy, however, the addition of biotin to the dog's diet was considered unlikely to be harmful.
Does biotin help pig claws?
enzymes. Studies have demonstrated that supplementation of biotin improves the strength. and hardness of pig claws and equine hoofs, even in animals that are not biotin deficient. Additionally, for some human patients with brittle fingernails and onychoschizia, therapy.
Can dogs eat pearled barley?
And as always, we made sure that the diet was complete and balanced - the need to feed novel proteins is no excuse for feeding a deficient diet. Pearled barley can be useful for novel protein diets for dogs, as it is sold in most supermarkets, and isn't expensive.
Does vitamin E protect against peroxidation?
The concentration of vitamin E required in the diet to protect against peroxidation of cell membrane lipids depends on the amount of fat in the diet, the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the presence of other antioxidants. Given that we formulated a diet that was very rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, ...
What are the findings of histopathology?
Histopathological findings include basal cell hydropic degeneration, apoptosis of individual basal cell keratinocytes, pigmentary incontinence and lichenoid interface dermatitis. These findings are not specific, however, and therefore cannot be completely relied on to make a diagnosis. It has been suggested that they may represent a reaction pattern of the claw to several potential causes (Miller et al ., 2013).
How long does cyclosporine last?
Cyclosporine 10 mg/kg for two to three months.
How long does it take for a vet to respond to a treatment?
All medical treatments require a minimum of three months to show a beneficial response, but none have been shown to be completely reliable.
Is symmetric lupoid onychodystrophy immune mediated?
Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy, or symmetric lupoid onychitis, is a rare disease suspected to be immune-mediated (Miller et al ., 2013; Hnilica and Patterson, 2017). Studies in Gordon Setters also suggest a genetic predisposition as DLA class 11 alleles associated with the diseases have been found in this breed (Wilbe et al ., 2010). The disease was first described by Scott and others (1995) and these authors suggested the term symmetrical lupoid onychodystropy.
Can you rule out differentials in P3 amputation?
To diagnose the condition, you should rule out differentials. History and clinical signs are very typical and it is suggested that they are, in many cases, sufficient to make a diagnosis (Hnilica and Paterson, 2017). Diagnostic histopathological lesions have been described (Scott et al ., 1995). This requires P3 amputation and one authority (Hnilica and Patterson, 2017) does not recommend the procedure unless necessary to rule out neoplasia.
Can a German Shepherd have onychomadesis?
Young to middle-aged dogs are predisposed to the condition. German shepherd and Rottweiler dogs are predisposed, but the condition can occur in any breed of dog. The principal feature of this disease is claw loss (onychomadesis; Figures 1 and 2 ), initially involving one or two claws but within a few months, all claws may be lost. Affected feet are frequently painful.
Signs of Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystrophy
- In dogs, there is an interesting nail disease called symmetric lupoid onychodystrophy/onychitis (SLO) that should be considered when a dog is presented with the following clinical signs: onychalgia (pain), oncholysis (splitting of nail), or onychomadesis (nails falling off). What was previously considered a pathognomonic histopathologic pattern noted in nail biopsy specimens f…
Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystrophy Diagnosis
- An initial diagnostic test that is commonly performed by the veterinarian is cytology to look for infection. If bacterial or yeast infections are identified, they are treated first. If symptoms persist, biopsies may be performed, as histopathology is used to confirm a clinical diagnosis of SLO. Bacterial and fungal cultures may also recommended. Optimal biopsy specimens are obtained b…
Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystrophy Treatment
- Treatment is usually very safe, but takes several months to appreciate a response to therapy due to the slow growth of a claw in the dog. Expect treatment to be life-long. If treatment is discontinued, the dog will have recurrence. Tetracycline or doxycycline with niacinamide is one option. Supplemental omega 3 (and omega 6) fatty acids are usually...