Our new puppy was recently diagnosed with juvenile cellulitis. According to our vet this is an immune system disorder. The first sypmtoms indicating something was wrong were small infected bumps in his ears. The pup then became very listless and would not eat or drink. Initially the vet was stumped but fianally diagnosed the JC and prescribed antibiotics and prednisone. He seems to be recovering but the infection had moved into his joints. The puppy could hardly walk for about 24 hours and has been very stiff and tentative in his movements over the last few days. He does seem to be getting better.

I am curious about what anyone may know about this illness, and in particular if it will have long term effects on the dog, particularly any long term joint problems. Second, I'm wondering if this illness was in fact caused be the standard vaccination protocol most main stream vets recommend for puppies. The ear problems cropped up shortly after his first vaccination, and about five days after the second he became seriously ill. Thanks for any input. (his third vaccination is scheduled for the end of the month and I am having serious reservations about giving the pup this last vaccination)

Wouldn't the vaccines overload a dog with an immune deficiency? What kind of dog and what lines is he from? That would be helpful to others on the board. Also what does the breeder say about this??

He is a golden retriever from field trial lines. The breeder claims in 20 years of experience this is the first case of JC she has seen. She is very reputable. According to some of the literature I have read retrievers are susceptible to the problem. Other articles I have read claim it is not genetic.

Careful with the prednisone! I had a pup with the strangles some years ago. The prednisone damn near ate her stomach out. Also, once you start, you have to bring the dog off of the prednisone gradually to keep it from going into something similar to insulin shock.