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› articles by michael goldberg, dvm
Panniculitis in Dogs Dear Dr. Goldberg, Two summers ago, my dog had developed panniculitis. This is apparently a rare disease in which the fat under the skin becomes somehow inflamed and these can form abscesses, which may eventually lead to organ shutdown. After the sores were surgically drained, my dog was put on steroids, which seemed to stop any further continuation of this condition. About a year later, there was a recurrence just after my dog's annual checkup and vaccinations. He is currently on a tapering dose of prednisone but has had the initial relapse symptoms two times over this summer. I've had my dog for the past 4 years and as a young pup he seemed to be in an abusive situation now he has various fears that we cannot understand. Is there anything we can do? YM Dear YM, Panniculitis is an inflammatory condition of the fat under the skin. There can be deep nodules that often become cystic and ulcerated and develop draining tracts. The potential "causes" for this condition are: bacterial or fungal, immune disorders such as Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, physicochemical causes such as injections of bulky, oily, or insoluble liquids, nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin E deficiency. Quite often the cause is not established and that leaves only speculation and treatment as the options. I don't know the specifics of this case although the first thing I would recommend is to begin a diet according to Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health of Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press). I would also supplement with a good quality vitamin E at 400 IU twice daily. In looking at your dog's case, there is chronic disease here and I would highly recommend constitutional homeopathic treatment. This is best done with a homeopathic veterinarian in your area. In approaching a case of this type, it is important to look at potential for inciting causes such as vaccination or emotional stresses. The constitutional treatment takes into account the mental and emotional aspects of disease as well as the physical aspects of the disease. During the constitutional interview, the symptoms that are specific to your pet are used to decide what remedy best suits him. Together with improved nutrition and supplements of vitamin E, there may be hope to avoid the recurrence of this condition. Please go to www.theavh.org to look for a practitioner near you. Read more Articles by Michael Goldberg, DVM... |
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vancouver animal wellness hospital Michael Goldberg, DVM; Sue Hughson, DVM 105 e. broadway, vancouver, bc v5t 1w1 / phone: 604.738.4664 / fax: 604.738.4694 Hours of Operation: Monday, Thursday & Friday: 9am - 6pm, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am - 7pm, Saturday: 9am - 5pm © Copyright 2004-2006. vancouver animal wellness hospital. All rights reserved. › Contact Us › Privacy Policy › Sitemap › Home |