Does anybody have any experience with this? I think Caterina has it...

Her nails started lifting off the quicks about 2 months ago. So far 5 nails have lifted and broken off.

My vet and I have decided to treat with increased salmon oil, increased Vit E, biotin, and we have put her on a veterinary formula of Missing Link.

I found this website while researching, and the pics are identical to what is going on with Cat's nails. http://blackschutzhundshepherds.blogspot.com/2009/08/horrors-of-slo-symmetrical-lupoid.html

Cat does not seem to be in any pain, is not bleeding or anything. She still runs around with her sister like a goober. My vet says there does not appear to be any underlying infection so we are not treating with antibiotics at this time.

I have read that SLO is an Auto Immune disease. I am wondering if that means I should change her diet? She is currently raw fed...

I will be setting up a cold laser session as soon as I can. Can't hurt, right?

If anyone has experience with this, I would appreciate any info you have. My vet has treated one other case in 30 years of practice and none of the other vets in the practice has seen it.

Thanks,

Kel

I don't have experience with this disease but a cowrkers dog lost all toenails and a subsequent staph infection was found, it took some time to find the staph.
Hope your dog does not have this.

Caterina will be getting her first laser treatment today - hopefully it will help.

No advice but I'm rooting for you over here...

I've read about first going with laser and long-chain Omega 3s (and I know you already provide the 3s).

I've read some other material on possible things to try, which aren't particularly authoritative but do seem to have pretty significant anecdotal success. I can look that up later today.

Kelly, I have read about much more care with raw for a dog with any AI disease. I'll dig that up, too. You know, even worst case, for example if it's best to abandon raw, there's always very good alternatives in the form of THK with cooked add-ins or even carefully balanced home-cooked.

Cat's first laser treatment went well. Since the treatment she has not been licking her feet, so I think the treatment is at least helping with pain and inflammation. We will continue with weekly laser treatments until we have solid, healthy nails growth.

Since she is going through this and is not 100%, her training for DSRD has been put on hold. It is very intensive training, and I don't want to stress her any more than this disease already is.

Even though it's sad to hear about the pause in training, I'm glad to hear Cat is doing better.

There is no doubt in my mind that you will get the SLO straightened out and Cat will be able to resume the good work that y'all do.

Sending good wishes that Cat's treatment will be completely successful and that you two can soon get back to doing the things you love!

Thank you to everyone for all of your support!

Cat's thyriod test came back from Dr. Dodds today and all the values were norrmal. At least we don't have THAT to worry about!

She broke a back nail close to the nail bed, and it's been hurting her the last couple of days. The bleeding has stopped for the most part, but the edges are ragged and she gets them snagged which starts the blood oozing again. Sigh....

It's hard watching her go through this... I feel bad for not being able to hep her, and SHE comforts ME. That's just who she is.